FAQ

Step 1 - Learn about the bonds

Read the Preliminary Official Statement (POS) available from this web site or from the participating brokers to learn more about the bonds, including their security, maturity dates, credit ratings, the types of projects they finance and other information that you may find important to help you make an informed investment decision. This website is not an offer to sell any bonds.

Step 2 - Open a brokerage account

You must have an account with one of the brokerage firms participating in the bond sale, or with another firm that can place an order through a brokerage firm participating in the bond sale. Please check to determine if your broker can place an order through the participating brokers. (If you have a brokerage account, go to Step 3.) If you do not have an account, you may open one and purchase bonds during the Retail Sale Order Period.

Investors are encouraged to begin the New Account process well in advance of the sale date. Depending on the brokerage firm, internal new account procedures may take some time to process.

Step 3 - Place your order

Contact the broker with whom you have an account, either online or by phone, to get more information about how to buy bonds during the Retail Sales period. Discuss with the broker the number of bonds, the maturity date and the price at which you are willing to purchase the bonds, as well as any questions you may have from examining the Preliminary Official Statement (POS).

A bond is a voter-authorized funding mechanism that enables a school district to incur debt to finance one or more of the following:
       • Acquisition or lease of sites (WESD is not acquiring land)
       • Construction or renovation of school buildings
       • Improving school grounds and District facilities
       • Purchasing pupil transportation vehicles
       • Purchasing furniture, fixtures, technology and equipment, if paid for within five years

The WESD has more than $200 million in identified, essential needs that include building and systems safety, aging student transportation and outdated student technology. WESD currently receives $9 million annually for capital needs from the state.

If approved, the $135 million bond would be used for projects like those listed below.  Every school will benefit based on identified needs.
       • Safety projects (lobby safety and door hardware improvements)
       • Building system upgrades and replacements (HVAC, flooring, electrical, irrigation)
       • Site Upgrades (grounds improvements, asphalt, marquees)
       • Classroom technology
       • Student Transportation

Every school in the Washington Elementary School District will benefit; some schools will be impacted to a greater extent and others to a lesser extent based on identified needs.

WESD has had successful bond elections since 1996.

If the bond doesn’t pass, the recommended capital projects will have to be delayed or possibly eliminated.