Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District continues to focus on maintaining safe, reliable and welcoming schools for students, staff and families across the Verde Valley. As part of those ongoing efforts, the district is providing information to the community regarding a proposed $30 million bond initiative expected to appear on the November ballot as Proposition 409.
For many years, the district has worked to care for its campuses and facilities while continuing to support strong academic programs and student success. Like many Arizona school districts, however, COCSD is now facing the growing challenges that come with aging buildings and infrastructure systems that have served the community for decades.
Across the district, aging water lines, septic systems, roofing, HVAC equipment and safety systems are requiring more frequent repairs and maintenance. Earlier this year, water main breaks at the Cottonwood Education Services campus led to school cancellations and disruptions for students, staff and families, highlighting how aging infrastructure can directly impact daily school operations.
Several district buildings, including school gyms and cafeterias, still rely on evaporative cooling systems rather than full air conditioning. During Arizona’s hottest months, those systems can struggle to keep large student spaces cool and comfortable and often require ongoing maintenance to remain operational.
Over the past two years, the district has secured approximately $1.2 million through Arizona School Facilities Board funding to help address qualifying infrastructure and facility needs. While those funds have supported important repairs, state funding is generally limited to emergency or specific deficiency projects and does not fully address long-term replacement and renewal needs.
Under Arizona law, school operational budgets cannot be used for major capital projects such as roofing, HVAC replacement, water infrastructure, buses, security systems or large-scale facility repairs. Those types of projects require separate funding sources approved through bond measures.
The proposed bond would focus on maintaining and improving existing schools and district facilities rather than constructing new campuses. Proposed projects include infrastructure repairs, updated building systems, campus safety improvements and facility renewal work across all district schools and operational sites.
School safety also remains a continued priority throughout the district. Proposed improvements include updated campus access controls, emergency communication systems and infrastructure upgrades intended to support reliable operations and emergency response efforts. In addition, the district is utilizing federal funding to support a dedicated safety officer position focused on emergency preparedness and campus security.
“Our schools are part of the heart of this community,” Superintendent Jessica Vocca said. “Many of our buildings have served generations of local families, and we want to continue caring for those spaces in a way that supports students, staff, and the community for years to come.”
COCSD schools have earned Arizona Department of Education “A” ratings in recent years, reflecting the work of students, employees, families and community support throughout the district. District leaders say maintaining school facilities is an important part of creating positive learning environments where students can continue to grow and succeed.
In recent years, the district has experienced infrastructure-related issues including septic system failures, well-related concerns and major water line breaks. District officials note that many systems across the district continue to age and require increasing maintenance and repair attention each year.
Community members seeking additional information about Proposition 409, district facilities, tax information, or campus tours are encouraged to contact the Superintendent’s Office at 928-634-2288. Additional information and community presentations will continue to be shared in the coming months.
