Westminster School District seeks voter approval for 8 million bond measure to fund upgrades and repairs ahead of the 2026 election.
Voters in the Westminster School District are preparing to cast their ballots this November on a significant bond measure aimed at addressing pressing infrastructure needs within the district. If approved, Measure B would empower the district to issue and sell up to 8 million in general obligation bonds, intended to fund essential upgrades and maintenance across its 17 school campuses.
The proposed measure outlines a strategic plan for the modernization of classrooms, the repair of aging facilities, and enhancements to safety features. The financial implications for local taxpayers include an estimated annual repayment rate of per 0,000 of assessed property value, culminating in an expected cost of approximately 3 annually, or about .92 per month, for the average homeowner in the area. This repayment structure will remain in effect through the fiscal year ending in 2060-61.
The Westminster School District Board of Trustees has endorsed Measure B, emphasizing its alignment with the district’s comprehensive five-year Facilities Master Plan. This planning document, developed in consultation with community stakeholders, identifies crucial renovation and repair projects necessary for sustaining the quality of educational environments within the district.
Currently, many of the district’s facilities are in need of significant upgrades, as most schools were constructed 60 to 70 years ago. The district has reported that last year alone, 135 classrooms suffered from leaky roofs, while essential systems such as plumbing, gas lines, HVAC, and electrical infrastructure are in dire need of rehabilitation. A substantial number of existing restrooms have not received updates since their initial construction six decades ago. Additionally, the district faces challenges with over 150 portable classrooms that are more than 20 years old, many of which exhibit structural damage and water leaks that could lead to mold proliferation.
In 2016, the community demonstrated strong support for educational funding by approving Measure T, a million bond aimed at improving facilities in the district. However, the district now asserts that “significant facility needs remain,” identifying over 0 million in necessary improvements through the Facilities Master Plan. Measure B aims to initiate the funding process to address these ongoing challenges.
As the election approaches, the Orange County Registrar of Voters reports that several notable community leaders, including a former city councilman and a teachers association president, have publicly endorsed Measure B. Notably, no arguments against the measure were filed for consideration on the ballot.
For Measure B to succeed, it requires a minimum of 55% approval from voters residing in the district. As the Nov. 3 ballot date draws near, the decision will hold significant implications for the future of the Westminster School District’s facilities and the educational experiences of its students.
