Burbank to Seek Bond Measure to Repair City’s Aging Schools

School officials are planning to ask voters in April to approve $112.5 million in bonds to rebuild two high schools and repair other sites systemwide.

The proposed bonds would provide about $81 million for extensive work at Burbank and Burroughs high schools, officials said.

A similar bond proposal was rejected by Burbank voters two years ago.

Assistant Supt. Greg Bowman said funds also would be used to add classroom space and improve plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems at all of the system’s 19 sites. Many school buildings are more than 60 years old, he said.

“As with any facility that’s aging, it’s necessary to make these repairs,” Bowman said.

Schools Supt. David Aponik said he believes run-down schools reflects poorly on any municipality.

“I believe it’s also important to the community of Burbank,” he said.

The ballot measure will specify that funding would not be used for administrators’ or teachers’ salaries, officials said.

City officials said the proposed bonds, which the school board approved last week, would cost taxpayers an average of $45 per $100,000 of assessed valuation of their homes each year for 25 years. The measure must be favored by at least two-thirds of the votes cast to win approval, officials said.

Deputy City Clerk Judie Sarquiz said the City Council is expected to vote Dec. 17 on a school board request to hold a special election on the bond in conjunction with the general election on April 8.