Clovis Unified School District's $298 million bond measure would not raise property taxes, which could explain why it has drawn support from Democrats to Tea Partiers.
Measure A, which is on the June 5 ballot, would raise funds for repair or project upgrades at each district school, officials say.Each school is having meetings to review planned repairs with residents, said district spokeswoman Kelly Avants.About 60% of Clovis Unified's schools are 20 years or older and many show signs of aging, with leaky roofs and old air-conditioning and heating systems. Others need to be modernized with new electrical and technology systems.This Clovis Unified bond measure differs from earlier measures that focused on building schools to meet the district's growth.In the past, the district spent 80% of bond proceeds on new schools, but 80% of Measure A would be spent on repairs and upgrades, with only 20% designated for a new elementary school site in southeast Clovis.Measure A's campaign committee is advertising this month to raise awareness of the district's plans, and advocates are pushing for its passage by noting the district's track record of careful spending."Clovis Unified has shown they have been very good stewards of bond money," said former Fresno County Sheriff Steve Magarian, a Measure A campaign committee member. "They use [bond money] carefully and wisely in applying it to all the needs they said they would with previous bonds that were passed."One reason for universal political support: Measure A would maintain current property tax levels."This is an extension of an existing tax, and we admire Clovis Unified for being fiscally responsible," said Fran Blackney, communications coordinator for the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. "This was a no-brainer endorsement because every school will get an improvement."If the measure fails, annual tax bills for the average home valued at $205,900 would drop by $64.75, district officials said.No opposition was filed against Measure A in Fresno County voter pamphlets being distributed to voters. The measure requires 55% voter approval to pass.