Board authorizes staff to advance bond planning after consultant outlines Prop 39 strategy

The Eureka Union School District Board on Feb. 11 authorized staff to proceed with contracting consultants, updating the district's facility master plan and launching voter outreach and a scientific survey to test support for a local bond measure.

The action follows a presentation by Michael Remenschneider of eShore Consulting that outlined the district’s facilities funding gap, described Prop 39 as the most likely bond vehicle and recommended a phased, community-centered approach to produce a deliverable project list and feasibility analysis.

Remenschneider told the board the district’s previously developed facilities master plan (FMP) showed an “80 to $90 million” range for needs and that cost increases since 2019 likely push the number higher. He described Prop 39 as the bond type that requires 55% voter approval and said it imposes requirements the district must meet, including an explicit project list, annual performance/financial audits and a citizen oversight committee. “Prop 39 … requires only 55% of voter approval,” Remenschneider said.

Superintendent Tom Janis summarized next steps: form a Community Facilities Finance Committee, update the FMP with Studio W (formerly BCA) and engage a state-aid consultant (Park DeLong/Hackard Park DeLong) to confirm eligibility for matching funds. The board was also briefed on projected tax-rate limits (roughly $30 per $100,000 of assessed value for non‑unified districts) that will define the maximum feasible bond amount.

Trustees discussed timing, project prioritization and the cost of campaign and planning work. President Nash emphasized the prudence of stopping the effort if polling indicates insufficient support, saying staff would not move forward if a survey showed the measure had little chance of success. Board members stressed narrowing the project list to high‑priority items with short delivery timelines and using precinct-level results from the district’s previous Measure A to guide outreach.

After deliberation the board approved a motion authorizing staff to begin the recommended planning work, including vendor selection for the FMP update, state-aid eligibility review and a voter opinion survey. The approval allows staff to negotiate agreements but requires each contract to return to the board for final approval.

The district will convene a roughly 30‑member Community Facilities Finance Committee on Feb. 25 to refine priorities and site‑level project lists. Remenschneider and other consultants recommended pursuing state matching funds where eligible and running a scientifically sampled survey in May–June to determine whether to place a measure on a June or November 2026 ballot.

The board’s action does not place a bond on the ballot or commit the district to a tax rate; instead it funds planning and outreach steps intended to determine feasibility and community support. If polling shows insufficient support, staff and consultants will pause campaign activity and return to the board with next steps.

Supporters of the planning effort said a focused project list that addresses urgent needs (for example roofs and other high‑priority repairs) and a shorter, 3–5 year delivery horizon would improve voter receptivity. The consultant noted county election deadlines that require the board to adopt a calling resolution several months before the desired election date.

Board President Nash, Superintendent Janis and Michael Remenschneider were the principal speakers during the item.