TUCSON, AZ — Tucson Unified School District is gearing up for its busiest construction summer yet, with 100 bond-funded projects planned across the district before the new school year begins.
The work is part of the voter-approved 2023 Bond Program, a $480 million measure that covers projects at every school in the district.
More than 270 projects have already been completed, and 350 are in various stages of implementation through the next couple school years. More than $111 million has been invested in schools and facilities so far, according to district officials.
"The 2023 Bond Program continues to make strides toward delivering projects across the district," Superintendent Dr. Charlotte Carter wrote in an update to families. "We are preparing to execute 100 projects this summer."
This summer's work spans a wide range of improvements, including domestic water and sewer line replacements, security gate and fencing upgrades, HVAC kitchen improvements and the installation of two artificial turf fields.
Portable-to-permanent building conversions are also planned at Davis-Romero Bilingual Elementary Magnet School and Rincon/University High School, where design phases for new construction have already begun.
Several projects are already nearing the finish line. The domestic water line and sewer replacement at Sabino High School is 97% complete, with remaining work expected by end of May. Camp Cooper upgrades are also 97% complete, with final steps scheduled to begin June 1.
HVAC work is a major focus this summer. Replacements are underway at 15 schools, while five HVAC kitchen retrofits and new appliances are planned at Hollinger K-8, Lawrence 3-8, Mission View Elementary, Safford K-8 and Vesey K-6.
On the safety side, new security window film installations at 14 schools are 99% complete, and 21 more schools have been approved for fencing and gate upgrades, officials said.
Summer water line and sewer improvements are also planned at Cholla High School, Miller Elementary, Mission View Elementary, Safford K-8, Sahuaro High School and Santa Rita High School.
State law requires bond money to be spent as described in the original ballot measure and mandates a public meeting each year reporting how proceeds have been used.
Tucson Unified's Governing Board also established a citizen oversight committee to review projects and report progress to the board and community.
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