Chandler Unified School District Governing Board Calls for Special Bond & Override Election on November 4, 2025

The Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board has officially called for a special Bond and Override election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This election will allow voters to decide on the continuation of the district’s existing Maintenance & Operations (M&O) override and the authorization of a new bond issuance to fund capital needs across the district.

What is the Override & Why Seek Renewal?

A continuation of the override would maintain current funding levels for the next seven years, with a phase-down beginning in year five if not renewed.

Without voter approval, the override would begin to phase out, directly impacting class sizes, teacher compensation, and various student programs.

An override is a financial mechanism that allows school districts to exceed their state-imposed budget limits to support operational expenses such as salaries, benefits, supplies, and utilities. CUSD is proposing to continue its 15% M&O override, which has been in place since 2013 and has helped fund:

• School safety personnel and initiatives
• Competitive class sizes
• Teacher compensation
• Specialized programs, instructional materials, and technology

What is the Bond and Why is it Being Requested?

The bond proposal seeks voter approval for $271.5 million in funding for capital projects, which include:

• Renovations and maintenance of existing school facilities
• Security upgrades
• Purchase of student and staff technology devices
• Transportation vehicles
• Furniture and instructional equipment
• Land acquisition and potential new construction

Examples of projects include roof and HVAC replacements, updated fire protection systems, safety renovations, CTE lab enhancements, and playground improvements.

Following the failed bond initiative in 2024, many preventative maintenance and technology replacement projects were put on hold. Passage of this bond would allow the District to continue addressing facility needs and replacing devices originally issued to students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What's the Difference?

• Override: Funds operational needs like staff salaries, utilities, and instructional support.
• Bond: Funds capital improvements such as buildings, buses, furniture, equipment, and technology.

Taxpayer Impact

The estimated first year tax rate for the proposed budget override amount is $1.09 per $100 of assessed valuation.

The estimated average tax rate for the proposed bond authorization is $0.32 per $100 of assessed valuation.

Key Election Dates

• September 20 – Military and overseas ballots mailed
• October 6 – Voter registration deadline
• October 8 – Early voting begins and ballots mailed
• October 24 – Last day to request a ballot by mail
• October 28 – Recommended last day to mail back your ballot
• November 4 – Election Day

For more information about the bond and override proposals, including frequently asked questions and a complete list of proposed projects, please visit www.cusd80.com/election.