East Valley bond vote set

Voters in the East Valley School District will be asked to approve a $33.75 million construction bond April 26.

The bond would pay for renovations and improvements to Trentwood, East Farms, Otis Orchards, Skyview and Trent elementary schools. The district offices would move into East Valley Middle School, and so would the maintenance department. The building would also house a middle-level enrichment center and the buildings would receive a technology upgrade.

Along with the taxpayer contributions, officials expect $32.5 million in state matching funds. Taxpayers can expect an increase of 86 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which would increase the district’s total levy and bond tax rates to $4.39 per $1,000.

East Valley also plans to reorganize the way it teaches its students. The middle schools would be closed and neighborhood schools would serve students from prekindergarten through the eighth grade.

Ballots will be mailed to voters on April 8 and are due April 26. The bond needs a supermajority of 60 percent approval to pass.