Central Unified board backs county�s "Better Roads, Safe Streets" transportation measure

The Central Unified School District Board of Trustees voted April 14 to adopt Resolution 2526-52 supporting the countywide "Better Roads, Safe Streets" transportation measure, which trustees said continues, rather than raises, a prior transportation tax.

Assistant Superintendent Ekb presented the staff recommendation and Trustee Nandep Singh, who spoke in favor, told the board the measure continues an existing county tax that funded highways and county streets in prior decades. Singh and other trustees said the proposed measure would increase funding for local streets and safety projects, including improvements that could make routes to schools safer.

Supporters at the dais emphasized the measure's potential benefits for Central Unified, which serves communities spanning multiple jurisdictions. "We see the effects of our incomplete neighborhoods every time we go outside," Trustee Nandep Singh said, describing sidewalks and road conditions as long-standing problems.

Trustees stressed that approval by voters in November is required before funds are allocated. Several trustees said the district will need to proactively advocate to secure its share of any funding and work with city and county partners to ensure projects reach district neighborhoods.

The board approved the resolution by voice vote (motion by Trustee Nandep Singh, second by Trustee Harmon Singh). The district noted the measure will appear on the November ballot; the resolution will be part of the districts formal record of support as local jurisdictions consider project prioritization and allocations.