Two school districts in Sebastopol and Santa Rosa are hoping to pass measures on the June ballot to generate funding for academic programs and infrastructure.
Measure A is up for a vote in the Twin Hills Union School District in Sebastopol and would allow the issuing of $14 million in bonds to fund upgrades for buildings and grounds. Measure C would provide money for the Bellevue Union School District in Santa Rosa via a parcel tax for things often first on the chopping block in cash-strapped districts, such as library and athletics programs, as well as STEAM programs — science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
Measure A requires 55% of the vote to pass and would be used to repair leaky roofs, modernize and renovate school grounds, make safety and emergency improvements, and bolster security in the district’s four schools.
In the campaign literature sent to voters, the school board said it specifically wants to use the money for safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology. An independent citizens oversight committee will be created to monitor the fund and the superintendent must report back yearly to the board regarding the expenditures.
If passed, the bonds will raise about $1 million annually and the debt will be paid through increased property taxes. According to the county, the estimated tax rate for the 2027-28 tax year would be $30 per $100,000 in assessed value.
No argument was submitted against the measure.
Santa Rosa’s Bellevue Union School District is comprised of four elementary schools and Measure C would create a parcel tax of $49 with a goal of raising $350,000 per year for four years beginning in fiscal year 2026. It must be approved by two-thirds of voters to pass.
No argument was submitted against the measure.
In 2024, voters in the district approved a bond measure with 60% of the vote that allowed for the issuance of $38.5 million in bonds and enacted a property tax of $29 per $100,000 of assessed value.
Voters will take to the polls on June 2 and ballots have already been mailed to households.
