Final Vote Count Confirms Bond Victory and Three School Board Wins

Maricopa, Arizona – The final vote count from Pinal County for the November 5 general election reveals significant outcomes for the Maricopa Unified School District. The district’s bond proposal has successfully passed, enabling the issuance of $70 million for two new schools and renovations for existing high schools.

In a notable board election, Shawnte’ Rothschild narrowly secured her position with 11,185 votes, or 20.8%, edging out Nicolas Yendrzeski, who received 11,022 votes, or 20.5%. Rothschild, a local educator, will now join the board along with Yendrzeski, a recent graduate from Maricopa High School currently enrolled at Arizona State University.

Appointed member Carolyn Lopez achieved a decisive victory, garnering 16,741 votes, or 31%, to retain her seat. Meanwhile, former board member Ben Owens claimed an additional seat with 14,263 votes, representing 27% of the total.

Proposition 488 received a close tally, passing with 14,938 votes in favor, equating to 50%, while 14,500 voters opposed, at 49%. This bond measure aims to address critical infrastructure needs within the district.

Pinal County reported an impressive voter turnout, with 211,594 ballots cast from a pool of 282,639 registered voters, resulting in a turnout rate of 75%. However, these results remain preliminary until the county supervisors conduct an official canvassing on November 20.