Newport-Mesa OKs June Bond Measure

The Newport-Mesa Unified school board voted Tuesday night to ask residents to pass a $110-million bond issue to repair deteriorating schools--the first measure of its kind in the history of the 35-year-old district.

“This sends a message home to students that they are a priority,” school board President Dana Black said after the 7-0 vote.

If passed in a special election June 6, the bonds would fund major repairs to Newport-Mesa’s 29 schools, including replacing leaky roofs and outdated plumbing, upgrading electrical systems and stabilizing buildings against earthquakes.

“It doesn’t take a genius to take a look at our facilities and see that we have serious needs,” Supt. Robert Barbot said. “This is the best option for fixing those needs.”

District officials decided on a special election rather than waiting until the November general election in order to apply as quickly as possible for a chance at $53 million in matching state funds.

Those who spoke at the meeting overwhelmingly favored the bonds.

“It’s about time,” Kurt Yeager said. “We have a sound plan to renew the schools. It’s not too expensive. It’s fair to families. It renews our investment in our homes and our community, so it’s a great opportunity for us.”

With some Newport-Mesa schools as old as 70 years, talk of repairing the crumbling buildings has been going on for decades.

Two years ago, a committee of 30 business and community leaders was created to take a serious look at the problems. As the committee worked, the price tag grew--eventually to $163 million.

Schools in need of repair are not limited to the Newport-Mesa district.

Last year, voters in the Huntington Beach Unified School District voted down a $123-million bond issue to repair its facilities.

Santa Ana Unified and San Juan Capistrano Unified passed bond measures last year. Trustees of the Irvine Unified School District--where a $95-million parcel tax for school programs failed last year--will try again in April, this time offering to exempt people 65 and older.

The Newport-Mesa bond proposal includes several safeguards to ensure the money will be spent wisely, including an oversight committee and a fund for future building maintenance.