Good news for Chico’s schools

One of the surprises of the recent election locally was the easy passage of Measure E, the $78 million Chico school construction bond measure.

Many of us who remember the battle over the similar $48.7 million bond measure passed in 1998 doubted this one would fly. For one thing, it took three tries before voters approved the earlier measure. Later, there was resentment that the district decided not to use the money to build a new high school, as was originally intended, and didn’t go back to the voters with its new plan to upgrade the existing high schools.

Plus, $78 million is a lot of money, and this time around the district didn’t clearly state how it was to be spent, which is a major reason why the Chico Enterprise-Record refused to endorse the measure.

And yet it passed resoundingly, with 64.3 percent of the vote. Go figure.

The CN&R supported Measure E, with slight reservations. We didn’t hold it against the district that it had used the previous bond money to build new classrooms and facilities at the existing high schools. They were needed and are serving students well.

We’re also aware that many of Chico’s older schools, especially its elementary schools, are greatly in need of upgrades and improvement. Roofs and pipes leak, heaters and air conditioners are antiquated, and classrooms built decades ago can’t handle modern technology—which, incidentally, the district doesn’t have nearly enough of.

And we’re glad to see that the district’s Board of Trustees is moving forward to establish an oversight committee to make sure the public is involved in deciding on spending priorities.

Our one concern was that the district might use so-called “capital appreciation bonds,” which are long-term, deferred-interest bonds that can end up costing as much as 10 times their value in interest. We’re pleased that the board voted unanimously last week to avoid such bonds.

Chico has a long tradition of excellence in education, and this measure will enable it to be maintained. With, in addition, the passage of Proposition 30 and the improving state economy, the public schools in Chico are moving out of the doldrums and looking toward a brighter future.

They’re not alone: Voters up and down the state said yes to school funding measures on Nov. 6, passing 14 of 22 parcel taxes and 85 of 106 construction bonds.

Parcel taxes, which require two-thirds approval for passage, have the advantage of being able to go directly into a district’s general fund to be used for whatever purpose is deemed necessary. Construction bonds, which require 55 percent approval, can be used only for building, upgrading or improving facilities.

This kind of electoral success is nothing new for local measures. For a long time now Californians have trusted local officials to spend their money wisely, saving their distrust for Sacramento. But passage of Proposition 30 suggests even that is changing, as people understand that we’ve cut enough services and it’s time to reinvest in California.

Robert Speer is editor of the CN&R.