Measure L will be on the ballot for Escalon Unified School District voters come November; the $27.7 million bond would finance construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or replacement of school facilities, as well as the furnishing and equipping of school facilities and acquisition or lease of school facilities.
No funds from the bond may be used for general school operating expenses or teacher or administrator salaries, according to an analysis of the measure by the San Joaquin County Counsel.
District Superintendent Ricardo Chavez said the district understands this will be a long-term bond, with an estimated cost of $29 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.
“With the current bond, we’re basically looking at increasing school safety and security, modernization and new construction, such as classrooms and labs,” Chavez said.
It would allow for expansion of district CTE, career training classes, and would help with crucial infrastructure needs such as addressing deteriorating roofs, as well as upgrading plumbing and electrical systems.
Some of the projects, Chavez said, would receive state matching funds, but that money is contingent on passage of the bond.
“The projects are spelled out in the district master plan and that can be found on our district website,” Chavez added.
The bond measure, on the ballot in November, would require a 55 percent approval.
“The district is working on scheduling some informational meetings,” said Chavez, as they want to present the bond information and the variety of projects it can finance to the public.
Ballots featuring the various local, state and national races along with local bond issues will be going out soon, and Chavez said district officials and school board members want to make sure voters have all the information they need concerning the bond.
County Counsel indicated that Measure L has specific requirements, such as establishing an independent citizens’ oversight committee, conducting annual independent performance and financial audits, and directing the proceeds of the bonds to be deposited into a special fund.
The two most recent bonds for the school district – from 2002 and 2012 – provided for such projects as construction of the El Portal Gymnasium and the EHS Theatre through the 2002 bond; along with a far-reaching modernization program at Escalon High School, a water loop system at Collegeville Elementary, and Phase 1 of the modernization project at Dent Elementary through the 2012 bond.
Chavez said the latest bond measure focuses on infrastructure and educational needs.
“There isn’t any language in there for sports or athletic facilities,” he pointed out.
Much of the work done to upgrade Engel Field and the track and field facilities at the high school was done through the receipt of COVID grant funds.
The 2024 bond, if approved by 55 percent of voters casting ballots, is anticipated to be a 30-year bond.
