SPUSD looking at $39 million bond issue on June ballot

The Governing Board of the Santa Paula Unified School District got an update Wednesday night on a proposed $39 million General Obligation Bond measure for this coming June’s ballot.

The money would only be used for improvements to the elementary and Isbell Middle Schools. General obligation bonds fund projects such as the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new schools and classrooms. Consultant Jon Isom told the board that if voters approve the bond, it would mean a tax rate of $59.00 per $100,000 of assessed value per year. His report states that the measure would create a better learning environment for students, provide an economic boost to the community, keep more money in the classrooms and it has taxpayer safeguards in place. (Funds raised must be spent locally and an independent oversight committee must annually review expenditures). He also noted that the average age of Santa Paula schools is over 70 years. McKevett School is the oldest, built in 1911. The newest of the elementary schools is Bedell School, which was built in 1961.

Isom said other funding sources would include Developer fees for new home construction (approximately $1.5 million), District funds ($10 million) and State aid modernization and new construction matching dollars ($5 million) if the District has a local match. He also noted that a survey of potential voters showed 72 percent would vote yes.

The board has yet to formally approve going ahead with the bond measure, although it appears that’s where they’re heading.