The Snowline Joint Unified School District is proposing a $70 million general obligation bond, which will appear on the ballot for the General Election in November. Early voting begins on October 7, 2024, and Election Day is on November 5, 2024.
If approved, Measure J will fund critical infrastructure projects as part of the district’s 10-year, $450 million Facilities Master Plan. Many of the district’s schools are aging and need significant repairs and updates, with two schools over 90 years old. Measure J will specifically fund projects such as replacing deteriorating portable classrooms with modern modular buildings, repairing leaky roofs, upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, modernizing career technical education (CTE) classrooms, improving school safety and security systems, and repairing plumbing and electrical systems.
Measure J would be issued in phases over several years. These bond issuances allow the district to borrow money incrementally, efficiently using funds as projects progress. The bonds would likely take about 30 years to repay, typical for school bonds of this size. This extended repayment timeline helps distribute the financial burden over time to keep the annual tax increases manageable for property owners. According to Superintendent Holman, Measure J is essential in helping the district qualify for matching state funds. SJUSD has applied for funding through Proposition 51, a state bond measure approved in 2016 that allocates $9 billion for K-12 school construction and modernization.
Additionally, Proposition 2, officially titled the “Transitional Kindergarten Through Community College Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2024,” is a state bond set for the 2024 ballot that would allocate $10 billion to fund K-12 and higher education facilities. Of this amount, $6 billion is earmarked for K-12 public schools to address infrastructure needs, including the construction of new school buildings, modernization of existing facilities, and improvements to safety measures. According to Holman, if Measure J is approved, it will enable Snowline Schools to qualify for these matching funds, potentially turning $70 million in local funds into over $200 million for school modernization projects.
A feasibility study by Isom Advisors shows strong financial support for Measure J. According to the survey, a significant portion of the community recognizes the need for infrastructure improvements, with over 70% of voters acknowledging the importance of addressing aging school facilities. The study also shows that the proposed tax rate, set at $40 annually per $100,000 of assessed property value, is considered manageable for most homeowners. This rate aligns with expectations for reasonable tax increases in exchange for modernized schools and improved learning environments. While the study found the tax rate manageable, individual homeowners may experience different impacts based on Proposition 13 adjustments, property reassessments, or refinancing.
If Measure J is approved, property owners would see an increase in their annual property taxes. This would mean about $10 per month in additional costs for the typical homeowner. However, this amount could increase over time due to Proposition 13 adjustments, property reassessments when homes are sold, and refinancing. Long-term homeowners would benefit from Proposition 13, which limits annual property tax increases to 2 percent. However, newer homeowners whose properties are assessed at current market value could face higher tax increases, mainly when properties are sold and reassessed. This has raised concerns about the cumulative tax burden for some, particularly those on fixed incomes.
Supporters of Measure J argue that the bond is critical for ensuring students have access to safe, modern learning environments. Laura Molina Antle, a local resident, expressed strong support for the bond, stating, “Our schools are in dire need of monies given by whatever means necessary. And this includes our community’s help. Our children deserve better. You might not agree with various issues from the district, but this needs to happen. Period.” She added that other high desert districts have already passed similar measures and that “The taxes proposed would be approximately $10 a month. This is necessary. YES, on J.”
Despite strong support from some residents, others have raised concerns about the timing and financial impact of the bond. Diane Hayball questioned the timing, noting, “We live in a very diverse socio-economic area. The costs on everything across the board are causing extra concerns in families as it is.” She stressed that families are already struggling with the rising cost of living, making it difficult to justify additional taxes.
Hank Hallmark, a vocal opponent of the bond, expressed concerns about its potential financial impact on property owners, particularly lower-income and retired individuals. Hallmark argues that while Proposition 13 limits annual property tax increases to 2 percent, new homeowners could face much higher taxes if properties are reassessed at current market value. He also pointed out that landlords might pass these additional costs onto renters, worsening the housing affordability crisis in the area. Hallmark, like others, questioned whether this was the right time to impose extra taxes when many families were already struggling with rising living costs.
Other community members have raised concerns about the district’s financial management. Julie Gallagher commented on social media, “The district needs to prove fiscal responsibility first… they haven’t,” a shared opinion by some who want more transparency in how the district handles its current finances before approving more funding.
In response to concerns about the burden on retired homeowners, supporters of Measure J point out that public schools benefit the entire community, not just current students and parents. They argue that improved school facilities contribute to higher property values and stronger local economies, which benefits all residents, including retirees.
The district has also emphasized that none of the funds from Measure J will be used for administrator or teacher salaries, pensions, or benefits, as outlined in the official Measure J resolution. All money raised will be locally controlled, and the state cannot take any portion of it. Additionally, the bond will be subject to strict accountability measures, including annual audits and an independent citizens’ oversight committee to ensure funds are used appropriately.
As the Tri-Community prepares to vote, Measure J presents a significant decision. It offers an option to modernize Snowline School’s aging school infrastructure and open up state funds to help reduce the financial burden, but it also represents potential tax increases for property owners, particularly newer homeowners who may feel the impact more sharply.
For more information on Measure J, visit https://snowlineschools.com. The community is also invited to attend an in-person informational meeting to discuss Measure J and get your questions answered. The meeting will be held at the Phelan Community Center, located at 4176 Warbler Rd in Phelan, on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 6 p.m. -8 p.m.
Voters can begin casting ballots on October 7, 2024, with the final vote taking place on November 5, 2024, for voting procedures, visit https://elections.sbcounty.gov/elections/2024/1105/.
