Tolleson trustees authorize up to $250 million bond measure, outline $524M needs list and tax modeling

President Chapman moved and the board voted to place a bond authorization on the November ballot, authorizing up to $250 million for capital projects after a presentation from DLR Group and a tax-impact briefing from Stifel.

The bond presentation from Briana Podine of DLR Group laid out districtwide needs estimated at $524 million to $589 million if every project were completed. High-ticket items highlighted included a new gym and a "university high" at Tolleson Union High School (estimated $124M–$140M for that campus), renovation and auxiliary gyms at other campuses, laser-leveling athletic fields, a possible new CTE campus or a separate CTE high school (estimates in the tens of millions to as high as $80M–$90M for a new CTE high school), and fleet/transportation and operations equipment. Podine said totals include escalation, soft costs, permitting and contingencies and that the list could be scaled by removing major projects to reduce the ask to roughly $292M–$356M.

Briana Podine, DLR Group, said, "This is the total list of needs. That is not what's being asked for — it's the wish list. We can prioritize and phase projects back to fit an initial authorization." (presentation remarks paraphrased from transcript)

Brian Lundberg of Stifel summarized financing scenarios and tax modeling. He reported that the district's bond tax-rate component was shown as 276 in presentation terms (presentation used per‑$100 limited assessed value units) and that modeling anticipates the rate could decline to about 223 next fiscal year; a $250 million authorization could be structured so the tax rate remains at or below that lower level by phasing bond sales and using growth in assessed value to offset new debt. Lundberg emphasized phasing: "You would have 10 years to issue bonds; you can issue none, some or all — each sale comes back to the board for approval." (paraphrase)

Trustees pressed staff on timing, constitutional and statutory capacity, and the homeowner impact. Staff and the financial adviser gave example math for an average limited value home ($155,000 limited value as cited): the presentation concluded next year's bond tax-rate component could be about $18.60 per month (roughly $223 annually per $100 limited value multiplied as shown in the presentation math), and that the projected $80-per-household annual decline in one component of the bond tax burden would be realized next year because of scheduled declines in existing debt service. Board members and staff cautioned that final tax impacts depend on issuance schedule, repayment structure and future assessed-value growth.

Votes at a glance: The board adopted the resolution to place the bond question on the ballot (motion carried; recorded votes: President Chapman yes, Vice President De Blasio yes, Member Ortega‑Romero yes, Member Sutton abstained).

Why it matters: Board and staff described the bond as funding long-standing capital needs — classrooms, extracurricular spaces, safety improvements and transportation — that the administration says would support student programs and campus conditions. Trustees said the final package and phasing decisions will return to the board before any proceeds are spent.

The board set the question for voters; next steps include finalizing ballot language, community outreach and a phased plan for any subsequent bond issuances.