ESCONDIDO – The go-ahead for a November bond measure that would pay for building a small high school and improving three others could emerge tonight from the school board.
The Escondido Union High School District board is convening for a special workshop, the first of two meetings to put the finishing touches on the proposed $98 million bond measure.
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Escondido Union High School District board meeting
When: 6 tonight
Where: 302 N. Midway Drive
What: The board will give direction concerning a $98 million bond measure.
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While the five-member board is not scheduled for a final vote on the matter until early next month, assistant superintendent for business services Barry Dragon said tonight's meeting could end any guesswork.
“There won't be a policy decision, but what they're likely to do is provide direction to the superintendent about bringing an item forward on Aug. 5” for approval, Dragon said. “I'm hoping they will, but the board is the boss.”
Administrators will brief the board on “how we think (the measure) meets the needs of the community,” Dragon said. The board also will hear from an Oakland-based political consultant it retained to lay the groundwork for the measure.
The district has until Aug. 8 to submit to the county the required paperwork for the Nov. 4 election.
The board has appeared inclined to go forward with the measure, under discussion for more than two years.
It has selected an architect for the proposed $40 million school, which would be built on vacant district-owned land at the north end of Citracado Parkway at West Valley Parkway. The school would be geared to the medical and biotechnology careers, serving 500 to 800 students.
The measure also would provide funds to build new classrooms to replace portable modules at San Pasqual, Orange Glen and Escondido high schools and the Adult Education Center. District officials also are promising to build modern science and computer labs at the high schools, improve campus safety and security, and increase energy efficiency.
A districtwide mailer asking for community input makes the district's views clear.
“Modern, well-maintained classrooms, labs and equipment help create a quality teaching and learning environment,” it reads. “Overcrowded, outdated school facilities don't.”
The measure would require a 55 percent majority to pass. Yet to be calculated is how much it would cost property owners if approved.
One option would restore the original tax rate of a 1996 school bond measure, effectively adding about $4.50 annually for each $100,000 in assessed valuation to what property owners pay now. Another option would restore the $4.50 and tack on an additional $5 per $100,000 in assessed valuation.
Opposition so far has emerged mainly from residents of the Oakstone development, some of whom say it is folly to ask voters to approve a bond measure during a weak economy.
Jeff Ristine: (760) 737-7578; jeff.ristine@uniontrib.com
