Orange Unified Bonds Go on Ballot

Orange Unified School District trustees have voted to place a $196-million bond measure on the November ballot to fund extensive school renovations.

The 5-2 decision by trustees Thursday night came nearly five months after voters defeated Measure A -- a similar, $200-million bond proposal.

For months, officials have said the district’s 41 aging schools need major repairs. With more than half of the schools more than 40 years old, classrooms need improvements including new roofs, updated wiring and handicapped access, said assistant superintendent Thomas A. Godley.

Godley also said the district uses 290 outdated, portable classrooms to handle overcrowding -- more than twice as many as officials want.

Arnold Steinberg, a consultant hired by the district, said a survey indicated that the second bond effort was likely to pass. He told trustees he expects the presidential contest to draw younger voters, who, he said, are more willing to support school tax increases.

The bond measure requires 55% approval for passage. It would increase property taxes by $36.45 for every $100,000 in assessed property value.

“The naysayers say that the community has already said no,” said board President Melissa J. Smith. “But all I hear from people is, ‘Will you please try this again?’ ”

Kathy Moran, a vocal opponent of Measure A, called the new effort a “very imprudent decision.” Moran agreed that district schools need improvement, but said trustees had squandered available funds.

Passage of the bonds would make Orange Unified eligible for up to $80 million in state matching funds.