School bond measure approved for Nov. ballot

The Lake Elsinore Unified School District Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to place a $105 million school bond measure on the November 8, 2016 ballot. During their August 4 meeting, trustees spoke out about the need for a bond to provide more classroom capacity; to increase student skills in math and science; to expand career pathways and technology; to increase energy efficiency, and to improve school safety.

In response to this historic step, President Juan I. Saucedo said, “The greatest impact we can have on LEUSD students now and in the future is securing a dependable, long-term source of revenue to meet our goals for a 21st Century education.”

The intended use of bond proceeds, if approved, is to enhance, expand and provide:

  • Classrooms, labs and equipment for career and technology education classes, so students are prepared for college and in-demand jobs in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology and skilled trades;
  • Improved student safety and campus security systems, including security fencing, security cameras, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers;
  • The facilities and technology needed to support high quality instruction in math and science;
  • Upgrades to old, worn-out playground equipment, play fields and sports fields to meet current health and safety standards;
  • The facilities and equipment needed to support high quality instruction in music and the arts;
  • Improved heating, ventilation, insulation, doors and windows to increase energy efficiency and save money;
  • Additional classrooms and schools to reduce student overcrowding and support student education for a 21st Century learning environment.

Taxpayer protections in the bond proposition include a citizens’ oversight committee for overall transparency, prohibiting the use of funds for school salaries, and annual audits of bond revenues and expenditures.

This school bond measure would require a 55 percent voter majority to pass. If enacted, the average annual cost to property owners would be approximately $19 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

All of LEUSD’s neighboring school districts have voter-approved school bonds in place to enhance facilities and classroom instruction; LEUSD does not currently have any voter-approved bonds.




Weather

CANYON LAKE WEATHER

Facebook