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Claremont Unified to pursue community outreach on a possible November bond; focus group emphasized no tax increase
Summary
A 22-member focus group validated district facilities needs and recommended community outreach on a possible facilities bond that would not increase the current tax burden; the board directed staff to gather feedback and return on June 4.
District staff told the board that a 22-member facilities focus group met Feb. 12 to evaluate whether to pursue a facilities bond in November 2026. The group validated aging campus needs, recommended keeping any new levy at the same dollar level taxpayers currently pay under Measure Y and urged broad, grassroots engagement with community groups and staff.
Superintendent Dr. James Elsasser summarized the group—s advice: emphasize safety upgrades (for example, districtwide key-card door locks that enable rapid lockdowns), show completed Measure G project photos and ensure every school benefits. Staff said a potential new bond would not hit tax rolls until 2029 and that messaging should stress there would be no increase to current tax payments.
Board members expressed support for continuing outreach. Former board member Dave Niemeyer, speaking from the public, urged avoiding any property‑tax increase and recommended matching prior levy levels to limit homeowner burden.
Next steps: staff will analyze the facilities master-plan survey results, hold community meetings through May and present summarized feedback to the board on June 4. If the board votes to proceed, it would pass a formal resolution on June 18 to begin the formal process to place a measure on the November 3 ballot.
