A vote Tuesday night by the Morgan Hill Unified School District board of education could send the district’s proposed $198 million bond measure to the Nov. 6 ballot.
The bond – which will pay for facility updates, basic repairs, upgraded science labs, modern technology advances and other “infrastructure needs” – has been touted by the district and the board over many months, but a final decision will come during a roll call vote Tuesday evening at MHUSD’s regular school board meeting. In order for it to meet state law requirements, it must receive four votes among the seven members of MHUSD’s board of trustees.
Here is the proposed language of the board’s resolution:
“To improve student access to computers and modern technology and provide a quality education, repair or replace leaky roofs, upgrade old plumbing, heating/cooling systems, classrooms and outdated restrooms, upgrade fire safety, maximize energy efficiency, improve handicapped accessibility and modernize, construct and acquire classrooms, equipment, sites and facilities, shall Morgan Hill Unified School District issue $198,250,000 in bonds at legal rates, with citizen oversight, annual audits, no funds for administrator salaries and all funds spend on local schools?”
To pass, the measure requires 55 percent voter approval (Morgan Hill residents are eligible). The school district conducted a survey of about 400 voters earlier this year and found voters were open to paying a general obligation bond – or money loaned to an agency such as a school district and paid back through taxation – of about $60 per $100,000 of assessed home value. Nearly 60 percent of respondents said they would vote “yes.” That amount would generate up to $195 million.
The bond funds would be spread across all 16 schools within the district, including Central Continuation High School, the historic Machado School and the Charter School of Morgan Hill.
If the election is unsuccessful, the district will be liable to pay for all charges related to conducting the election.
In 1999, 67 percent of Morgan Hill voters passed a $72.5 million bond at $75.10 per $100,000 in assessed value with a 27-year pay back period that ends in 2026. Recently, voters have not been so kind to the idea of new taxes.
In 2006, Morgan Hill voters defeated a $96 parcel tax with 55.5 percent supporting the measure, shy of the 67 percent needed. The proposed parcel tax was to fund technology, fine arts and athletic programs.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA:
- A presentation on the highlights from the California Student Opportunity and Access program 2011-12.
- Approve the master plan for English Learners 2012-13.
- An annual program self-evaluation report on the state preschool program.
The public segment of the meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday at 15600 Concord Circle, Morgan Hill. The next meeting is slated for Aug. 14.
