Sunnyside Unified School District voters will decide in November whether to approve a $120 million bond measure aimed at improving campus safety, upgrading aging facilities, and modernizing classrooms across the district.

The proposed bond would take effect in the 2026–27 fiscal year and is estimated to cost about $100 per year in secondary property taxes for every $100,000 of a home’s assessed value.

Chief Financial Officer Karla G. Walter told the governing board on June 24 that the district’s renovation priorities were determined through a capital needs assessment, with a focus on projects that will help sustain the district’s educational mission long-term.

The governing board approved moving forward with a special bond election in a 4-1 vote, with Consuelo Hernandez voting against it.

Board member Robert Jaramillo said the bond proposal is ultimately about creating a safer environment for everyone in the district, especially students.

“There are individuals who might be against it, but speaking for myself it’s for our students, our staff and our faculty and everybody involved with this district,” Jaramillo said. “They deserve a safe and orderly learning institution.”

Board Clerk Ted Rodriquez said he believes voters should be given the chance to decide what’s best for their schools.

“You’ll never know if you have an opportunity to make a difference by passing a bond if we don't allow the voters to say for themselves what they want for our district,” he said. “I’m 100% behind anything that can improve our school, improve the learning capabilities for kids, and give them an advantage that they may not otherwise have.”

Board member Edgar Bustamante, an alumnus of Sunnyside schools, said he’s seen firsthand how the facilities have aged over time.

“Back then the schools were nice. It was a thrill to come to the southside and go to new schools, but now they have aged,” Bustamante said. “It’s going to be a lot of understanding and a lot of work and prayer to get this going.”

Hernandez, the lone “no” vote, expressed concern about the financial burden the bond places on the community.

“I completely agree that we should have the best for our kids, but under this administration, I am concerned about our working families,” she said.

Board members said that as the district moves forward, the focus remains on balancing its growth and improvement needs with the community’s ability to sustain them.

District officials must deliver the signed resolution calling for the election to the Pima County Superintendent of Schools’ Office today for the item to be placed on the November 4 ballot.

Voter information pamphlets will be available later this month, and the deadline for residents and district officials to submit arguments in support or opposition is August 8.

Ballots will be mailed October 8. The election will be conducted entirely by mail.

Sunnyside isn’t alone in its request for voter assistance this year. Flowing Wells will also be asking voters to approve a $30 million bond and Tucson Unified is requesting a 15% maintenance and operations override.

McKenna Manzo is a University of Arizona alum and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at mckennamanzo@arizona.edu.

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