Fresno Unified School District, one of the state’s largest with 71,000 students, is grappling with the challenges of aging school buildings. Two-thirds of the 103 schools in the district are over 50 years old, leading to issues such as burst pipes and malfunctioning air conditioning systems. Despite the pressing need for repairs and updates, the district must also consider the impact on property owners, many of whom are from low-income backgrounds, when proposing local bonds to address these issues.
The neighboring Central Unified School District faces similar challenges due to aging infrastructure and limited resources. The district, like many others in the Central Valley, has a small tax base per student, which limits its ability to raise funds for necessary renovations. Modesto City Schools, on the other hand, has been addressing the cramped conditions in its elementary schools gradually, with a focus on creating multipurpose rooms that can serve as cafeterias and auditoriums for school events.
In California, the need for school renovations and new construction projects is significant, with a record number of districts seeking financial assistance this year. Proposition 2, a $10 billion state construction bond on the ballot, aims to provide funding for TK-12 schools and community colleges. However, districts like Fresno and Central Unified worry that property-wealthy districts will have an advantage in accessing these funds, leaving them at a disadvantage.
In Fresno Unified, the need for repairs and updates is substantial, with over 67% of schools built before 1970. The district has identified $2.5 billion in unmet facilities needs, including outdated HVAC systems, leaky roofs, and aging portables. A $500 million bond measure is proposed to address these issues, with a focus on improving safety, modernizing classrooms, and replacing outdated facilities. The district aims to minimize the impact on taxpayers, especially those from low-income families, by spreading out the bond issuances.
Modesto City Schools also face challenges with aging infrastructure, including old cafeterias that are no longer adequate for the student population. Schools like Enslen and Marshall are in need of multipurpose rooms to accommodate students for various activities. A proposed $85 million bond measure, Measure X, aims to address these needs, with a focus on upgrading facilities and creating safer, more functional spaces for students. The district hopes to leverage state matching funds to maximize the impact of the local bond.
Central Unified School District is also grappling with aging facilities, including worn-out pipes, outdated HVAC systems, and safety concerns. Measure X, a $109 million bond measure, is proposed to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. The district aims to leverage state funds through Prop 2 to maximize the impact of the local bond without raising taxes. However, like other districts in the Central Valley, Central Unified faces challenges due to lower property values and limited tax capacity per student.
Overall, the challenges faced by Central Valley schools highlight the urgent need for funding to address aging infrastructure and provide safe, modern learning environments for students. As districts pursue local bond measures and seek state assistance, the goal is to ensure that all students have access to quality facilities that support their academic success and well-being.