Yuma School District One ponder next step after bond struck down by voters

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma School District One is still coming to terms of a $77 million bond on the general election ballot being struck down by voters.

The school district says they are in need of over $150 million and the bond would've accounted for roughly half of that.

The money is needed for major renovation projects.

“We want to make sure all of our schools have that element of safety embedded in them, other ones are our ess classrooms," said Denis Ponde, Chief Financial Officer.

While there are different ways to raise money, the district’s superintendent, James Sheldahl, explains why a bond is so helpful.

“A bond is the best way because it demonstrates that the community is fully behind the schools and the kids and it's an infusion of a significant amount of revenue at one time,” said Sheldahl.

They also have a message of thanks for those who voted yes on the bond.

“Thank you for supporting our kids, thank you for seeing that public education is a foundation of a community, and is a foundation for the future of our community," said Sheldahl.

For now it's back to the drawing board on how district one will raise the money needed