Page 20 - The Edge - Summer 2020

Experts Explain Do’s and Don’ts of Bond and Override Elections

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

written notification to county officials. Remember, early difficult during summer vacation.
voting starts October 7 for the November 3 election this year.
Communication with the county covers polling places, drop
Gales said a reputable bond election counsel will make sure off facilities, type of election, preparation of the pamphlet,
the notification contains the correct information in the proper typesetting, translation, printing and mailing.
language. Bond lawyers will help districts meet deadlines. It was recommended that the district have a point person,
Once an election resolution is adopted by the Governing someone to take all the questions from the public or media,
Board, it doesn’t have to go back to the Board. get the answers and be in communication with counsel.

“I like to see a list of purposes, and I want the Governing The pamphlet proofs come from the county with a 24-hour
Board to sign off,” Gales said. turnaround, possibly a couple of weeks before the school fall
semester starts. If the proofs only go to the district, make sure
The voter pamphlet is put together with the county schools they are forwarded to counsel and the banker, Stein said. “We
superintendent and is subject to edits by counsel. A relatively want our eyes back on it,” Stein said. “Everybody wants to see
new legislative change requires that in bond elections the total it one more time. Also, check the Spanish translation.”
cost be in bold.
Regarding the pamphlet, for example some districts cite the
When it comes to timing considerations, Stein said it’s need for a specific number of buses. Others simply state the
easiest to work backward. For example, if you use a citizens money is for capital purposes. “That’s super broad,” Stein
committee, how many weeks will you need to present to them noted. “Voters may want more specific information. It reduces
and to notify the county to call for an election. “Sooner is your flexibility, but it might get you more buy-in.”
better than later,” she said.
Felten of Paradise Valley recommends planning internally 18
Changes require a Governing Board quorum, which can be
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Leverage your energy

savings to enhance the

learning environment

At Schneider Electric, our mission is simple: to
optimize the learning environment and improve
student performance by redirecting utility dollars
back into the classroom. Our capital recovery and
reinvestment solution finds the funding needed to
not only alleviate deferred maintenance but also to
achieve your vision for modernizing the classroom
and maximizing student engagement. Contact us
today to learn how we can enable you to achieve • Modernize the learning environment
your District’s goals. • STEM/student engagement
Tom.Milroy@se.com opportunities
Brandon.Woodward@se.com • Alleviate unfunded needs and
deferred maintenance
schneider-electric.us/enable • Campus and network safety/security

|
20 THE EDGE SUMMER 2020