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A $40 million bond issue to fund necessary improvements in the J.O. Combs Unified School District will be offered for voter approval in November. The Combs district covers San Tan Valley north of Empire Boulevard and Hash Knife Draw Road and some surrounding areas.
Unanimously approved by the Combs Governing Board in early July, the bond election will enable the District to address assorted infrastructural and classroom needs, said Dr. Gayle Blanchard, Superintendent of the Combs District. These include
• School and building renovations and improvements
• Technology upgrades, along with new classroom furniture and equipment
• Student transportation (buses) upgrades
• New construction to include community auditorium at Combs High School, and
Maintenance/Transportation Facility and District Service Facility (construction to be on land already purchased, located south of Ranch Elementary and Combs High School).
These recommendation from administration were compiled after careful consideration and study, as well as consulting with and hearing from interested groups. In addition, the community phone survey demonstrated a base of voter support for the proposed $40 million bond, Blanchard said.
The community auditorium would be located on the Combs High School campus at 2505 E. Germann Rd. Specific features of the facility have not been finalized but preliminary plans include a concert hall with stadium seating for 800-1,000, an integrated sound, lighting and video system, general dressing and costume rooms and an orchestra pit. This auditorium would be used to enhance course offerings at Combs High and would provide a venue for community activities and events.
To promote approval of the $40 million bond issue, a political action group called Combs Kids Count has been organized. In addition to getting the word out as to why the bond issue is necessary, the group also will encourage voter registration.
For more information, individuals can go the Combs Kids Count Facebook page or attend an informational meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the SRP Call Center located at 3735 E. Combs Rd. San Tan Valley.
Voting on the bond issue will take place on Nov. 3.
James J. Hodl is a career journalist who has worked for newspapers, magazines and trade journals. A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism, Hodl began his career as a reporter with the Palatine (IL) Herald and the Morton Grove (IL) Review before becoming editor of the trade publication Appliance Service News. In recent years, Hodl has had articles published in Consumers Digest, Good Housekeeping, Home Remodeling, Kitchens & Baths and Salute; and has contributed to trade publications serving the home furnishings, restaurant and casino markets. A native of Chicago, Hodl relocated to San Tan Valley in 2013.
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