SPI Insights

California – The San Diego Unified School District is asking voters to approve a $3.2 billion bond measure. Measure U would fund facilities projects over the course of 10 years and issue about $330 million in bonds per year.

The district would dedicate more than $200 million of Measure U to build educator housing. The district would offer housing to various employees, not just teachers. The district looks to build up to 500 housing units and the project would likely be on land the district already owns.

About $200 million would be set aside for safety infrastructure. Bond money will pay for new communication systems, cameras, door locks, controlled entry points, improved lighting and fencing, and upgraded school security systems.

The district currently has about $753 million in repair, replacement, and renovation needs. Some of the most common bond projects have been new HVAC systems, renovated and new classroom buildings, new roofs, parking lot improvements, new solar power systems such as carports, new schools including the Logan Memorial Educational Campus and a school at Civita in Mission Valley, and athletic facilities improvements, such as joint-use fields and stadium and gym upgrades.

San Diego Unified has already gotten three bond measures totaling $8.3 billion approved by voters since 2008. This bond won’t raise anyone’s taxes. Instead, it will replace previous bonds as they expire. Election day is November 8.