By Eliz Dowdy

According to informed sources the district has not asked voters for this type of assistance since when Measure H was passed. This bond, Measure Y, is a general obligation bond that will be on the ballot in November.

The bond, if passed, will enable the district to move into high gear with innovative teaching/learning techniques that will prepare those students not planning to attend college to be qualified for access to good paying jobs through the career/technical classrooms. The portable classrooms that are currently in use would be replaced with permanent facilities, and classroom improvements include bathrooms.

Some questions posed by this reporter to Dr. Phil Urabe, Assistant Superintendent of Business, centered on what happens if the measure fails; are voters in the district amenable to facilities spending when many districts are contemplating teacher lay-offs and what would the overall cost be to taxpayers?

Dr. Urabe said the proposed improvements would be delayed, and the facilities needs would continue to escalate.

A recent survey conducted by the bond consultant indicated a 70% approval/support rate by the community's taxpayers.

Since this is an extension of an existing tax, there would be no increase in the amount of monies collected from taxpayers; it would extend the district's GO bond without any increase in the annual tax rate that voters are already paying.

The proposed measure is a $98 million general obligation bond authorization. General Obligation or GO bonds fund the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities; they are similar to home loans and are repaid over a period of time. This bond issue has built-in safeguards for taxpayers that include an independent oversight committee to guarantee that the monies are spent for the intended purpose and cannot be used for administration, salaries or overhead. Additionally, there will be annual audits used for the same purpose to guarantee that what the public voted for is what the public will be getting.

The district was pleased with the turnout for Media Day and the opportunity for journalists to see first hand what the funding needs are and be able to convey those needs to their readers/viewers. The Superintendent of Rialto School District is Dr. Harold Cebrun, who stated that, “Our schools are the center of our community, and we need to improve our schools to better serve our students.” He had previously sent letters to parents/guardians in the district requesting their support for the bond. The district serves approximately 27, 452 students in grades K-12.