2024 Bond Measure

Yuma Elementary School District One will hold a special bond election on November 5, 2024, for a $77 million bond measure to improve District One school facilities. At the monthly meeting on June 11, Governing Board members voted to approve placing a general obligation bond question on the November ballot.

If approved by voters, bond funds would be used to make capital improvements at school facilities across the district. Spaces with the most need will be prioritized, with a goal to positively impact every District One school in some way. Areas of focus would create spaces that are:

2024 Bond Override chart of improvements
Bond Fund Positive Impacts
SAFE
Create a safe and welcoming single point of entry

REVITALISED
Revitalize aging facilities and learning spaces

FUTURE-READY
Create 21st-century learning spaces

ACCESSIBLE
Create accessible learning spaces for students with special needs

Property Tax Information

Bond debt is paid for through property taxes. A $77 million bond would raise property taxes for homeowners in Yuma by approximately $3.63 per month, or $0.12 per day, for a home with an assessed value (not retail value) of $100,000.

For more information, please visit our Property Tax Facts page, or visit the Yuma County Assessor’s website for more in-depth information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bond?

Bonds are loans made to a school district that pay for capital facilities needs. Similar to a home mortgage, the district repays the money (plus interest) in installments over time. A bond allows a school district to borrow money to build, renovate, or repair schools or other facilities.

What would happen if a bond is approved?

District One would use the approved bond funds to make capital improvements at school facilities across the district.

What would happen if a bond is not approved?

If this bond does not pass, projected projects will be deferred.

If a bond is approved, will all schools receive improvement?

Spaces with the most need will be prioritized. All District One schools will be positively impacted in some way.

If a bond is approved, when will construction begin?

Bond projects must be completed within 10 years from when a bond is sold. During this time, projects may or may not occur simultaneously or immediately. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.

How much will this bond measure cost?

The November ballot asks voters if they approve or disapprove of a $77 million bond for Yuma School District One.

Who will pay for this bond measure?

Bond debt is paid for through property taxes. A $77 million bond would raise property taxes for homeowners in Yuma by approximately $3.63 per month, or $0.12 per day, for a home with an assessed value (not retail value) of $100,000.

Why is a bond needed to complete these projects?

From 2009 through 2022, the State of Arizona cut capital funding to public schools below the level legally required by the funding formula. The amount District One was underfunded during this time totaled $25 million. With significant underfunding, many projects were paused, or deferred.

Can these improvements be funded in other ways?

Some aspects of capital improvement projects may be funded by the State Facilities Board (SFB), such as repairs to damaged roofs or flooring repairs if there are tripping hazards. There are limitations to the scope and timeline for receiving SFB funds. SFB will not fund projects identified by a bond.

If a bond is approved, will an oversight committee be appointed?

Yes. Yuma School District One prides itself on our transparency with parents, staff, and community members. In continuing with this transparency, an oversight committee would be appointed if a bond is approved.