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Facilities master plan lays out $731 million needs; poll shows a path for a $128 million bond
Summary
Consultants presented a $731 million facilities master plan and site priorities; polling of 511 likely November voters showed initial support of 61% for a $128 million Prop 39-style bond, with a final test at 57% after opposition arguments — above the 55% threshold but sensitive to tax-rate framing.
Consultants and staff presented the Westminster School District’s facilities master plan and a related bond feasibility study to the board on March 19.
LPA consultants said stakeholder engagement identified top priorities: modernization of classrooms and restrooms, replacement of portables with permanent construction, upgraded multipurpose/food service areas, safety and security improvements, and outdoor learning areas. Sites prioritized by stakeholder groups included Clegg, DeMille, Schroeder, Sequoia and Wilmore. LPA estimated the total district need at about $731,000,000 in 2026 dollars, including an estimated $6.25 million for a central kitchen and an illustrative $51 million performing-arts center if pursued.
Consultants listed local funding sources — developer fees (~$4.1M), deferred maintenance funds, and roughly $60M in current state eligibility — and projected that a feasible local general obligation bond could net in the neighborhood of $120–128M under Prop 39 constraints. LPA emphasized that escalation, interim housing and soft costs consume a substantial portion of program dollars and that districts typically phase projects across multiple bonds.
Pollster Tim McCarney (True North Research) summarized a January survey of 511 likely November voters (±4.3% MOE). An initial ballot test of a $128M bond at $30 per $100,000 assessed valuation showed 61% support, with 24% opposed and the remainder unsure. After detailed project descriptions and pro/con arguments, the survey’s final reading was about 57% in favor — above the 55% Prop 39 threshold but within a range vulnerable to tax-rate sensitivity and opposition messaging. McCarney emphasized that presenting tax implications as an annual cost to a typical homeowner (for example, $143/year for the $30/$100K scenario) produced higher support than showing the rate per $100,000 of assessed value.
Board members discussed prioritization, the long funding gap relative to identified needs, and strategies including focusing a first bond on sites left out of previous measures and aligning the project list to community priorities. Consultants recommended further community engagement, a tracking poll before filing, and building a campaign to educate voters and secure support from community partners.
Next steps: staff will use the master-plan findings to prioritize projects, pursue state matching funds, continue community engagement and, if the board decides, prepare bond language and a timeline for a future ballot. A tracking poll is recommended closer to filing.
