Yuma school district says bond measure on ballot to improve safety

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily)— Yuma Elementary School District One is working to improve safety at its schools, but it needs a bond measure to pass on Nov. 5 to do so.

The school district is proposing a $77 million bond to revitalize facilities they say are in dire need of some upkeep.

About a dozen of the district's schools are at least 60 years old.

According to the school district, $30 million would go toward safety and improving infrastructure like school entrances, fencing, and enhancing camera systems at 18 of the district's schools.

James Sheldahl has been the school district's superintendent for eight years.

He said a third party was used to help assess the schools and determine capital improvements that would enhance the safety at different school sites.

"Really, school safety and security has only been a top priority in America for the last 20 years and we only have a few schools that have been built in the last 20 years," said Sheldahl.

Recent school threats across the nation have put parents on edge, and increased safety is something they're also asking for.

"Absolutely. The buildings need work. The teachers are great but the buildings are awful. Our kids deserve better," said Lindsay Elk, parent at the Yuma Elementary School District One.

Sheldahl agreed that recent school threats highlighted areas that could be improved.

"Those threats brought to the forefront what we know that safety and security is our top priority," he said.

The remainder of the money would be used for revitalizing classrooms, athletic fields and equipping special needs classrooms.

Sheldahl said the number of special needs classrooms has grown over the years.

"We want to make sure all of our students have access to those facilities that are gonna help them thrive," he said.

The bond would impact local taxpayers, costing them about 12 cents per day or about $44 a year.

Voters who are not in favor are criticizing the bond's effectiveness in improving security, while parents who have been vocal about it seem to be in favor of the measure.

"I understand. We do pay a lot of taxes already and the funds don't always go where they're supposed to but when there's a chance to help our kids , you can't really say no," said Elk.

If approved, the projects would start next year and the district would have 10 years to complete them.