Vallecitos to seek $2 million bond in November election - Board of trustees approve resolution for bond to improve facilities

The Vallecitos School District (VSD) board of trustees approved specifications for a bond measure to be put on the Nov. 4 ballot at their June board meeting. Funds from the bond would be used for various improvements at the school facility.

According to VSD superintendent and principal David Jones, the district board has created a facilities improvement priority list that details various projects and renovations needed for the school building and grounds.

“There are some health and safety issues with facilities,” explained Jones, who said the budget for facilities maintenance is “nowhere near” where it should be in order to improve all of the renovations and upgrades required.

“These are very much needed improvements,” he said. “We are not asking for a new football field or a swimming pool, or any whistles and bells. We need to take care of our facilities, because our campus does not look appealing. In some areas, it has been 20 to 30 years since replacements or improvements have been made.”

Some of the improvements listed include new asphalt for the playground area, new drainage for the school field, a septic system, and removal of a large tree with invasive roots that are lifting up parts of the school building.

“Tree removal alone would be a $10,000 decision,” said Jones.

The district would also include the installation of a fence alongside the front of the school property for added security and solar panels to be placed on the roof.

“A lot is related to the roof, which needs repair, and will be looked at,” said Jones. “Since we are making improvements to the roof, we may use the solar as a way to bring down our energy bills.”

Funds from the bond would also be used for technological infrastructure within the school, allowing teachers to meet new state standards for technology.

Jones explained that the resolution was passed by the board, and that a taxpayer survey showed community members would be in favor of the bond measure. Currently, there are no bond measures on the Vallecitos School District community.

“If the bond is passed, it will be about $30 per year for every $100,000 of the assessed value of a home in the district,” said Jones. “This is not on what people originally paid on the home, it is on what the value of the home is currently assessed at.”

“The bond will be for approximately $2 million,” he said.

The bond measure is projected to be voted on during the Nov. 4 election, and a district committee will be formed to educate the community on the fund use.

“It is our job to educate homeowners and inform them on the decision,” said Jones. “Since approval has just passed, we have not yet formed the committee. If someone is interested in getting involved, they can contact me directly. We are interested in having town hall meetings and making calls to explain what we are doing.”