La Canada Unified board approves $113 million bond election for June 2, 2026

The La Canada Unified School District governing board voted Feb. 24 to call a June 2, 2026 election seeking voter approval of a $113,000,000 general obligation bond.

Superintendent Wendy Sennett and staff outlined the resolution’s key elements: an authorization to prepare ballot materials (including a 75‑word ballot summary and project descriptions in Exhibit B), an estimated tax rate of $29 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, and an estimated annual cost to the average homeowner ‘‘below $400.’’ The resolution also sets expectations for independent financial performance audits and the formation of a citizens’ bond oversight committee (COC).

Staff told the board the measure requires a 55% voter approval threshold under California law and that, by district custom and state guidance, at least four governing board members should vote to call the election. The resolution must be delivered to the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters and the Board of Supervisors no later than March 6, 2026.

Board members discussed logistics and oversight. One member asked if a single COC can oversee two concurrent measures; legal/administrative staff responded that separate committees would be required. Board members emphasized stewardship and a ‘‘right‑sized’’ ask. Several members noted that bond funds can be used only for capital projects (buildings and infrastructure) and not for ongoing operational expenses.

The board approved the resolution by motion.

What happens next: Staff will prepare required election materials, upload exhibits and ballot wording, and deliver the resolution to county officials per the March 6 deadline. The district and community volunteers identified a bond campaign committee (bond chairs Chris LaStraps and Leslie Chang were named) to support outreach in advance of the June 2 election.