Survey shows strong community support for Lawndale facilities bond; district advised to plan for 2026 ballot

Consultants for the Lawndale Elementary School District told the board on Oct. 16 that a voter survey showed strong support for a possible facilities bond timed after the district’s 1998 bonds roll off.

Makiko Sato and ISM Advisors reported that the survey, conducted Sept. 9–16 and reaching 409 households, produced initial support of 76.8% for a 75-word ballot question that included the phrase "with no projected increase to current tax rates." The consultant noted a survey margin of error of plus or minus 4.8 percentage points and said that after respondents received more detail about projects and taxes the yes total fell slightly to 75.1% — still well above the 55% threshold required under Proposition 39.

Why it matters: If the board places a measure on the ballot and voters approve it, the district could raise local capital funding for facility repairs and upgrades as portions of existing bond debt expire. The consultant advised continued community outreach and recommended planning for a June or November 2026 ballot.

Key details from the presentation:

- Sample and timing: 409 households surveyed, Sept. 9–16; reported margin of error ±4.8%. - Initial ballot-question support: 76.8% yes on the tested 75-word question. - Post-information support: 75.1% yes after tax and project specifics were provided. - Project testing: All projects tested received at least 65% support; many projects tested above 80% (the consultant said special education, early learning and after-school programs were among the highest-scoring items). - Tax sensitivity: The consultant tested multiple tax-rate scenarios and reported that support levels remained above 55% for all tested rates; for elementary districts Prop 39 places a practical limit at $30 per $100,000 of assessed value on typical tax-rate planning.

Board questions: Trustees asked about legal restrictions and ballot requirements. The consultant explained that under Proposition 39 the district must limit bond proceeds to construction and facility improvements, provide a project list to voters, form a citizens’ bond oversight committee, and stay within tax-rate limits set for elementary districts. A board member who toured schools highlighted safety concerns observed during site visits — including uncovered paint and fire-alarm problems — and asked for the presentation to be shared electronically with absent trustees.

Recommendation and next steps: ISM Advisors recommended continued community education and planning to place a bond measure on the June or November 2026 ballot. The district indicated staff would proceed with planning and inform the board of next steps.