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The Taft City School District is assessing the feasibility of placing a general obligation bond measure on the June ballot.
And if a survey conducted last week is any indication, the voters are leaning toward supporting a $20 million measure that would patch up the district’s six campuses and improve student access to computers and technology.
“There’s great support for all of the projects that are being proposed,” said Jon Isom, whose firm (Isom Advisors) conducted the telephone survey of 371 residents Jan. 9-12.
He urged the district to continue engaging its stakeholders before deciding whether to place a measure on the ballot.
Isom said only voters who have a consistent record of voting were surveyed.
“We’re talking about revamping classrooms,” said district Supt. Ron Bryant. “We still have two campuses on swamp coolers.”
The last bond measure approved in the district was in 2001.
It also was a $20 million bond that was used to remodel four campuses and add library/media centers to the five elementary schools.
At the time, district administrators felt $40 million was needed, but opted for half that much out of fear voters would balk at approving the larger bond.
Lincoln Junior High was left out of the upgrades entirely and has the greatest need for improvements.
“Our priority will be Lincoln, second Jefferson and third Conley,” Bryant said.
The bond would be primarily for upgrades. The only new construction planned is a library/media center at Lincoln.
Specifically, revenue generated by the bond would repair or replace leaky roofs, replace outdated heating/cooling systems, replace aging plumbing systems, improve student access to computers and modern technology, improve handicapped accessibility, improve student drop-off and pick-up areas, renovate and improve restrooms, and improve fire alarm and security systems.
Isom said the timing is good for a bond measure because interest rates are lower than they have been in history.
“It’s a great time to issue and borrow,” he said. “There is no indication rates will go up anytime soon.”
The survey showed the district scores well in how voters feel about the quality of education it delivers.
Sixty percent rate the district excellent (18.9%) to good (41.2%) in providing quality education. Nine percent rate it poor (5.9%) to very poor (3.2%).
Six out of 10 believe the teachers are excellent or good and have a favorable view of district leadership, how well the district manages it finances and the condition of the facilities.
“That’s the most important component in bond survey,” Isom noted.
Voters also agree that the job begun 10 years ago to upgrade campuses is not complete.
“Seventy percent of voters agree that there still is work that needs to be done,” Isom said.
The measure would cost homeowners $1.50 to $2.50 per month in increased property taxes.
Isom said that once voters surveyed were provided information on what the bond measure would do, overall support was good with 60 percent either favoring (53.4%) or leaning toward a yes vote (8.6%).
Twenty-two percent said they would vote against the measure.
The measure would need 55 percent approval.
The Taft City School District is assessing the feasibility of placing a general obligation bond measure on the June ballot.
And if a survey conducted last week is any indication, the voters are leaning toward supporting a $20 million measure that would patch up the district’s six campuses and improve student access to computers and technology.
“There’s great support for all of the projects that are being proposed,” said Jon Isom, whose firm (Isom Advisors) conducted the telephone survey of 371 residents Jan. 9-12.
He urged the district to continue engaging its stakeholders before deciding whether to place a measure on the ballot.
Isom said only voters who have a consistent record of voting were surveyed.
“We’re talking about revamping classrooms,” said district Supt. Ron Bryant. “We still have two campuses on swamp coolers.”
The last bond measure approved in the district was in 2001.
It also was a $20 million bond that was used to remodel four campuses and add library/media centers to the five elementary schools.
At the time, district administrators felt $40 million was needed, but opted for half that much out of fear voters would balk at approving the larger bond.
Lincoln Junior High was left out of the upgrades entirely and has the greatest need for improvements.
“Our priority will be Lincoln, second Jefferson and third Conley,” Bryant said.
The bond would be primarily for upgrades. The only new construction planned is a library/media center at Lincoln.
Specifically, revenue generated by the bond would repair or replace leaky roofs, replace outdated heating/cooling systems, replace aging plumbing systems, improve student access to computers and modern technology, improve handicapped accessibility, improve student drop-off and pick-up areas, renovate and improve restrooms, and improve fire alarm and security systems.
Isom said the timing is good for a bond measure because interest rates are lower than they have been in history.
“It’s a great time to issue and borrow,” he said. “There is no indication rates will go up anytime soon.”
The survey showed the district scores well in how voters feel about the quality of education it delivers.
Sixty percent rate the district excellent (18.9%) to good (41.2%) in providing quality education. Nine percent rate it poor (5.9%) to very poor (3.2%).
Six out of 10 believe the teachers are excellent or good and have a favorable view of district leadership, how well the district manages it finances and the condition of the facilities.
“That’s the most important component in bond survey,” Isom noted.
Voters also agree that the job begun 10 years ago to upgrade campuses is not complete.
“Seventy percent of voters agree that there still is work that needs to be done,” Isom said.
The measure would cost homeowners $1.50 to $2.50 per month in increased property taxes.
Isom said that once voters surveyed were provided information on what the bond measure would do, overall support was good with 60 percent either favoring (53.4%) or leaning toward a yes vote (8.6%).
Twenty-two percent said they would vote against the measure.
The measure would need 55 percent approval.
