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Deadline looms for school districts to put property tax measures on the ballot
The lockers at Hosler Middle School in the Lynwood Unified School District where voters approved an $80 million bond in 2024.
(
Ashley Balderrama
/
LAist
)
With students are out of school, district leaders across L.A. County are deciding whether to ask voters to approve property tax increases this November to fund repairs and renovations.
District governing boards have until Aug. 7 to call for ballot measures.
Even with a record number of school bonds and a $10 billion statewide bond approved in the 2024 election, many districts are still strapped for funding to repair aging infrastructure and update classrooms.
The Bellflower Unified School District Board voted unanimously in mid June to ask voters to approve a $135 million bond.
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“ Schools are the heart of communities,” said Erin Simon, superintendent of the Southeast L.A. County district. “You want your school to be something that is aesthetically amazing and beautiful, and places that your kids want to come to, and places that your families want to send [their] kids to.”
For example, Bellflower High School just celebrated its 75th anniversary and its athletic facilities are showing their age. The district’s facilities master plan calls for new turf in the stadium and locker rooms that are more accessible for students with disabilities.
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Simon said the master plan also identified the need for new roofs, restrooms, plumbing and electrical systems throughout the district.
At least three other L.A. County school districts have called for bond measures so far.
Voter-approved school funding defined
Bond measure
When voters approve a local school bond, it authorizes districts to borrow money to pay for big projects like repairs and construction. Residents pay back the loan and interest through an increase in property taxes. Local bonds need either a two-thirds or 55% vote to pass; the latter comes with increased accountability measures.
Parcel tax
Voters who approve a parcel tax agree to a predetermined tax on each parcel of property to fund school programs, typically not related to facilities upkeep. These measures require a two-thirds vote to pass.
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