Deer Valley Unified board to consider putting bond override on ballot

The Deer Valley Unified School District governing board will vote whether or not to put on the ballot a renewal of the 15% M&O Override to remain competitive in per pupil funding.

A citizen’s advisory committee is recommending the new bond authorization in the amount of $325 million to provide for district needs. Election Day falls on Nov. 5.

The board will consider, discuss, amend if desired, and perhaps adopt a resolution ordering and calling for the election. Also, the board may move to set an Aug. 9 deadline for residents to submit arguments “For” and “Against” the ballot measure to the Maricopa County School Superintendent.

The DVUSD board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 in the boardroom located at 20402 N. 15th Ave., in Phoenix. The meeting is also streamed live online on the district’s YouTube page.

According to Deputy Superintendent Jim Migliorino, who will present the information Tuesday, the existing 15% budget authorization will be reduced by one-third as required by state law in fiscal year 2025/2026 and another one-third in fiscal year 2026/2027. It will terminate thereafter, unless the authorization is renewed by voters in the school district.

MORE: Click here to register to vote in Maricopa County

The Bond/Override Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends the action to:

• Continue to pay a portion (approximately 8.5%) of all M&O salaries
• Maximum class size to remain unchanged (would otherwise increase +3)
• Continue full-day kindergarten and other specialized programs for students
• Continue to support extracurricular activities for students
• Continue to provide counselors and support services staff
• Continue to provide a portion (10%) of school and department budgets

The committee adds that the new bond would provide for, among other things, a new elementary school plus, in the first phase, a new high school.

Instructional-related needs include building renovations, technology infrastructure, and K-6 library modernizations, plus facility replacements and upgrades. Transportation needs include bus replacements.

Prior to the Tuesday night board meeting, at 6 p.m. there will be an awards and recognition segment where students will be honored for academic and athletic achievements.

Steve Stockmar
News Editor | Glendale

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Steve Stockmar has been with the Independent Newsmedia team since 2017. An NAU alum and Peoria resident, Steve’s community journalism pursuits focus mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference. In his spare time Steve plays in a vintage baseball league using uniforms and rules from the 1860s, and also acts (badly) in community theater. In addition, he has an unhealthy obsession with baseball and the Chicago Cubs.