Avondale schools Superintendent James Schwarz was blunt when he described that the district would be in a world of hurt if voters did not pass the two millage renewal proposals on Tuesday’s ballot.
His outlook was much better after voters passed both of them by comfortable margins.
“Passing both of these was just instrumental in being able to maintain what we have been able to do,” said Schwarz. “We are very grateful.”
The 20-year non-homestead operating millage – which applies to businesses, rental properties and second homes, not primary residences — will generate $11.5 million in 2026. It passed 65% yes to 35% no.
The millage will run from 2026 to 2045.
Voters also approved a 10-year sinking fund proposal for capital improvements at the current millage rate of 1.0-mill. It passed 67% yes to 33% no.
It will generate $1.3 million in its first year.
Both millages expired on Dec. 31, 2025, so the district put the issue on the May ballot to secure funding for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond.
“Passing both of these was just instrumental in being able to maintain what we have been able to do,” said Schwarz. “We are very grateful.”
The operating millage supports the district’s general operating budget — the day-to-day costs of running schools such as classroom instruction and materials, transportation, utilities and facilities.
The sinking fund provides a dedicated source of capital funding for a variety of projects and upgrades throughout the district.
Schwarz said the district has a strategic plan for how renovations and improvements will be done in the future.
“Roofs, HVAC maintenance, filters, air conditioning, as well as, asphalt and concrete repair and things like that are part of the plan,” said Schwarz. “There is a roof replacement schedule that has been created and we would not be able to do that without sinking fund dollars.”
The last proposal approved by voters was in November 2024 for a $150 million zero-tax-rate increase bond for the 3,800 students in the district.
“The community has been historically supportive of the schools and we are so thankful for that, because if this would not have passed we would have lost out on $11.5 million in funding and would have had to pay $70 million in expenses with only around $59 million,” said Schwarz. “That would have resulted in program cuts and staff cuts and things would be ugly.”
The superintendent said now that both millages are in place for the next decade and beyond, it provides future stability.
“It certainly helps to provide stability for the funding over that time period, so that is a good chunk of time to have a sense of security,” said Schwarz.