Voters in Mesa Public Schools’ boundary will decide in November if they want to go into debt with a $449 million bond that would help the financially strapped district maintain its aging buildings.
The Governing Board last week in a 3-2 vote approved putting the bond on the Nov. 3 ballot. Financial advisor Stifel estimated the bond would add an average $169.75 annually on the tax bill for owners of homes with an assessed value of $210,422. Board members Rachel Walden and Sharon Benson voted against the measure.
“The reality is many of our buildings are aging and in need of repair, modernization and infrastructure improvements,” Board President Courtney Davis said. “Not the pretty stuff but the sewer lines. They’re not just cosmetic issues. They impact safety, efficiency, student-learning environments and the daily experience of both students and employees.”…