Pendergast District Governing Board Calls for Bond and Override Elections in November 2023

The Pendergast Elementary School District Governing Board voted unanimously on May 2, 2023 to authorize the Pendergast District to conduct a Bond election for $100 million dollars that will fund a variety of projects across the district. The estimated average annual tax rate for the proposed bond authorization is $1.25 per $100 of net assessed valuation used for secondary property tax purposes. In addition, the Pendergast Governing Board authorized  the Pendergast District to conduct a 15% Override Renewal Election. The total 15% budget override amount for the first year of the proposed continuation is estimated to be $7,650,000 and would be funded in that year by an estimated $1.57 tax rate per $100 of net assessed valuation used for secondary property tax purposes, which is approximately equal to the current secondary tax rate for the existing budget override. The Bond and Override elections will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 as an all-mail ballot election. Ballots will begin to be mailed out on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The last day to register to vote is Monday, October 9, 2023.

The Bond dollars will be used in the following manner:

• Construction Projects

  • Renovate many of the district buildings which are aging and must be upgraded for health and safety standards to be met. 

  • New essential construction projects including classroom additions and renovations to align with our Strategic Vision and Planning work that has been conducted with our communities. 

  • Continue to provide improvements to the learning environment for students, staff, and families at every school site. 

• Address three primary areas to help the district create a user-friendly technology system that provides:

  • Maintaining the 1 to 1 computer initiative for students in grades Kindergarten - 8th grade

  • Increasing wireless capabilities throughout the district

  • Improvements, replacements and upgrades in the district’s technology infrastructure, including security, network capability, wireless applications, school and student computer access

• Safety upgrades, maintenance, replacement, and refurbishing of schools and district facilities such as:

  • Camera and intercom systems

  • Energy efficient interior and exterior lighting

  • Upgrading of fire alarm and security systems

  • Roof repair/replacement

  • Replace flooring

  • School-specific repairs, equipment replacement and improvements

  • Replacement of furniture

• Replacement of aging buses and the vehicle fleet.

The Override funds will be used in the following manner:

• Maintain the district average class size at the ratio of 27 to 1

• Provide free full day kindergarten for all schools and/or support staff for classroom  teachers

• Continue to offer all students K-8 special classes such as Art, Music, Physical Education and STEAM Academies 

• Continue to provide Counselors at each school for students and families

• Continue to provide school Health Service providers on every campus

• Continue to staff and provide resources for school libraries through the use of Library Media Technicians

About Pendergast Elementary School District

In 1885, the Pendergast School District was established in a farming community serving 100 students in one school. The educational philosophy was firmly rooted in the belief that the community, staff, and parents must act as a "family," providing the academic, social, and emotional support necessary to nurture capable, independent young minds. Today, the Pendergast School District covers 20 square miles and serves the communities of Phoenix, Glendale, and Avondale. The District boundaries are from Glendale Avenue to the North and I-10 to the South, 83rd Avenue to the East, and Agua Fria River to the West. The District provides excellent educational opportunities for approximately 8,500 preschool through eighth grade students on 12 campuses.

For more information, please contact:

Ramiro Alvarez, Public Information Officer
ralvarez@pesd92.org
623-251-1743