SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : School Trustees Urge Backing for Bond Issue

Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District urged voters Monday to support Proposition 203, a $3-billion state bond measure which would immediately provide $18 million to the district.

Supt. James A. Fleming warned that without this state funding, the district soon could “face a severe housing crisis which would affect every single school in this district.”

Proposition 203 on the March 26 ballot authorizes the sale of $2.025 billion in bonds for grades kindergarten through 12 and $975 million in bonds for higher education. They money would help finance school construction, restoration and retrofitting.

“This is critical for us now,” said Trustee Marlene Draper. “I urge everyone to support this and get out and vote for it.”

In the Capistrano district, the $18 million would pay for construction projects at Las Flores, Wagon Wheel and Oak Grove elementary schools. After receiving the funds, the district would also apply for additional money generated from the bond measure.

According to the state Department of Finance, more than 140,000 new students enter California’s elementary and secondary schools each year. Of the more than 1,000 school districts in the state, Capistrano is the 17th largest, with a growth rate between 4% and 7% a year.

“It is an investment in our community, not just for those homeowners and residents who have children in our schools,” Trustee Paul B. Haseman said.