Mesa Public Schools

HIGHLIGHTS
OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
OF THE MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4
TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2012
MESA PUBLIC SCHOOLS CURRICULUM SERVICES CENTER
BUILDING 2
549 North Stapley Drive, Mesa, AZ

1.  Personnel Request
Dr. Cowan introduced Dr. Timothy Richards and informed the Board that with their approval of the administrative personnel request, they will be appointing him as the new principal of Westwood High School.

On the motion of Mr. Nichols, the Board unanimously recommended approval of the Administrative Personnel Request.

2.  Recommendations of the Capital Facilities Planning Committee
Dr. Cowan advised the Board that in order to have a bond put on the November 2012 ballot, a resolution must be passed to call for the election.  The resolution should indicate the total authority amount and the average estimated tax impact to the community.

Ms. Sylvester explained that in 2005, Mesa Public Schools was authorized by voters to sell $212.5 million in bonds for new buildings and renovations, new schools, building additions, technology, and new buses.  However, only $204 million of the bonds from the 2005 election have been sold. The Board determined they would not sell the last $8.5 million because the need to build new schools no longer existed.

Ms. Sylvester reviewed a list of proposed use of funds that was developed by the Capital Facilities Planning Committee for district schools and facilities if the Board were to call for a bond election. 

Ms. Sylvester explained that under the Stone and Youngberg analysis for the anticipated bond, the estimated interest rate cost for new sales will begin at 4.5% and would increase with each sale up to 5.5%.  She explained that the district currently has no bond or building renewal funds for the maintenance and repairs of current facilities.         

Board members expressed their concern with an eight-year bond because, traditionally, the district has gone with a five-year plan.  They also expressed concern with the high dollar amount noting that the highest bond ever passed in the state of Arizona was in Tucson for $235 million. 

3.  Bond Resolution
After much discussion and continued analysis the Board agreed to call for a special five-year bond election to provide funding in the amount of $230 million.

On the motion of Mrs. Udall, the Board unanimously adopted the resolution ordering and calling a special bond election to be held in and for Mesa Unified School District No. 4 of Maricopa County, Arizona, on November 6, 2012, for $230 million.

The meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.