Measure Z would pay off facilities loans, fund improvements at
schools
Supporters of a $9.7 million bond on the ballot in the
Aromas-San Juan Unified School District are hopeful that the
measure, which would extend but not increase property taxes, will
pass so the district can free up more money for instructional and
facilities projects.
Measure Z would pay off facilities loans, fund improvements at schools
Supporters of a $9.7 million bond on the ballot in the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District are hopeful that the measure, which would extend but not increase property taxes, will pass so the district can free up more money for instructional and facilities projects.
Measure Z, as it is known, would extend taxes for an additional 25 years if it receives at least 55 percent of the vote. A current bond has 15 more years before it is paid off. Then the Measure Z payments would begin.
“I was not in favor of a bond measure that would increase taxes, but I like the solution that the superintendent (Willard McCabe) came up with to extend the life of the measure to lock in the rate at about $53 per $100,000 of assessed value,” said Kathy Alameda, president of the district’s governing board. “We thought that was a good way of dealing with the situation while still being aware of the economic hard times that we are experiencing.”
Measure Z would pay off a facilities loan of $1.9 million that otherwise would cost the district’s general fund $400,000 per year starting next year. That money is the remaining debt owed on the construction of Anzar High School.
“We’ve been good about putting money aside to pay for that loan, but the money has to come from somewhere (if the measure is not passed),” Alameda said. “The $400,000 payment would be a tremendous burden for us to carry. That money should be going to educate our children.”
The bulk of the Measure Z proceeds would fund facility improvements at San Juan and Aromas schools as well as Anzar High School and the Tom Connolly Mi Escuelita Preschool.
From replacing portable classrooms with permanent facilities at Aromas School to upgrading technology, plumbing and heating and cooling systems in all district schools, supporters say the bond measure would aid a district that has been creative during the economic downturn.
“We’ve done tremendous things without money,” said Alameda, citing a volunteer effort that constructed soccer fields near San Juan School and an agreement with Natural Selection Foods to supply school sites with salad fixings at no cost.
The district acquired salad bars, ice makers and milk coolers through a Monsanto grant to promote healthy eating habits and a subcommittee is working with the San Benito Cardinals youth football league to add a football field at Anzar High School.
“All of these things we’ve done without using money, but it would be nice to make bigger improvements and do bigger items,” Alameda said. “By improving technology in classrooms we can improve the teaching capabilities and options that teachers have at their disposal. We also have older facilities that need upgrading.”
A citizens’ oversight committee that would not include district employees would monitor the money generated by the bond, which can not be used for salaries.
“I’m really excited and nervous about it” Alameda said, “though I’m hopeful that the community understands the needs of our children. Everyone I’ve spoken with is well aware of the needs of our schools. When I talk to them about how Measure Z does not increase the annual tax rate, people are more interested in discussing the idea.”
John Tresch of the Salinas Valley Taxpayers Union told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that Measure Z is the same as a tax increase.
“Real oversight requires personal responsibility if the money is spent badly,” said Tresch, who is leading the fight against the measure. “Measure Z only holds taxpayers responsible for paying the debt and does not hold school administrators personally responsible for their bad management.”
