FUHSD gathering data for possible bond measure

Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) administration is currently gathering information to present to its board of trustees in regards to a bond measure, which could possibly be put on the ballot this November.

According to FUHSD chief business officer Wil Hatcher, several elements of the school property are in need of improvement, replacement or updating. On March 16, the board of trustees held a study session for the purpose of receiving an update on the condition of the high school’s facilities.

“This goes back to September 2015, when we had a waterline break,” said Hatcher, who said that once the three-inch line was replaced, inspection of the faulty pipe showed the pipe was nearly rusted shut “like an artery.”

“That started the conversation: what will be the next thing [that breaks]?” said Hatcher.

Some elements of the high school district, such as the Oasis and Ivy high school buildings, have been reconstructed or replaced within the past two years. However, the majority of Fallbrook High’s facilities were built from 1955 to 1978. The most recent additions to Fallbrook High were 31 portable classrooms, which have a 25-year lifespan. The varying ages of facilities has become problematic for administration, as different buildings have different systems for electricity and fire put in place.

“Buildings that were built in the 50s and 60s have a 5-kilovolt system put in because that's all that was around,” said Hatcher. “SDG&E would never put those in today. We also have a 12.5 kilovolt system on campus, but most of the facilities are on the older system. If we were to have a power problem, SDG&E would simply tell us to upgrade.

“In terms of electricity, when we look at classrooms and compare them to newer ones, we are woefully lacking in electrical power," continued Hatcher. "We need electrical power for a Chromebook cart, which would charge the laptops, but there is not enough power, and could blow the circuit or breaker.”

Another problem includes the three fire systems, which have all been added at various times. “One of the systems just doesn’t talk to the others,” said Hatcher. “We have been asked by North County Fire about when we are going to fix that.”

The beginning steps

Under state law, there are two avenues the district can pursue to obtain a bond. The district can use an old statute, which would require that two-thirds majority of voters cast in favor of the bond. However, this statute does not have strong accountability measures put in place to protect the taxpayer, said Hatcher.

As a result, California voters passed Proposition 39 in 2000 to require stronger accountability from school boards asking for a bond.

The amount FUHSD and all other California school districts can receive is set by state law – 1.25 percent of the total assessed valuation of the entire school district. In addition, at any election, a high school district can only seek an amount that is equal to or less than $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

According to Hatcher, the total amount FUHSD could ask for if it did not have an outstanding bond debt would be $66 million.

In 1994, a bond was passed for new construction of the performing arts center, library media center, the 400 and 500 buildings, and minor renovations to the science buildings.

“Not much was used for modernization,” said Hatcher.

The bond will reach maturity in three years, and current debt being paid by Fallbrook property owners is equal to about $26.50 per $100,000 of assessed value.

“So, the property tax on a home with a value of $400,000 is about $106 each year,” explained Hatcher.

This measure would require for a 55 percent majority vote, but has several accountability measures, including a passage of strict spending resolutions, a citizens’ oversight committee, and an independent performance and financial audit.

“This is meant to not burden homeowners from a huge debt for schools,” said Hatcher.

However, the process for applying for a bond measure has not yet been taken, and will not be until the board of trustees has had an opportunity to fully understand what is needed at the district.

“Nothing is official yet,” said FUHSD superintendent Hugo Pedroza. “Ultimately, the board has to act and say that we are putting a bond measure on the ballot. However, we need to gather information needed so the board can be informed and grounded.”

Planning for the future

If FUHSD were to implement a bond, it would essentially increase the

current bond another 25 years, with taxpayers paying the same amount for the bond that is currently in place.

“Taxpayers would maintain the $26.50 per $100,000,” said Hatcher. “We want to keep it level.”

Pedroza explained that certain steps must be taken before a bond can be put into place.

“The board can’t just say, ‘Go for it.’ We have to gather evidence and see the likelihood of success, as well as see the nitty gritty details,” said Pedroza, who added the likelihood of a bond being approved by the board looks “promising.”

“The need is there, and the board hasn’t given us a signal that they wouldn’t approve it,” said Pedroza. “However, we are not taking anything for granted.”

The board would also need to vote to pass a resolution outlining the specifics of the ballot question and the projects to be funded with the bond proceeds. During a study session on June 13, the board discussed ways to determine project priorities if the district were to place a ballot measure up for election this November.

“We found that taking care of existing facilities polled high, followed by taking care of the kids and classrooms,” said Hatcher. “If we look at facilities, and have proper maintenance, we can extend their life usefulness.”

Limited funding for multiple renovations

FUHSD does not receive additional funding for capital improvements, renovation, or new construction from the state or other sources, said Hatcher.

“We are required by the state to set aside three percent, or about $1 million, each year from the general fund for the ongoing maintenance of our facilities,” he said. “We use those dollars to maintain our current facilities, such as roof replacements, plumbing, and electrical repairs and upgrades.”

FUHSD does receive developer fees ($1.16 per square foot of construction for residential), which generates approximately $100,000 per year, explained Hatcher. However, those funds are restricted to pay for certain school facility improvements, but not for general maintenance.

“These funds are how we are paying for current roof renovations,” said Hatcher. “Some of the development off of the 15/76 (I-15/SR-76) corridor will be allocated to us, but a larger portion of the development is in the new Bonsall High School area. About one-third of the developer fees will go to us.”

According to Hatcher, the most critical areas to focus on are areas that directly impact students. This includes the school buildings, roofs, plumbing, electricity and HVAC.

“Within the next 40 years, FHS will be 100 years old, and we will have 25,000 to 100,000 students go through those walls,” said Hatcher. “Do we want them to enter a dilapidated, crumbling building, or do we want to offer them the best we can provide?”

According to Pedroza, the plan for the district is to leave a legacy for future students. Pedroza explained there will be no “frivolous stuff” updated with the funds.

“It will all be much needed improvements,” said Pedroza. “Under Hatcher, we have a reactive, preventative maintenance model, but no matter what we do, we do not have enough money. We want taxpayers and residents to be confident that they can continue to support the school. It is important to all that we do right by our community, kids and folks.”

Further information regarding the proposed bond measure will be presented at the next board meeting, which will be held on July 11.