Robinson noted that with questions about Measure P and the growing number of voters poised to receive their mail in ballots “We’re closing in on the election and this forum is just the chamber’s way to give people the chance to present,” what they perceive to be the pros and the cons, “and for the voting public to hear both sides. And we have other taxes possibly coming,” with the Ventura County Transportation Commission and another try at a public safety sales tax now being discussed by officials of both.
“Time is running out and somebody had to do something about a forum,” said Robinson, “and it turned out to be us…the chamber is happy to do so and we hope people will come out.”
The school board unanimously approved a resolution to form a school facilities improvement district and ask the voters for the bond in January.
According to the measure, the cost to property owners would be about $60 per $100,000 in accessed value per year. It is a figure, the SPUSD district notes, can be deceiving as a home’s market value is often much lower than reflected by county property tax records. Those questioning the cost should check their property tax bill to see their property valuation and calculate what the tax would cost them. The repayment period is expected to be 30 years.
Another aspect of the bond being emphasized by proponents is that it will benefit the elementary and middle schools only, not the high school; voters approved a $39 million bond for the high school in 2008, before the districts merged in 2013.
The district would also use developer fees, state money and its own funds to pay for the improvements. Money raised from the bond measure would cover an estimated 70 percent of the costs to modernize classrooms, restrooms and other school facilities; construct new science labs and classrooms; replace leaky roofs; improve access to computers; upgrade outdated electrical and plumbing systems; and provide ventilation and air-conditioning.
All the schools were built more than 55 years ago but one, McKevett Elementary School, was built in 1911; the average age of the elementary schools is 70 years old.
Santa Paula’s elementary schools and Isbell Middle School serve about 5,500 students.
