West Valley to decide on $415M West-MEC bond in November

By Mary Goldmeer
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On Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters across a broad swath of the West Valley will decide on two propositions, 403 and 406:  Proposition 403, a $415 million bond and Proposition 406, a property measure to authorize the sale, lease or exchange of certain district-owned properties. The measures, put forth by the Western Maricopa Education Center, seek to secure funding for new campuses, facility upgrades, and program expansions to meet growing workforce demands.

The Jurisdictional Election will affect voters in communities including Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Buckeye, Tolleson, Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, Surprise, Anthem, Whitman and Wickenburg. The final day for voter registration is Monday, Oct. 6.

West-MEC currently serves over 48,000 students from 49 high schools, providing training for careers. The district states the propositions are designed to expand this reach, allowing the district to offer more programs and serve a larger student population.

"Career and Technical Education is one of the best values in education. It is essential that students have the opportunity to take programs during their high school years that will train them for a career before graduating," said Dr. Scott Spurgeon, West-MEC superintendent.

In Arizona, school bonds provide funding to educational institutions bonds are a form of debt that allows districts to raise money for significant projects and enhancements.

When a school district needs funds for construction, renovation or significant repairs, it can propose a bond issue to the school district’s voters. This proposal outlines the intended use of the funds, which might include building new classrooms, upgrading technology, or improving safety features. If voters approve the bond measure, the district distributes bonds to investors who borrow money that will be repaid over time with added interest.

The approval process for school bonds begins with a proposal by the district’s governing board. This proposal is then presented to the community, often accompanied by informational meetings and materials that detail the necessity and benefits of the bond. The final decision is made through a public vote, held during an election. Once approved, the district sells the bonds to investors, who are essentially lending money to the district. In return, the district agrees to make regular interest payments and repay the principal amount over a long period of time. These payments are funded through property taxes levied on local residents.

Proposition 403 would authorize West-MEC to issue $415 million in bonds to fund the construction of new campuses, expansions, and upgrades to training facilities and technology. The bond is not expected to result in a tax rate increase. If approved, the tax rate is projected to remain at $0.13 per $100 of assessed property value, due to rising property values and the retirement of existing debt.

Proposition 406 would allow the district to sell or lease certain district-owned properties. The proceeds would be reinvested into educational improvements, such as acquiring new school sites, building or upgrading facilities, and purchasing technology and equipment.

West-MEC has several planned capital projects in new school development or expansion of existing campuses across the region, some of which the district states are dependent on bond funding.

The district works closely with community leaders, many of whom endorsed the coming bonds.

Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf called West-MEC a vital part of the region’s quality of life and workforce development.

“Now more than ever, we must ensure our students have the education needed to compete in the local, national, and global economy,” Schoaf said. “This means supporting diverse career paths for college-bound students and those pursuing career and technical training… With programs in construction, health sciences, technology, electrical, plumbing, and much more, they are creating the pipeline of qualified workers needed to meet the demands of our growing job market.”

Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo also expressed support for the measures.

“These are wise and forward-looking investments in our region’s economic and educational future that come without raising taxes,” Pizzillo said. Let’s invest in our future by ensuring every student has access to the programs and training they need to succeed—right here in our community,” he said.

Check Independent Newsmedia at yourvalley. net for background on debates and continuing elections coverage. More information is available at elections.maricopa.gov.

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