Maricopa Unified School District Governing board addressed plans to accommodate explosive growth in enrollment, possibly through a Nov. 5 bond election.

The board is considering the possible sale of bonds, given voter approval, through three potential bond scenarios: a $50 million plan, a $70 million plan and an $89 million plan.

Board members discussed construction of new schools and classroom space, athletic facilities, safety projects and the renovation of existing schools.

Chief Financial Officer Jacob Harmon delivered presentations on these projects and the importance of additional funding to support them.

“The goal is to show that [voters] tax rate will remain the same, not to show an increase,” Harmon said during a special school board meeting Thursday.

The board focused on finding the financial means to address growth in enrollment and offer adequate classroom space and facilities to meet the needs of enrollment growth.

Under the topic of classroom space, the board pondered how to best meet growth at MUSD’s newest school, Desert Sunrise High. For example, Desert Sunrise High School needs sports facilities, including a competition gym.

One board member pointed out that Desert Sunrise was funded by the state for backstops but was not funded for baseball and softball fields.

Their talks also focused on Maricopa High School and how to accommodate Career and Technical Education and general academics there.

Other improvements under consideration include communications, camera systems and secure lobbies.

Learning spaces were also reviewed.

Proposed renovations would provide places for smaller groups to gather for tutoring or targeted student intervention, freeing up classroom space that such groups currently use.

“This approach maximizes the existing space and eliminates the need for portable classrooms,” said MUSD spokesperson Mishell Terry.

A recent community survey highlighted the importance of the construction of new schools and classroom space, athletic facilities and safety projects.

During Thursday’s special meeting, school board member Torri Anderson voiced concern that voters would perceive the bond election as a tax increase, a point that board member AnnaMarie Knorr said, “I think there are voters that believe in voting for bonds and overrides because they want to invest in their schools.”

Board vice president Patti Coutre’ recalled that last time MUSD went through a bond election in 2019, it lost.

Coutre’ said the board should showcase what has been done for the school district.

MUSD Supt. Tracy Lopeman said she has heard positive comments about the district’s progress.

“We do have outreach,” Lopeman said. “We’re not prepared to talk about this right now, but I do think that the data shows that we are making inroads with our community.”

Knorr cited the fact that MUSD is now in the top 10 in the state for teacher pay. She said the district has a robust certified preschool program that did not previously exist during the 2019 failed bond election. She also said programs for gifted and accelerated and dual language students exist today but did not back then.

Coutre’ agreed but emphasized that increased outreach will earn voter backing.

“I get that taxes are not going up, but they’re not going to be reduced,” Coutre’ said. “And if you’re on a limited income you’re looking to that.”

She recommended that the projects the bond issue would support should be specific, such as the completion of Desert Sunrise High School’s needed facilities.

Anderson said she believes the board should focus on selling new schools and “pay for the rest out of our own funds” from the state Legislature.

June 21 is the deadline for the board to call a Nov. 5 bond election.

The board next meets at 6:30 p.m. June 12 in its board room at the MUSD administrative offices building, 44150 W. Maricopa Casa Grande Hwy. It is then expected to consider calling the bond election.

The board recently postponed calling the election, with members saying they needed more information.