Modesto City Schools approves bond measure, the 4th in six years. How will funds be used?
The Modesto City Schools Board of Education approved an $85 million bond measure Monday night that will appear on the November ballot, to repair and upgrade elementary and junior high schools.
This will be the district’s fourth bond measure on a ballot in the last six years.
The Modesto City Elementary School District measure adopts $85 million in bonds at legal rates, providing about $4.5 million annually. The estimated tax burden on property owners in the district is $29 per $100,000 assessed value while bonds are outstanding. The resolution before trustees Monday night says, “The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2058-59.”
This bond will require citizen oversight, annual audits and that funds be used locally, and it allows no funds for administrator salaries.
The goals of this bond measure include fixing leaking roofs, addressing deterioration in plumbing and restrooms, and improving access for students with disabilities. The district also wishes to add instructional space for music, art, science, technology and engineering.
According to the district, only nine of the 22 elementary schools were approved for major facility improvements through bond Measures D and E, approved by voters in 2018, leaving other projects still in need.
Most projects funded through Measures D and E have been completed. The final renovations have begun at the Franklin, John Muir and Orville Wright elementary school campuses.
Voters also approved the $198 million high school facilities Measure L in November 2022. Most projects have yet to be decided on, besides a revamping of Modesto High School.
“The proof is in the pudding,” said Trustee Adolfo Lopez, addressing his board colleagues. “Everyone knows what’s at stake. It’s not difficult to see the benefits of the bond. There’s a great need.”
Those interested in looking at the draft bond measure can find it on the board of education’s website.
This story was originally published June 4, 2024 at 2:52 PM.
