Citing the need to repair leaky roofs, improve computer technology and replace deteriorating, 30-year-old school restrooms, the school board on Aug. 3 voted to place a $268 million bond measure on the ballot.
No money would be used to pay salaries or other administrative costs, district officials said.
The bond must be approved by 55 percent of voters in Santa Monica and Malibu before any money is issued. If so, property owners can expect to pay an additional $30 for every $100,000 of assessed value when their property taxes are due.
The measure comes as the district completes an extensive community outreach process to develop a facilities master plan, which will drive land use in the district for the next 20 years.
School board members and other supporters believe the money is needed to prepare the district for the future, which could include the construction of new classrooms to ease overcrowding at some of the district’s largest schools, including John Adams Middle School and Santa Monica High School.
Those opposed point to two parcel taxes — Measures S and Y — already providing roughly $10 million a year for district operations, as well as declining enrollment figures as reasons not to support a new tax.
A district-sponsored survey conducted by an independent firm in Santa Monica found that an overwhelming majority of the 500 voters contacted said they would support a bond if the tax level stayed at or below $30.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 12, 2006. Read the original PDF.