Poll shows narrow path for $76 million Fallbrook bond; board to schedule strategy meeting

EMC Research presented results of a district survey testing a potential $76 million bond measure and advised the board the measure is feasible but not guaranteed.

Consultant Jessica Polsky Sanchez said the poll of 400 likely November 2026 voters carried a margin of error of plus-or-minus about 4.9 percentage points. On the initial ballot question, 59% said yes and another 1% leaned yes for a total of 60% support; after positive messages support rose to 63%, but after an opposition vignette support fell to 56%, near the 55% threshold required for passage in California.

Polsky Sanchez said voters prioritized urgent repairs — for example, failing roofs, plumbing and electrical systems — safety improvements, qualifying for state matching funds and assurances that the measure would not raise current tax rates as persuasive messages. She also described the mixed-mode methodology (phone, text and email) and said roughly 20–30% of interviews were completed by phone.

Trustees questioned methodology and subgroup support; one trustee observed that while 70% of respondents said the district needed more funding, fewer voters said they would back a bond. The board agreed it would benefit from a follow-up strategy meeting to discuss feasibility, messaging, and next steps; President McBride said the meeting will be scheduled with the superintendent.

No formal decision to place a measure on the ballot was made at this meeting.