Schools Chief Backs $2.4-Billion LAUSD Bond

An aging San Fernando Valley elementary school formed a backdrop Thursday for the latest and highest-level endorsement of the local school repair and construction bond measure on November’s ballot--that of state schools chief Delaine Eastin.

During a tour that highlighted maintenance problems at the World War II-era Monlux Elementary, Eastin pledged her support for the $2.4-billion bond for the Los Angeles Unified School District. The bond had previously drawn the backing of many local Democrats--ranging from Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Panorama City) to state Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles)--joined by an array of business, community and union leaders.

“For too long, LAUSD students have sat in classrooms where roofs leak, the paint is peeling and air-conditioning is all but nonexistent,” Eastin said. “If we allow these conditions to continue, we are not doing right by Los Angeles’ children.”

Monlux fourth-grader Cassandra Villa told the state’s superintendent of public instruction: “The school is old and sometimes things don’t work.”

Like many of the 679 schools that would gain repairs, additions, air-conditioning and computers if the bond measure passes, Monlux has some chronic needs.

Eastin was shown classrooms where the floor tiles are all detached and a room with a gaping ceiling hole caused by a roof leak, which the school has stopped repairing because it reopens in every rainstorm. A school restroom emits a stench, despite scrubbing and steam-cleaning, because bacteria have seeped into the walls.

A public opinion poll funded by the district last spring found that a majority of voters recognize that schools are falling apart and are willing to help. But the approval rating for a bond issue fell below the required two-thirds majority as respondents were told how much it would add to their tax bills. For each $100,000 in assessed value, the tax bill would rise $39 per year.

Fund-raising for the bond campaign also is lagging far behind the $1-million goal set by proponents, currently hovering near $100,000 received and another $300,000 in outstanding commitments.

“But we’ve got 34 more days,” said bond spokeswoman Samantha Stevens, counting down to the Nov. 5 election.

Eastin’s visit to Southern California underscores the difficulty school districts have persuading voters to tax themselves--even for badly needed improvements.

Although most school bond measures receive a simple majority, only about half get the required two-thirds majority, state education officials said.

In 1994, for example, Burbank voters rejected a $100-million bond measure. The measure to renovate and repair Burbank schools garnered 53% of the vote.

Three years ago, state education officials tried to get voters to back a proposition to eliminate the two-thirds requirement. But Proposition 170 was defeated 2 to 1 and left the century-old requirement for a two-thirds majority in place.

Times staff writer Lucille Renwick contributed to this story.