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Newman-Crows Landing Unified board approves $24 million in general obligation bonds
Summary
The board voted 5-0 to authorize issuance of up to $24 million in general obligation bonds (two series of up to $12 million each). Public commenters urged more transparency about the project list and budget impacts.
The Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District Board of Education voted 5-0 on Oct. 13 to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds —Measure S Series A and Measure T Series A— in principal amounts not to exceed $12,000,000 each, for a combined total not to exceed $24,000,000.
The resolution (listed in board materials as Resolution 2025-2026-05) also approved a preliminary official statement, a bond purchase agreement and related documents. Board members Mister Watt, Missus Gonzales, Mister Rudy, President Don Cabral and Clerk Rivas all voted in favor on a roll-call vote.
The vote followed public comment from community members who asked for more detail about how bond proceeds would be spent. Carolyn Mendoza, who identified herself as a former assistant superintendent and chief business official and longtime community member, told the board, “I see the board is preparing to issue $24,000,000 in bonds. What's the project list for these funds? I didn't see one in the preliminary operating statement.” Mendoza said she was concerned the publicly available backup materials did not show the project list or cost breakdown tied to the proposed bonds.
Mendoza also raised questions about the district budget and salary schedules being considered on the same agenda, saying the combination of a large bond authorization and proposed salary changes could create confusion for the public: “Passing these paltry increases to the site school staff while issuing $24,000,000 in bonds will be confusing to the general public about why there's money for facilities but not operations.” Those concerns were discussed during later agenda items.
Board members did not provide a project-by-project expenditure list during the Oct. 13 discussion. The resolution as approved authorizes staff to proceed with bond issuance documents; it does not itself specify a project-by-project allocation in the text discussed at the meeting.
Votes at a glance: Resolution authorizing issuance and sale of general obligation bonds (Election 2024, Series A, Measures S and T, not to exceed $12,000,000 each) — approved 5-0.
The board’s action authorizes the district to execute sale documents and proceed with the bond issuance; any subsequent steps to spend bond proceeds will be governed by applicable procedures and future board approvals or disclosures.
