Bond and Capital Override
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
Q: What is on the ballot?
A: The Madison Elementary School District Governing Board has asked District voters to approve a $30 million bond and to renew an existing capital outlay budget override of $4.6 million dollars annually for the next 7 years.Q: How will the bond funds be spent?
A: Bonds funds will be used to make health and safety repairs at each school site, secure permanent facilities for the Madison Traditional Academy School, replace portable classrooms with permanent structures, purchase and install energy efficiency systems, complete deferred maintenance projects including new roofs, heating and cooling units, carpeting, general building repairs and to purchase buses.Q: How will the capital outlay budget override funds be spent?
A: The capital outlay budget override funds are used to increase student access to technology including computers, software, internet access and wiring as well as classroom supplies for science, music, art and math, furniture and equipment.Q. How much is the bond and capital outlay budget override and what will it cost me?
A: The bond asks for an authorization of $30 million and will cost the average homeowner (with a house assessed full cash value of $370,000) about $3.50 a month a month in additional property taxes. The capital outlay budget override is seeking reauthorization for up to $4.6. This is a renewal of an existing tax and will not increase your tax rate.Q: Why does the Madison Elementary School District need the bond and capital outlay budget override?
A: To maintain its facilities, address technology needs throughout the district and offset budget cuts from the state legislature.Q: Why should I vote for a bond and capital outlay budget override?
A: The Madison Elementary School District has a long history of community support, and that support has never been more critical. Education funding from the state government has been cut, and costs are up. The bond and capital outlay budget override will allow the Madison Elementary School District to maintain its school buildings and continue educational programs that make Madison one of the best school districts in the state.
Q: Why should I support the bond and capital outlay budget override if I don’t have children in the school district?
A: Investing in your local school district affects your most important measure of wealth, the value of your home. Every resident of this community has a stake in good neighborhood schools. Good schools attract quality jobs. Businesses want good schools for their own families, and for their employees. Your property values are tied to the success of the Madison Elementary School District. Historically, homes in the Madison School District have had a higher assessed property value than homes in neighboring areas.
Q: What happens if the bond and capital outlay budget override fail?
A: Repairs and renovations will still need to be made. The District will need to explore more expensive alternatives to complete the work. In the end, tax payers will pay more for the repairs and renovations. Class programs and offerings will be impacted.Q: How was the bond and capital outlay budget override plan developed?
A: A collaboration of district officials, teachers and community and business leaders met over the past year to develop a comprehensive capital plan.Q: What other options does Madison have to obtain funds to make capital improvements?
A: In a word, none. The state of Arizona does not provide adequate funding to allow our district to make these types of “soft” capital acquisitions. The dollar amount per student that the state provides has not increased in more than 10 years, while the average textbook cost has risen from $50 to $150 today. In fact, this school year the funding has been cut from $225 per student to $35 per student. Additionally, by law the cost of new technology, furniture and equipment for our schools could not be included in the bond proposal. A separate ballot initiative (capital outlay budget override) is required for these types of capital improvements.
Q: How will improved technology benefit our children and our district?
A: Technology has dramatically changed the learning environment. The capital outlay budget override will update our district’s technology infrastructure, as well as provide our teachers and students with access to new tools essential for delivering today’s lessons. Our schools need to be not only preparing our children for the next grade, but preparing them for high school, college and the workplace. Technology is the driving force behind the rapid growth of most industries, and the more familiar our children are with new technology, the better prepared they will be.Q: When is the election?
A: November 3, 2009. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PMQ: How do I find my polling location?
A: Look at the mailing label on your sample ballot when you receive it or call Maricopa County elections at (602) 506-1511. Ballots will be mailed out in late SeptemberQ: When is the last day to request an absentee ballot?
A: October 23 at 5:00 P.M.Q: When is the last day to turn in an absentee ballot?
A: It must be received by Maricopa County Elections by 7:00 P.M. on November 3. You may also take your ballot to any polling location on election day.
