YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The “Yes is Best for our Kids” fundraiser aims to support Yuma School District 1's efforts to obtain $77 million worth of bonds for renovation work.

“Young people should be the No. 1 priority for all of Yuma County,” said former Arizona Congressman Russ Jones, who represents Yuma County's 24th District.

According to the district, these are some of the oldest buildings in Arizona and this will be the first district-wide renovation in decades.

Jones supports the bond and has even launched a fundraising campaign in support of it.

“We are undergoing extensive renovation and redesign to meet modern school safety standards that many schools do not meet. The safety of our children is our number one priority,” Jones said.

The district also announced in a statement that it will not hold a committee meeting unless the bond is approved.

“School District 1 prides itself on transparency with parents, staff and community members. To continue this transparency, an oversight committee will be appointed if the bond is approved. If the bond measure is not approved by voters, this committee will not be necessary. By studying best practices right now, our board is taking a proactive approach to planning,” said Christine McCoy, communications coordinator for Yuma School District 1.

If approved, the bond would increase residential taxes on average by more than $3 for property owners in Yuma County with an assessed value of $100,000.

Jones says the extra tax is worth it.

“You're looking at the cost of one Happy Meal a day, and if your child doesn't deserve one Happy Meal a day, then that's the parents' problem,” Jones said.

The special election will be held on November 5th.