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Board Highlights Capital Shift to Rebuild Aging Elementary Schools as Debt Retires
Summary
Board members and staff said the tax increase will help shift revenue from debt service to capital funds, enabling renovation of 13 elementary schools over 50 years old and funding the Canyons Innovation Center staffing plan.
Board members emphasized the capital component of the proposal and the district's plan to use retiring general obligation bond capacity to fund renovations of aging elementary schools.
In his presentation, Leon Wilcox explained that as previously issued GO bond debt retires the district can reallocate debt‑service revenue into capital to begin systematic renovations. A board member highlighted East Midville Elementary and Sandy Elementary as examples of schools that "desperately need" reconstruction and called the capital shift a key reason to support the levy. Board member Oakes, participating via Zoom, noted the board previously voted to close Bella Vista Elementary — an action she said saves the district more than $1 million annually — as an example of prior cost‑saving measures while also supporting the current increase to address facility needs.
Board members said the move is intended to be tax‑neutral over time to taxpayers because debt service burdens decrease even as capital funding increases for renovations; the district plans to begin detailed capital planning and budgeting following the board's adoption of the 2026–27 budget.
