Chico Unified hears support for $239 million bond; board to consider placing measure on November ballot

Chico Unified School District trustees received an informational briefing on May 15 about a potential facilities bond measure and heard public comment from parents and advocates urging the district to put a bond on the November ballot.

Parent speakers told the board their communities and school programs need facility investments. "These schools are operating in facilities that are no longer functional or reflective of the high caliber of learning our staff facilitate," said Lauren Eno, a parent who urged the board to adopt the district’s facilities master plan and move forward with a bond. Beth Bradley, another parent speaker, asked for transparency and tangible results if taxpayers are asked to approve a measure.

Tom Clifford, who advised the district on outreach, summarized polling and community input, saying open-ended surveys and tracking polls showed clear priorities: repair basic infrastructure, modernize learning spaces and support programs across campuses. Clifford said public education and messaging work is under way and that a private citizens’ campaign would be needed if the board votes to place a measure on the ballot.

Bond counsel Katie Dobson reviewed the legal mechanics and voter materials the county will publish. She said the draft measure in the board’s materials would authorize the district to issue $239 million in bonds and pointed to Appendix A (the project list) and Appendix C (tax-rate statement) that will appear in the voter information guide. She told the board the resolution being considered in June would request the county to consolidate the November election and include the measure on that ballot.

On projected tax impact, staff said the measure would carry an average tax rate of about $60 per $100,000 of assessed value (translated at the presentation to roughly $300 a year for a $500,000 home) while bonds are outstanding; counsel said the period of collection is projected into the early 2050s but could be shortened by future refinancing depending on market conditions. No vote to place the measure on the ballot occurred May 15; staff said the board will consider a formal resolution at the June 12 meeting.