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Advisors outline bond sizing, tax‑rate options and an August filing deadline for Sunol Glen
Summary
ISM Advisors told trustees how assessed-value growth, Proposition 39 limits and drawdown timing shape bond proceeds and community costs; advisors recommended early outreach and feasibility work ahead of an August filing deadline.
Miguel Rodriguez of ISM Advisors told the Sunol Glen Unified board that the district's past bond experience and assessed‑value growth assumptions shape how large a bond voters could responsibly approve and how quickly proceeds would be available.
"Our projection is only based on our assumption of future growth in our tax base," Rodriguez said, noting the district used 3.5% growth for prior planning but recent history has been closer to 4%. He explained bonding capacity for unified districts is generally limited to 2.5% of assessed value and estimated Sunol Glen's current net bonding capacity at roughly $9.6 million after existing debt.
Rodriguez also walked trustees through voter‑rate limits under Proposition 39 (the school tax allowance up to $60 per $100,000 assessed value), cash‑flow timing for selling bonds, and why a higher authorization does not always produce immediate cash for construction. For that reason he urged the district to consider draw schedules, potential bridge financing and a community‑engagement plan to identify voter appetite for different tax rates.
"Going to our community for support, I think, is the biggest feat here," Rodriguez said, recommending low‑cost outreach options for a small district (QR code, mailer, town hall and targeted door‑to‑door engagement). He and the board agreed staff should test feasibility and return recommendations to the board in May with a final decision targeted for June.
