Flowing Wells Unified School District voters will decide Nov. 4 whether to approve Proposition 415, a $30 million bond measure aimed at improving safety, upgrading facilities, and expanding preschool access across the district.

Bond elections allow school districts to obtain funding for capital needs, including maintenance, renovations, transportation, and instructional technology.

The proposal would fund projects such as new security systems, classroom renovations, and energy-efficient upgrades while replacing aging buses and portable buildings.

The Flowing Wells School District is one of the smaller districts in the Tucson metro area, spanning from Ina and Thornydale roads south to Grant Road and covering northwest Tucson and parts of Marana. The district has one traditional high school, one alternative high school, one junior high, and six elementary schools.

Revenue and cost

The bond would provide $30 million to the district over the next eight years. If approved, the district plans to sell bonds in phases through 2030 while keeping taxes below the 10-year average.

For a homeowner with a property valued at $100,000, the estimated annual cost would be about $72. The bond would be repaid over a maximum of 20 years, with the tax rate not expected to exceed 12% during that time.

What will it fund?

If approved, the bond would fund:

• Safety and security improvements, including upgraded fencing, secured entryways, shatter-resistant glass, camera systems, and improved parking and foot traffic areas.
• Replacement of deteriorating portable buildings used for classrooms, before- and after-school programs, and staff work areas.
• Energy and water efficiency improvements, including expanded solar electrical production and restroom upgrades to save water, beautify, and improve access for people with disabilities.
• Construction of a new early childhood center on the campus of Richardson Elementary School, expanding access to high-quality preschool programs.
• New buses and vans for student transportation, replacing several vehicles that exceed 20 years of service.

What happens if it is not approved?

If the bond is not approved, no funding will be provided for the projects, and property tax rates will remain unchanged.

What are supporters saying?

Six letters of support were submitted for the proposition, with no letters opposing it.

Cary Kelly, president of the Flowing Wells education system, and Shane Holly, secretary of the Flowing Wells education system, submitted a joint letter in support of the bond, saying school facilities must be up to par to continue providing students with the best education possible.

“Our community has always valued strong public schools, and this bond is a critical investment in the future of our students,” the letter said. “As teachers, counselors, and support staff, we see firsthand how much these improvements matter. This measure is not just about buildings — it’s about giving every Flowing Wells student the best chance to thrive.”

Flowing Wells governing board member Stephanie Miller wrote that she has high hopes for the bond if it passes.

“Over the years, FW has been thoughtful and responsible with community funds to build learning environments that are safe and practical. I have witnessed the diligent process that the district administration carries out in order to elicit input from parents, teachers, and district employees,” she wrote. “I appreciate that each campus has had the opportunity to name the improvements that would benefit their students.”

Ellen Kirkbride, a Flowing Wells alum who went on to work as a teacher for the district, wrote that she supported the district’s desire to increase security. She said that as a teacher, training for emergencies can only go so far, and more security is vital to ensure the safety of students.

“Even with the training of teachers and students to be prepared for emergencies, the physical buildings need to be fortified with newer materials and cameras,” Kirkbride said. “This is expected by our community, who depend on us to keep their children safe.”

Voting

More information about the override can be found in the voter information pamphlet.

Emma LaPointe is a journalism, political science and German Studies major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at emma.m.lapointe@gmail.com.

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