Written by Mark McDermott
The Measure RLS campaign is making a multifaceted argument in support of a $200 million school bond that will be on the November 5th ballot.
The first part is the need for upgrades, including healthier drinking water, larger kindergarten classrooms with restrooms, leak-proof roofs, and state-of-the-art science labs on all campuses.
“First and foremost, we want our children to be safe in these schools,” said Larry Zimbalist, chairman of the Yes on RLS campaign. “There are a lot of old aspects of school, like drinking water. The other thing is, we want to send our kids to classrooms that enhance their ability to learn and ultimately to compete in the modern world.”
Another part is the timing and economics of bond measures. That’s because the RLS measure comes at a time when 20 years of old school bonds come off the books, and at the time of the election when the state bond measure, Proposition 2, provides matching funds to school districts that pass bond measures. If RLS passes, residents will not see any tax increases. , and taking into account matching funds, current interest rates and developer fees, Manhattan Beach Unified School District will receive an estimated $275 million in renovation funding based on the $200 million school bond.
“If we can get $200 million without raising taxes and it turns into $275 million, that’s a pretty good situation,” Zimbalist said.
No organized opposition has emerged to measure RLS. On the other hand, he achieved something rare in local politics. All Manhattan Beach elected officials support the policy, including the City Council, School Board, and City Treasurer Tim Lilligren. Representatives Ted Lieu and Al Muratsuchi supported it. Additionally, all six candidates running for City Council endorse it, as does school board candidate Jen Dorner, who is running unopposed. Former Mayor Russ Lesser remains influential, not only supporting Major RLS but also holding campaign fundraisers at the Charlotte couple’s home.
“Community leaders are supporting us,” Zimbalist said. “It’s pretty amazing.”
Mayor Joe Franklin attended last week’s school board meeting and voiced his support.
“Providing adequate, safe and functional buildings and infrastructure is critical to the success of our schools and the health of our children, teachers and staff,” Franklin said. “And yes, this is a fact that I can personally attest to. Our excellent schools provide a highly desirable place to live and increase our real estate value. My family… We have benefited from both an excellent education for our adult children and a steady increase in the value of our homes.”
Proposition 2 urges school districts across the state, including neighboring school districts in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes, to put the bond measure on the November ballot. Hermosa is seeking $27.8 million. RBUSD is seeking $278 million and PVUSD is seeking $298.7 million. Zimbalist noted that the similarly high-performing Pasadena School District is seeking “the equivalent of $900 million.”
“There are over 200 districts in California that are collectively seeking facility bonds,” Zimbalist said. “They all recognize the opportunity to pass Prop. 2, which means the cash register is basically wide open and the state wants you to turn yourself in. Now, what do you have to do? There are two things you need: You need a facility master plan to identify matching opportunities. You also need to hand it over to your community. There is a need, and your community needs to be willing to jump on this, come together and put this into your property taxes.”
An advantage MBUSD has over most school districts is that Manhattan Beach residents see no change in their property tax bills. (Hermosa Beach is expanding as well, but not increasing school property taxes.)
Another important factor for voters to keep in mind, Zimbalist said, is that the school bonds approved in 2016, Measure C and EE, all benefit from effective oversight and school districts have He said that due to the presence of contractors, important construction work was completed on schedule and within budget. Architects including Balfour Beaty and DLR Group have become trusted and long-standing partners.
However, these guarantees left $153 million in unmet facility needs at the time. MBUSD’s recently updated facilities master plan found that needed upgrades would cost $400 million. The master plan, available at MBUSDplan.com, details the condition of each campus, projects a 20-year timeline of needs, and addresses some of the most pressing needs (worn floors, holes in the roof). , rusted water heater, modular) photos are shown. Classrooms that have reached the end of their functional lifespan and are outdated. One push at the state level is to expand the size of early childhood classrooms and install toilets in each classroom. This is because younger students often go to the bathroom and are not being taught.
Zimbalist insists that this particular set of circumstances will never occur again.
“Now is the moment to get these funds without raising taxes,” he said. “This is a moment where you can go straight to the checkout window for a game. And this is a great moment, too, because our facility, although dilapidated and old, is not falling apart. It’s not time to do any emergency work. But if we don’t do anything, it’s right around the corner. Now is the time to see what we did with Measure C and EE. It’s time to build on our success. Now is the right time for several reasons.
