Board withdraws April 2026 bond measure motion, tables ballot language after questions over scope and wording
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Summary
Trustees declined to approve April 2026 bond ballot language and withdrew the motion after members raised concerns about vague 'improved traffic flow' wording, the scale of a $40 million proposal, and the limits on bond proceeds; the item was tabled to January for further refinement and public materials.
A proposed $40 million bond measure intended for the April 2026 ballot was withdrawn and tabled after trustees raised substantive questions about scope, language, and readiness.
The ballot language covered multiple projects: construction and renovation at Matthews Elementary (including entrances, additional classrooms, parking and language referencing 'improved traffic flow'), districtwide security upgrades (secure vestibules), and a turf field and track to expand middle‑school athletic facilities. Board members questioned whether 'improved traffic flow' belongs in ballot language as an outcome rather than a described physical project and whether the $40 million figure realistically covers all listed items.
District staff said roughly half the bond would be targeted to Matthews (planning and phased construction), about $10 million toward security vestibules, and the remainder toward athletic facilities and related projects, while emphasizing bond proceeds cannot pay for operational costs such as personnel. Staff also committed to developing visual renderings and more detailed phasing plans for public outreach.
Because a quorum concern was raised and several trustees preferred more participation before committing to ballot language, the original motion to place the measure on the April ballot was withdrawn and the item was tabled to the January meeting for further development. Staff said they will bring revised language and public materials, including mockups or 3‑D renderings, ahead of any final vote.
Next steps: Administration will refine ballot language, prepare visuals and cost breakdowns, and present updated materials to the board in January for reconsideration.