$70 Million School Bond Secures Narrow Victory by 88 Votes

In a decisive but narrow outcome, voters from the Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD) approved a $70 million bond issue, securing its fate by just 88 votes. Out of nearly 26,000 ballots cast, Proposition 488 garnered support from 13,021 voters, equating to 50.71%, against 12,933 who opposed it, or 49.83%.

With all precincts reporting, stakeholders confirmed the passage of Proposition 488, despite the measure potentially facing rejection in states requiring a higher threshold, such as Washington and Florida.

The newly approved bond will fund the construction of two schools and the expansion of two existing high schools within the district. Early results from election night indicated the measure was leading by a mere 241 votes, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty until the final count.

Support for the bond was notably strong in the Province community, a neighborhood primarily of residents aged 55 and older, where it received 50.6% approval. Conversely, nearby Maricopa Meadows opposed it by 53%, while Tortosa residents rejected it by a narrow margin of 51-49%.

The bond faced significant opposition in Desert Cedars, Hidden Valley, Santa Rosa, and Thunderbird Farms. Notably, Rancho El Dorado and Alterra voters were split evenly on the issue.

Support from Maricopa Wells, where 50.6% backed the measure, proved crucial to its success. The two new schools will cater to kindergarten through eighth-grade students, with the first set to open in July 2026 and the second in July 2028.

Expansion plans for Desert Sunrise High School classrooms are also part of the bond initiative, aimed at accommodating the district’s growing enrollment numbers. MUSD Superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman expressed gratitude for the community’s participation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

Chad Whittle, chairman of the Yes for MUSD PAC, voiced optimism regarding Prop 488’s passage, underscoring the district’s commitment to maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility. He noted that a community oversight committee would monitor the allocation of funds, ensuring they strictly serve the intended projects.

The planned developments include a dedicated space for career and technical education at Maricopa High School, which has not undergone upgrades in over two decades. This project is scheduled for completion by July 2027.

Currently, MUSD accommodates approximately 9,500 students and ranks as the area’s largest employer with a 1.1 million-square-foot facilities footprint.

To educate voters on the bond issue, MUSD implemented various outreach initiatives, including a dedicated website and community engagement opportunities, particularly targeting the older demographic who may not have children enrolled in schools. District leaders previously discovered broad support for the bond, with earlier surveys indicating a 68% favorability rate.

Despite facing challenges, such as underrepresented opposition during polling, the final results affirm that the community ultimately supported the educational initiative, albeit by a slim margin.