School bond ups the ante

The bond measure that Las Virgenes Unified School District expects to place on the June ballot is expected to be slightly higher than origionally thought, yet won’t cost tax payers any more money, officials said last week.

The bond measure will raise $3 million more than the $125 million that was initially forecast. The cost to voters will remain the same at no more than $25 per $100,000 property valuation, according to the school district.

Oak Park Unified School District, in comparison, is looking at a pair of bond measures, including one that would increase the rate homeowners must pay from $140 to $174 per $100,000 of assessed value.

The extra $3 million for Las Virgenes will be used to jumpstart a sweeping, district-wide technology improvement plan. Plans call for $2 million to be spent on technology upgrades every three years until 2021.

A portion of the extra funds will also be used to pay for previously unanticipated projects. Donald Zimring, deputy superintendent of the district, said that a lunch shelter at Lupin Hill Elementary School is needed, while Bay Laurel Elementary School needs new bathrooms.

Inflation was a big concern for school board and staff members. More than $36 million will be set aside for an anticipated 7 percent annual inflation over five years. Inflation costs were determined by independent audits by a citizens’ oversight committee.

To help keep inflation under control, School Board Member Moorman said major projects will be completed sooner rather than later. Moorman said high priority projects include the completion of the new Yerba Buena Elementary School, the expansion and remodel of Lindero Canyon Middle School and the construction of a new elementary school in Calabasas.

All schools in the district prepared a project “wish list” for the next 15 years with Agoura High School topping the list at $24 million. While Agoura High School and Calabasas High School would each like a $12 million performing arts center, Agoura High School needs about $4 million more than Calabasas to complete their list of projects.

The biggest difference in funding needs between the two schools is Agoura’s desire to replace the trailer classrooms. Construction of a permanent, two-story modular building is expected to cost $2.2 million.

Stadium upgrades at both high schools have been requested, but the cost at Agoura High School is estimated to cost $1.5 million, or about $500,000 more than Calabasas. Two additional science classrooms will be added to both high schools.

Electronic key systems at each of the high schools have also been recommended. School officials noted that security at the schools— especially the gyms—have become a concern.

Indian Hills High School wants four new classrooms at an estimated cost of $500,000.

“The board held the staff and the consultants’ feet to the fire to make sure that all of the projects and all of the descriptions were accurate representations of the work being done,” Zimring said.

All of the elementary schools have identified facility upgrades for extended day kindergarten classes.

Board and staff members also discussed the possibility of a solar panel roof for Lindero Canyon Middle school, which would reduce energy costs.

Terilyn Finders, board member, said that one of the “clear and compelling reasons” that the school board considered a bond measure was because of the need to expand and renovate Lindero Canyon Middle School.

If the measure is placed on the June 2006 ballot, a 55 percent majority will be required to pass.