School bonds need our support





Public schools aren’t what they used to be.

In many respects they’re better, but the cost for students to attend public schools has gone up commensurately. Families will face even bigger expenses if a trio of bond measures in the Las Virgenes and Oak Park school districts is passed by voters this June. Public school education is hardly the freebie people think it is.

In Oak Park, some voters feel the bonds come too soon after the passage of a $197 parcel tax in 2004. But the money from the parcel tax can only be used for existing programs. The $106 million from a pair of proposed new bonds would be used for much-needed capital improvements at the six Oak Park schools. Many buildings are more than 20 years old and clearly show their age.

The Las Virgenes Unified School District faces a similar challenge with regard to capital improvements. Even though there’s been a huge surge in property tax revenue accrued to the state from rising home values, the school district has reaped little benefit and about the only way to improve infrastructure is by floating a new bond. In order to upgrade existing school buildings and build new facilities for science and technology, a total of $125 million will be needed from Las Virgenes voters. If you’re a homeowner in Calabasas, Agoura Hills or Westlake Village, your property tax bill will feel the pinch.

Luckily for the districts, the timing for the proposed financing couldn’t be better. State law has lowered the required majority for the passage of new bonds from two-thirds to 55 percent, and while many residents might be reluctant to pay for higher administrative salaries and additional school programs, it’s hard to believe that at least half the voters won’t be supportive of the new bricks, mortar and technology that both school districts so desperately need. This and only this is what the bonds will be used for.

To make sure the bond money is spent properly, school officials promise there will be strict citizen oversight. Informational meetings are now being held in both districts to educate the voters.

All in all, passage of the Oak Park and Las Virgenes school bonds is a must. Worn out facilities can’t last forever and clearly the bonds are the best source of financing.

On June 6, The Acorn encourages voters in their respective districts to pass the Oak Park and Las Virgenes school bonds. Your child’s future depends on it.


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