Prop 55 modernizes K-college and Measure E would renovate
Gavilan
The choices voters make in the March 2 election could affect schools in the Morgan Hill School District and Gavilan students as well.
Proposition 55, if approved by voters, would allow the state to issue $12.3 billion in bonds to build and remodel school facilities, at kindergarten through university levels.
“Probably the most important of the propositions in terms of the School District is Prop 55,” said Trustee Tom Kinoshita. “This could affect the condition of our facilities in the future.”
Trustee Mike Hickey said he would rather not comment until he had had time to study the propositions more thoroughly, which he would do before the election.
Trustee Amina Khemici also said she would prepare herself to vote on March 2 but was not prepared to talk about the propositions at this time.
Trustee Shellé Thomas said California voters would make the decisions, and she would prefer not to have a political influence over voter choice.
Trustees Del Foster, Jan Masuda and Board President George Panos did not return calls by press time.
• Measure E asks voters to authorize the sale of $108 million in bonds to cover renovation of the aging Gavilan Community College campus in Gilroy, to upgrade library and student services center, provide a permanent San Benito County facility and buy land for a permanent Morgan Hill facility. Measure E needs 55 percent approval to pass.
If passed by a 55 percent majority, would add $15 per $100,000 of assessed value to homeowners’ property tax bills in the South Valley and San Benito County.
Councilman Greg Sellers said that, while he reluctantly supports Props. 57/58 – the California bond/balanced budget issues, he is happier about Measure E, to improve Gavilan College.
