Trustees place bond on Nov. 4 ballot to improve facilities, handle growth

--- Published on July 23rd 2014 ---

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Natomas Unified’s Board of Trustees voted tonight to place a facilities bond measure on the November 4 ballot to upgrade schools and lay groundwork to handle a surge of growth expected once the local building moratorium lifts.

 

Proceeds would be used to benefit all Natomas Unified schools – charters and non-charters—through facilities projects from expanding safety and security systems to enhancing learning opportunities to acquiring land and building schools for projected enrollment growth.

 

“Our District Vision is that all students graduate as college and career ready, so we need to provide facilities and learning opportunities to accomplish that even while enrollment soars after the building moratorium ends,” Superintendent Chris Evans said. “This bond would be an investment in our future.”

 

The measure would authorize up to $129 million for Natomas schools, potentially supplemented by state funds, while annually costing taxpayers no more than $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. Proceeds would be monitored by a citizens bond oversight committee, would be audited annually by independent experts, and could not be spent on administrative salaries or pensions.

 

In placing the bond before voters, Trustees directed bond proceeds to projects that enhance college and career readiness or benefit Natomas Unified by targeting:

 

  • 21st Century Learning Classroom Improvements, including buildings, furniture, technology and equipment to allow for student collaboration, teamwork and expanded learning methods
  • Student and Staff Support Facilities, including libraries, student services and administrative facilities
  • Classroom, Lab and School Construction, Repairs or Upgrades, including projects to enhance instruction for college and career readiness, science, technology and arts

     

  • Safety and Security, including fire protection systems, security systems, emergency communication systems, lighting, and entry and access areas
  • Basic Infrastructure and Utilities, including energy efficiency, wiring for computer technology and Internet access, and improvements to water, storm drainage, plumbing, sewer, electrical, or heating and cooling systems
  • Landscape and Hardscape Improvements and Repairs, including playgrounds, courtyards, quads, fields, shade structures, trees and irrigation systems

For approval, the bond requires support from 55 percent of Natomas Unified voters who cast ballots in the November 4 election.