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Travis Unified board approves placing facilities bond on November ballot after debate over CFD mitigation and teacher support
Summary
The Travis Unified board voted to place a facilities bond measure on the November ballot. Discussion focused on teacher support, how the bond would affect CFD taxpayers, potential federal funding for an on-base elementary rebuild, and the estimated $83,000 ballot cost.
The Travis Unified School District governing board voted to adopt a final resolution ordering a school bond election and approved language changes to Exhibit B before placing the measure on the November ballot.
The board and members of the public debated several practical and political considerations before the vote: teachers’ voluntary support (and the limits on public‑employee advocacy if the district places a measure on the ballot), how Community Facilities District (CFD) assessments would be treated if a bond passed, polling results from a prior attempt, and whether the district has a sufficiently detailed facility master plan to show voters how bond proceeds would be used.
One public commenter who identified their long‑term support for a bond said, "I am 100% behind the bond," while also cautioning that teacher support and a contract would be important to secure volunteers and campaigning assistance. District staff said the procedural step this evening is to place the measure on the ballot; if approved by voters in November it would become a logistical obligation for the district and would incur an estimated ballot cost of about $83,000.
Board members discussed options for mitigating CFD impacts and said some CFD levies have natural expirations in the next few years. The superintendent and staff explained the district has pursued federal funding for a major renovation — possibly relocating and rebuilding Travis Elementary on base with an estimated $88 million project that could be covered roughly 80 percent by federal funds, reducing the district share.
The board also discussed project management if the bond passes. Staff recommended hiring a bond or construction manager to oversee larger projects and noted that any such position’s cost may be paid from bond proceeds, not the general fund.
Outcome and next steps: The board approved the final resolution to place the bond on the ballot and agreed that campaign messaging and CFD mitigation require further board discussion. If voters approve the bond, the district said it will establish required community oversight and project management for expenditures.
