Investing in Chandler’s future: Why passing the bond is critical

As residents of Chandler, we take pride in our community, and one of our greatest sources of pride is Chandler Unified School District.

CUSD schools consistently rank among the best in Arizona and the nation, thanks to the dedication of our educators, the trust of our families, and crucially, the support of voters.

On the horizon is an important decision for our community. CUSD has called for a bond election to be put on the ballot Nov. 5.

Over the years, Chandler residents have consistently supported CUSD through various bond measures aimed at maintaining facilities, maximizing existing space, and modernizing to stay competitive.

With 43,000 students, Chandler Unified is the second-largest public school district in Arizona; and with 5,200 staff members, CUSD is Chandler’s second-largest employer.

In order to serve thousands of students and staff, CUSD must maintain 5.5 million square feet of space — which is more space than many small towns and cities across the country.

This bond isn’t about frivolous spending or luxury upgrades. The 2024 bond is about ensuring CUSD school facilities remain safe, modern, and conducive to learning. Just as we maintain our homes to protect their value and functionality, we must do the same for our schools to safeguard the future of our children and our community.

Our schools are not just buildings; they are hubs of innovation and academic excellence. On many occasions, the city of Chandler has credited CUSD schools for helping with economic growth.

Strong schools contribute to strong communities, driving property values and attracting new residents who value education. Realtors frequently cite our top-rated schools as a leading factor in attracting homebuyers to our area.
Passing this bond is an investment in our community’s future.

The bond will enable critical initiatives suche as preventive maintenance, safety and security updates, transportation improvements, facility modernization, and enhancements in technology and equipment across our schools.

These investments are not optional extras; they are essential to keep pace with educational needs and technological advancements. They provide the foundation for our children’s futures, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

By passing this bond, we ensure that our students continue to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and the high-quality programs that define CUSD.

As proud members of Chandler, let’s continue our tradition of supporting excellence in education. A YES vote on the bond is a vote for safe, secure, and modern school facilities that our students deserve.

It’s a vote for maintaining our district’s competitive edge and ensuring that Chandler remains a leader in education.

NOTE: Anguiano is the co-chair of the Chandler Unified School District Citizen Advisory Budget Committee.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.  Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.