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Brea Olinda board approves resolution to place $160 million school facilities bond on November ballot
Summary
The Brea Olinda Unified School District board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 24-14 to order a facilities bond election. Trustees and district leaders framed the measure as necessary to modernize aging campuses, with officials estimating an average homeowner cost of about $229 per year.
The Brea Olinda Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on July 17 to adopt Resolution 24-14, formally ordering an election to place a facilities bond before voters this fall. The board approved the amended resolution by a 5-0 roll-call vote.
Superintendent Leon urged the board to support the resolution as a response to long-standing facility needs, saying the district serves more than 6,000 students at 10 schools some of which have not been modernized in decades. “So tonight, board, I urge you to support this bond resolution,” the superintendent said, framing the measure as an investment in students, staff and the community.
Why it matters: district staff and trustees said state funding does not cover modernization needs and outlined priorities including a major modernization of Brea Junior High School and updates at Brea Olinda High School. Superintendent Leon told the board the district had engaged extensively with parents, teachers and community members and that the bond language was intentionally broad to allow flexibility within the district’s capital priorities.
Details and cost estimates: staff described the proposed bond package in the meeting materials and noted a planning figure of $160,000,000 to address a range of projects. A trustee restated a district estimate presented to the board that an average homeowner would pay about $229 per year (assessed-value calculation shown in supporting materials). Trustees also noted an existing bond will expire in roughly three years, which will reduce the net tax impact for some homeowners.
Board discussion and outreach: trustees pressed for voter-facing materials and a cost calculator to answer common questions and emphasized transparency about project priorities. Several trustees and trustees-electors said modernization of the junior high would likely be among the first priorities and asked staff to retain the ability to sequence projects in tranches.
Vote and next steps: the resolution passed by roll-call with Trustees Becerra, Flanders, Lyons, Miller and Ruiz each voting “Aye.” Staff said the next steps include finalizing ballot language and continuing community outreach and tours of prioritized facilities.
