Santa Clarita School Bond Issue Lags in Early Returns

The sole issue on the ballot in this city, a local bond measure to fund building improvements and new equipment at area schools, was losing Tuesday night based on early returns and absentee ballots.

The backers of Measure H hoped it would raise an estimated $23 million for schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District by modifying an existing bond passed in 1974. Currently, that bond can be used only to collect money to pay rent on district buildings. Under that restriction, only about one-fifth of the maximum taxes allowed under the measure can be collected.

The modification would allow district officials to use the bond money for a wide variety of projects such as earthquake repairs, campus security systems and new computers. Asked about the early returns, a disappointed Daniel Hanigan, interim superintendent of the school district, said: “That is not good. We’ll continue to watch, but that is a surprise.”

Hanigan said if the measure is defeated, several school projects will have to be shelved.

The turnout for the election was light, with less than 10% of the voters going to the polls in several areas of the school district, according to county officials. One exception was the Friendly Valley area, which is mostly populated by senior citizens. It had about a 25% turnout, officials said.

Proponents argued the measure is needed to maintain adequate education and safe buildings in the cash-starved district. However, opponents complained it amounts to a deceptive tax increase.

Many of those who did cast ballots said they had strong feelings about the measure.

“My wife is a schoolteacher, and I know what’s happening in the L.A. Unified [School District] and how much they’ve cut back,” said Joe VanShura, 37, who said he moved to Saugus four years ago because of its quality elementary schools. “I think everyone should help out in whatever way they can. I don’t think $50 to $60 is that much to pay [each year] over the next 10 years.”

But Lyle Nelson, 66, of Valencia, said the school district needs to look at ways of cutting costs, rather than asking for more money. “It means more taxes,” he said. “I don’t need any more taxes.”