Why bother with school bonds amid a pandemic? Four Stanislaus districts offer reasons
Four school districts in Stanislaus County have bond measures on the Nov. 3 ballot, hoping that pandemic-stressed voters will consider the big picture.
The measures are in the Salida Union, Stanislaus Union, Waterford Unified and Newman-Crows Landing Unified school districts. They ask property owners to pay annual assessments to help finance campus remodeling, technology upgrades and other projects. Each needs to top 55 percent approval under state law.
The Modesto Bee asked the superintendents via email about the need for the money and the prospects for success amid an economic downturn.
“If there was ever a time to rally around our schools, it is now,” said Stanislaus Union Superintendent Shannon Sanford. “Our board did not place Measure Y on the ballot without regard for our community’s current challenges. It was placed on the ballot because of these challenges.”
The election will happen during a fall semester that has been unsettling for all 25 of the county’s school districts. They closed in March and shifted to distance learning in an effort to slow COVID-19. Only the small Knights Ferry district and nine private schools have waivers allowing live classes, with safety measures.
Proponents of the bond measures say the money would help prepare the campuses for eventual live classes, and improve technology in case distance learning returns.
Three of the districts had measures on the March 3 ballot that failed. Stanislaus Union is trying again at the same amount. Salida and Newman-Crows Landing have downsized their proposals.
Details on Stanislaus Union measure
Measure Y would reauthorize the unused $21.4 million portion of a bond issue approved by Stanislaus Union School District voters in 2008.
It includes classroom repairs and retrofits, better student access to the Internet and other technology, and enhanced campus security and communications.
The district’s elementary schools are Agnes Baptist, Eisenhut, Chrysler, Dieterich and Stanislaus. It also has Prescott Junior High School.
Property owners would pay about $30 per $100,000 of assessed value each year, generating an estimated $1.6 million annually until the bond buyers are paid off.
Sanford said the improvements also would put people to work.
“Our local economy has been battered,” she said. “Measure Y will boost local business with the rehabilitation and construction projects of our school sites. Dollars will be spent locally.”
Salida Union seeks $9.24 million
Measure U would raise $9.24 million in the Salida Union School District. It proposes classroom upgrades, roof repairs, technology improvements, better fire alarms and other safety measures.
The district includes Dena Boer, Mildred Perkins, Salida and Sisk elementary schools and Salida Middle School.
Property owners would pay about $20 per $100,000 of assessed value annually. This would generate an average of $644,000 a year to repay bond buyers.
Superintendent Twila Tosh said COVID-19 rules will require more shade structures for outdoor learning and meal service, along with better ventilation in buildings.
Three campuses need new fencing, and one requires a second set of restrooms. Salida also is preparing its technology in case distance learning returns.
“Yes, I am concerned that our measure will be overshadowed by the current pandemic,” Tosh said. “Passing of this bond measure would allow the district to be able to apply for state matching funds (60/40 split for modernization funds) to accomplish the improvements needed in Salida.”
Waterford proposes work at five schools
Measure T in the Waterford Unified School District would provide $5.35 million to upgrade classrooms, campus safety and technology. The projects include roof and plumbing repairs and both academic and vocational instruction.
The work would be done at Richard M. Moon Primary School, Waterford Junior High School, Lucille Whitehead Intermediate School and Waterford and Sentinel high schools.
Property owners would pay about $28 per $100,000 of assessed value each year. The measure would raise about $370,000 annually until bond buyers are repaid.
Supt. Don Davis said Measure T would build on a 2016 bond issue.
“The residents are seeing evidence of projects being completed now, and the district is making a good-faith effort to utilize bond funds so that our schools remain a source of pride for our community,” he said.
Newman-Crows Landing asks for $25.8 million
Measure X would raise $25.8 million for the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District. It includes upgrades to classrooms, technology and safety.
The district’s elementary schools are Barrington, Bonita, Hunt and Von Renner. It also has Yolo Middle School, Orestimba and West Side Valley high schools, and Foothill Community Day School.
Property owners would pay about $48 per $100,000 of assessed value each year. The measure would provide an average of $1.8 million annually until bond buyers are paid off.
Superintendent Randy Fillpot could not be reached for comment.
This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
