San Marcos School District celebrates Measure JJ bond approval for campus renovations

In a vibrant gathering at the San Marcos Unified School District's special meeting, excitement filled the air as board members and community members celebrated a significant milestone: the successful passage of Measure JJ, a school bond aimed at revitalizing aging facilities across the district. With over 55% support from the San Marcos community, the bond represents a crucial step forward in addressing the pressing needs of local schools.

The meeting, held on May 1, 2025, showcased the district's ambitious plans for the future. Tova Korman, the executive director of facilities planning and development, outlined a comprehensive vision for the district's facilities, emphasizing the importance of modernizing educational environments to better serve students. "The real work begins now," Korman stated, as she unveiled a series of upcoming construction projects funded by the bond.

Among the highlighted projects is a large-scale renovation of Woodland Park Middle School, which has long struggled with its outdated layout. The planned improvements include the construction of two new two-story classroom buildings and a complete reconfiguration of the campus to enhance accessibility and flow. "We are thrilled to provide a 21st-century middle school experience to our students," Korman added.

Nob Hill Elementary and Paloma Elementary are also set to benefit from significant upgrades. Nob Hill will see a phased reconstruction that introduces a new bus drop-off area and replaces outdated portable classrooms with modern facilities. Meanwhile, Paloma Elementary, located in a rapidly growing area, will replace its aging portables with new buildings, a kitchen, and a multipurpose room to accommodate its expanding student body.

Athletic facilities at both Mission Hills High School and San Marcos High School will also receive attention, with improvements including new artificial turf for stadiums and upgraded practice fields. These enhancements reflect the district's commitment to supporting student engagement in sports and extracurricular activities.

Parent volunteer Vanessa Smith, who played a pivotal role in rallying community support for Measure JJ, expressed her gratitude during the meeting. She shared her journey from a parent advisory committee member to a campaign leader, highlighting the collective effort that brought the bond to fruition. "This is a legacy project for our community," Smith remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful change.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of optimism was palpable. The passage of Measure JJ not only signifies a commitment to improving educational facilities but also strengthens the bond between the district and the community it serves. With construction set to begin this summer, the San Marcos Unified School District is poised to embark on a transformative journey that promises to enhance the learning experience for current and future generations of students.