The upcoming Nov. 5 general election ballots will see the addition of Measure K, a $496 million bond measure reserved for improving AUHSD school facilities and resources.
In the OC Gov. layout for Measure K, the bond intends to “repair and upgrade older schools and improve quality education; […] acquire classrooms, science labs, facilities, career technology, sites, equipment; support college/career readiness in [STEM], arts, [and] skilled trades,” placing special emphasis on prioritizing campuses that have not received adequate renovation yet.
The OC Gov. layout projects that the total debt service incurred by the bond will be approximately $1.05 billion in accordance with assessed OC property value. The state will contribute an extra $100 million towards the bond if it meets the 55% voter approval threshold required to pass.
AUHSD sites last saw major improvements from the $132 million bond Measure Z in 2002, where Oxford Academy notably received its 400 building. More recently, the $249 million bond Measure H in 2014 funded the construction of Oxford’s engineering and music buildings, upgraded media center, and the addition of modern desks and furniture.
In an interview with the Gamut, Principal Amber Houston discussed main objectives and possible upgrades for Oxford in light of the prospective bond measure.
“What I really want [for Oxford] is a nice, seated outdoor space for kids [to] have their events in,” Principal Houston said. “I’ve went to Kennedy, Magnolia, even Ball Junior High. They all have these really cool outdoor spaces for kids — not like the quad, but like an amphitheater. [You] have a stage, shade, and concrete seating… which would be really nice [for] all the events we do, like dances and club rush.”
Other proposed changes to Oxford’s site include designated entrances and exits in the parking lot to improve congestion, but are subject to change. Upon bond measure approval, upgrades to campuses are decided mostly by architects and planners, who plan renovations based on both the bond’s projected financial allocation as well as physical campus constraints.
Principal Houston hopes for any future construction to occur during summer break, though she realizes the process would bleed into the academic year. “I’ve seen campuses go under construction during the school year. It happens, and it’s okay,” she said. “It’s a little inconvenient, but in the long run, if we get something really cool out of it, I think people are game for it.”
Measure K also received official endorsement from the Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association (ASTA), who collaborated with the AUHSD Board of Education in implementing the bond.
“[ASTA and the Board] are working closely together and starting a budget stabilization committee this month to be cooperative and transparent in the budget process,” Mr. Morganstern said.
In response to community apprehension towards the bond, Mr. Morganstern recognized Measure K’s financial impact on residents. “It does add to [our] residents’ property taxes, but it is a great way to find the money that we need to build new sports facilities, new science classrooms, to revamp air conditioning systems, and to provide the infrastructure needed for students and teachers to be successful in the classroom,” he said.
As election season rolls around, ASTA plans to host a public campaign on Oct. 5 at Western High School in support of Measure K, open to community members, students, and parents, where volunteers may go door-to-door to inform local neighborhoods and promote the bond measure.
“[Measure K] is a win for our students, a win for our members, our teachers, and for the community,” Mr. Morganstern said. “ASTA deliberated for several weeks… and I know how teachers feel about not only endorsing, but working to support a school bond coming off the heel of the layoffs last spring. And ultimately, we decided that what the bond provides for our students [and] our members, our teachers… that was most important.”
