Local voters who go to the polls on November 4 will find a bond measure on the ballot to fund construction of new facilities in the William S. Hart Union High School District and complete modernization programs at the district’s existing schools. The bond was authorized by the district’s governing board at its July 16 business meeting, following a presentation of the district’s needs by Chief Operating Officer Rob Gapper.
High on the list of projects to be funded by a bond is construction of a new high school to serve students in the growing Castaic area. Schools across the district continue to face overcrowding until a new school can be built.
The proposed bond also would complete the modernization cycle started on existing district schools using Measure V bonds approved by local voters in 2001, state funds and developer fees. Using all available sources of income, the district has leveraged Measure V’s $158 million to complete more than $370 million in school construction and modernization since that time.
Extensive modernization projects already have been completed at Saugus and Canyon high schools and Arroyo Seco Junior High, and additional projects currently are underway at Hart High School and Placerita and Sierra Vista junior high schools.
A new bond would allow completion of those projects and also provide the district’s remaining students with equal access to high-quality educational facilities that meet current building codes for safety and modern technology.
The board-authorized bond issue would cost local taxpayers $5 a year more than the $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation authorized by local voters with Measure V. A detailed list of projects that could be funded by the bond proceeds will be available as part of the official ballot measure, and an independent citizens’ oversight committee will be formed to see that bond funds are spent as authorized.
The ballot measure calls for funding to improve educational opportunities for local students by repairing, replacing and upgrading outdated classrooms, science/computer labs, instructional technology, wiring, plumbing, heating and ventilation. It will provide improved safety to meet current fire/seismic codes and add a new high school and facilities and classrooms to relieve student overcrowding.
All funds will remain local and no money will be spent for administrator salaries.
The Hart District has an excellent track record of providing high-quality education. An investment in the district’s aging school infrastructure will help maintain this high level of academic achievement.