Feasibility study shows path for Travis Unified bond; board approves tiered facility priorities

Travis Unified School District officials on April 16 presented a bond feasibility study showing baseline voter support that could be pushed above the 55% Prop 39 threshold with targeted outreach, and the board approved a tiered facilities-priority list to guide any future measure.

Brian Godby of Godby Research told the board that a March survey of likely November 2024 voters (358 interviews; margin of error ±5.1 percentage points) put an example $65 million bond question at about 61% ‘definitely/probably yes’ in initial wording — a level close to, but not far above, the 55% approval required. Godby said the highest‑priority items for voters were replacing aging plumbing, electrical, lighting and HVAC (about 83% more likely to support the measure), followed by school safety and security upgrades and classroom modernizations for STEM and other programs.

“Replace aging plumbing, electrical, lighting and HVAC systems” ranked highest on voter priorities, Godby said, and other items such as improved security fencing, cameras and lighting scored strongly in the tests. He told the board that a well‑executed information campaign could raise measured support to roughly the mid‑70s, and that presenting a slightly lower tax rate (for example, $48 per $100,000 assessed value as an alternative to $60) tended to improve voter support in the survey.

Joy Kumer of Team Civics reviewed a recommended timeline and communications plan: the district may finalize a project list and resolution in coming months and must act by the August 9 deadline to qualify a measure for the November ballot. Kumer emphasized that the district may provide factual information about needs and planning but that direct advocacy for a ballot measure must come from an independent campaign committee.

The board voted to adopt a motion renaming and approving the facilities advisory committee’s "tiered facility project priorities" as the working project list to guide any bond development and future budgeting. Staff described the list as flexible and intended to be updated as emergent needs (for example, sudden system failures) arise. The motion passed on a voice roll; no detailed roll‑call tally was given in the transcript.

What this would fund: the feasibility presentation and the facilities advisory committee emphasize tier‑one infrastructure and safety needs — plumbing, sewer and storm‑drain replacement; electrical and HVAC modernization; fire alarm and PA upgrades; ADA improvements; roofing and exterior repairs; and campus security systems. Tier‑two items include larger optional projects (new gyms, stadiums, expanded cafeterias or libraries) that staff said would be considered only if funds remain after core needs are met.

Timeline and next steps: staff said they will continue outreach and refine the project list, prepare grant and finance materials, and coordinate with an independent campaign committee if the board decides to move forward. The district also noted that Travis Elementary is expected to be rebuilt using separate grant funding and therefore does not appear on the district bond priority list.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to expel the student in matter 23‑24 D01 — motion passed (SEG 069–079).
- Motion to approve the consent calendar — motion passed (SEG 1397–1434).
- Motion to approve the facilities advisory committee’s tiered facility project priorities (renamed as "tiered facility project priorities") — motion passed (SEG 2910–2941).

The board meeting packet and presentation slides contain further detail about the survey methodology, sample demographics and the ranked project list; staff said they will return with resolution language if the board chooses to place a measure on the ballot.