Governor Signs Bill to Help Simi Schools
Gov. George Deukmejian has signed a bill to help Simi Valley schools finance classroom renovation if voters approve a March 7 ballot measure that would fund the improvements.
The measure, which Deukmejian signed Friday, gives the Simi Valley Unified School District more time to repay a 20-year-old state loan, Supt. John Duncan said.
Sponsored by Assemblywoman Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley), it would extend the repayment time of the debt from three to six years, Duncan said.
The extension would reduce property taxes paid annually by homeowners, Duncan said. However, it is contingent on passage of Measure A, a $35-million bond issue that will be submitted to voters March 7. The district is seeking passage of Measure A for repairs to its 27 schools, most of which are more than 25 years old.
“It’s hard to understand, but, basically, if voters pass the new bond issue, their property taxes will drop as a result of this bill,” Duncan said.
Under the bill, for example, the owner of a $100,000 house would pay an annual property tax to the district of $88 instead of $120, Duncan said.
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