SLUSD School Board Votes to Place School Improvement Bond on March Ballot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Keziah Moss, Director of Community & Employee Engagement, (510) 667-6202, kmoss@slusd.us

SLUSD School Board Votes to Place School Improvement Bond on March Ballot

Bond proceeds focused on student needs and completing essential renovation and new construction projects

November 6, 2019

SAN LEANDRO, CA: The San Leandro School Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to place a $198 million dollar bond measure on the March 2020 Presidential Primary election ballot during their board meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

“In 2016, the District’s comprehensive strategic facilities plan identified nearly $300 million in critical upgrades and necessary improvements for our 13 school sites to become exemplary 21st-century learning environments,” said SLUSD Superintendent Mike McLaughlin, “In response, the community overwhelmingly voted in favor of Measure J1.  The construction work has come in on time and budget. We are deeply grateful for the community’s support. However, Measure J1 was a $104 million bond.  Since the state does not provide schools funds for capital expenditures without a local match, it is necessary that we again turn to the community to support our schools and finish the work identified in our strategic facilities plan.”

A combination of essential renovation projects and needed new construction is the focus of the District’s new bond project list shared Tuesday, including renovated and remodeled school hallways, classrooms, kitchens and cafeterias; a new classroom building at San Leandro High School, replacement of aging portables with modern, permanent classrooms and learning spaces districtwide, improved outdoor areas including new shaded learning and meeting spaces, a new gymnasium at San Leandro High School, and modernized fields and outdoor areas at Bancroft and John Muir Middle Schools. A full, site-specific project projection with a completed Measure J1 bond project comparison can be accessed on the district’s website at https://www.sanleandro.k12.ca.us/Page/11542.

“I’m very proud of this district because they step up to the plate for our students time and time again,” said former San Leandro Mayor and school board trustee Stephen Cassidy in support of the bond resolution at the November 5, 2019, school board meeting.  “We know when we give clear, compelling messages to our community, they support our schools. I look forward to helping the district achieve success in March and continue to build a legacy for San Leandro children.”

If passed on March 3, 2020, the district will issue $198 million over the next 20 years at an estimated rate of $45 per $100,000 in assessed valuation.  Annual audits and a citizens oversight committee will ensure the funds are spent in accordance with the ballot proposition. Bond funds are designated exclusively for facilities improvements, and will not be used for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries or other school operating expenses. Many projects identified on the list will also qualify for state matching funds that could not be accessed without a bond measure.

About the San Leandro Unified School District

The San Leandro Unified School District operates a comprehensive TK-12 program and an adult school at campuses throughout San Leandro. The district educates its students by utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and innovative teaching strategies to help students achieve academic excellence and become collaborative and competitive in a global society. For more information, visit www.slusd.us