Early vote counts show the Maricopa Unified School District bond election failing by a 16-point margin.[quote_box_right]MUSD Bond Early Vote Count
YES 2,487
NO 3,444[/quote_box_right]
The bond, aimed at building a second high school to relieve overcrowding at Maricopa High School, trailed in 12 of 14 precincts. The Province precinct, which includes The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado, was particularly opposed, with 63% voting against in the unofficial tallies.
For Pinal County schools seeking bonds, overrides and budget increases, it has been a mixed night.
Voters in Eloy turned down an override and in Florence and Apache Junction said no to budget increases. Apache Junction voters also denied a bond. However, school districts in Oracle and Ray received strong support for overrides and a bond. Coolidge Unified School District’s bond election is also ahead in a close early count.
While other district opted for a mail-in ballot, MUSD went with poll voting, which ended up primarily being early voting.
“The traditional election format was chosen to accommodate both voters who prefer mail-in options through early ballots, as well as those who enjoy the civic experience of voting in person on election day,” MUSD spokesperson Mishell Terry said.
Only the Ak-Chin Community precinct showed support for the MUSD bond, overwhelmingly so, with 93% of its participating voters (fewer than 50) voting in favor. That was wiped out by the Thunderbird Farms precinct, where 77% of voters said no.
The closest result so far is in the Santa Rosa precinct, where the bond is losing 53% to 47%.
The MUSD bond is for capital project, like a new school, buses and HVAC and roofing. The district received $23 million from the state to start a second high school when data showed MHS 600 students over-capacity.
