The bond development process timeline is representational for general guidance. Variations occur as facility needs are assessed.

‌Year-round: Preparations

The bond development process begins by updating the district’s capital improvement planning tools. The district evaluates its buildings with two main evaluation tools: Facility Condition Indices (FCIs) and Educational Adequacy Assessments (EAs). The FCI shows deficiencies in building systems such as roofs, boilers, windows and similar items. This may be thought of as the physical condition of the building and its components. EAs show deficiencies in instructional capabilities such as teaching spaces, special purpose areas and other spaces.  This may be thought of as the functional use of the building and whether the space is appropriate for the activities within it.

Every year, the FCIs and EAs are updated to include the latest changes in building conditions. Reviewing these assessments allows decision-makers to identify which ASD buildings have the greatest needs.

June-August: Updates

ASD staff uses the adopted Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as the starting point to discuss annual school bond options. The CIP is updated by the school board and presented to the assembly each spring. During the summer, projects in the CIP are re-validated based on the most current FCI and EA information.  Additionally, any new problems identified after the CIP’s release are evaluated.

August-September: Consultation

The ASD Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) meets in late summer to consider a school bond for the following year.  The committee is made up of 12-15 community members representing a range of geographic, professional and community perspectives.  The CIAC evaluates the information provided by ASD staff and develops a recommendation for the superintendent and school board.

September: School board

The administration finalizes the recommendation regarding school bonds and presents it to the board. If the proposal is to move forward with a bond request, the board will hold at least one public hearing and consider the CIAC’s recommendation before it takes action.

October: Assembly

If the district and board want to move forward with a bond proposal, ASD presents an ordinance authorizing the ballot measure for the recommended school bond to the assembly.  The assembly holds a public hearing, considers the ASD proposal and takes action.