Marana Unified School District Proposition 491

  • On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, registered voters will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 491, a school improvement bond for the Marana Unified School District.

    About Proposition 491

    In 2022, a community-driven citizen group was charged with examining future projects for the Marana Unified School District and analyzing capital project costs. Their primary goal was to ensure that all students have access to a 21st-century learning experience and technology provided in a safe and secure environment.

    As we look to the future, the MUSD Governing Board is asking the community to consider a $90,000,000 bond proposal on the election ballot for District-wide improvements that address growth, enhance security, campus safety and technology, provide campus improvements and renovations, and support our large transportation fleet. A bond election is the only mechanism to obtain additional funding for capital improvements.

Proposed Projects over 5-7 Years

  • A “yes” vote authorizes the Marana Unified School District Governing Board to issue and sell school improvement bonds for the following capital projects:

    Communication Alert IconImprovements for Campus Safety:

    • Invest in school-wide campus safety improvements at all schools, which can alert school staff and students of potential threats in a timely manner.

     School IconNew K8 & Expanded School Facilities:

    • Construct one new K8 school in the Gladden Farms area to address rapid growth and expansion.
    • Add new facilities to expand the capacity of the district, relieving enrollment pressures on other district schools 

    Multipurpose Gym at Twin Peaks K8: 

    • Gym IconBuild a multipurpose gymnasium at Twin Peaks K8 school, which currently lacks this space. The new gym will be used for class/grade-level activities, physical education classes, and school and community events. 

    School Maintenance & Renovations:

    • Climate IconInstallation of playground equipment at most elementary sites, installation of new flooring at all school sites, and renovation of restroom facilities for middle and high schools.
    • Improve HVAC heating/cooling systems at all sites.
    • Replace outdated projectors and document cameras in classrooms.
    • Modernize auditorium stage, sound, and seating in schools needing enhancements.
    • Replace athletic field turf, track, and tennis courts at high schools.
    • Provide necessary maintenance at the pool located at Marana High School.

    Bus Icon

    Student Transportation:

    • Replace student transportation vehicles that are past their useful life with air-conditioned, fuel-efficient buses and vans.
    • Update or invest in bus security cameras to improve safety and transparency when dealing with incidents.

    Technology Icon

    Technology Upgrades: 

    • Upgrade network infrastructure and data center (servers, network storage, and data backup) to accommodate the expansion and increase of technology.

Cost Breakout

  • The proposed $90M bond focuses on four core areas District-wide:

    1. New K8 school construction in Gladden Farms ($40 million)
    2. Campus improvements/renovations for existing schools ($29.8 million)
    3. Enhancing security, campus safety and technology ($10.9 million)
    4. Investing in student transportation ($9.4 million)

SAVE THE DATE!

MUSD By the Numbers

    • 12,500: Number of students served 
    • 17+: Number of schools plus additional learning sites
    • 2 million: Square feet needed to maintain across schools
    • 550: Square miles MUSD boundaries cover
    • 4,000: Students transported daily by MUSD Transportation
    • 1,300: Miles traveled daily by MUSD Transportation fleet

     

Town of Marana:

    •  #1 fastest growing community in Southern Arizona
    • #3 fastest-growing town in Arizona
    • 48.5% increase in population between 2010 to 2020
    • 67% increase in purchased home lots between 2020 and 2021

What Is A Bond?

  • Public school districts may issue bonds with voter approval to help fund projects that have a helpful life longer than five years. Districts are not permitted to use bond funds for salaries, programs, or professional development. A bond election is the only mechanism to obtain additional funding for these capital improvements such as:

    • school renovations and improvements to buildings
    • school security enhancements
    • equipment and technology improvements
    • bus equipment and replacements

How would a bond affect property taxes?

  • Property taxes in Marana are based on assessed home value rather than fair market value, so the maximum increased tax amount for a $100,000 assessed home would be $0.45 per $100, or less than $3.75/month. As the district continues to grow and new homes are constructed, this amount is likely to decrease.

    The following table illustrate the estimated annual and monthly cost to taxpayers, including principal and interest, based on varying types of property, property values and assessed values.  To determine your estimated tax increase, refer to your property tax statement, which identifies the specific assessed value of your property.

    ESTIMATED AVERAGE ANNUAL BOND TAX RATE PER $100 
    OF ASSESSED VALUATION:  $0.45

    RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
    (Assessed at 10% of value)

  • The tax impact over the term of the bonds on an owner-occupied residence valued by the County Assessor at $250,000 is estimated to be $131 per year for 22 years, or $2,882 total cost.

With voter approval, how long can the District issue and sell bonds?

  •  The district would have the authorization to issue and sell bonds for ten years; however if approved the district anticipates using these funds within five to seven years for the capital projects as itemized in the voter pamphlet.

When will the election be held?

  • The election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Any qualified voter shall be allowed to prepare and cast their ballot at a Vote Center. An early ballot may also be requested. Learn more about Early Voting and the Nov. 8 General Election in Pima County.

    Although the Marana School District Governing Board has called for the bond election to be held in November, the Board, the District, and its employees - in their official capacities - cannot make any recommendation on how to vote on the bond proposition.  

    If you need additional information not provided here or in the voter pamphlet, please contact:
    Dan Contorno,
    Chief Financial Officer - email