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School-Bond Measure Has Broad Support

Posted on: Friday, 2 June 2006, 21:00 CDT

By Leonor Vivanco, San Bernardino County Sun, Calif.

Jun. 2--FONTANA -- With five days remaining before the election, supporters of a proposed $275 million bond measure to address overcrowded schools have raised more than $120,000 to try to ensure its success.

Campaign statements submitted Tuesday show $123,462 was donated in monetary contributions and in-kind services and nearly $43,680 was spent on campaign materials urging voters to approve Measure C, which supporters say would relieve overcrowding in the Fontana Unified School District.

School officials say school enrollment has increased by 10,000 students over the past 10 years, and the district has not kept up with the growth. The district counts a total of 42,000 students in its school system.

Measure C goes to the voters Tuesday and requires 55 percent voter approval.

Until then, supporters will be at such city events as the downtown car cruise today and the Fontana Days parade on Saturday. They will also walk neighborhoods and call voters.

"I feel real good about it," said school board member Arlene Piazza.

The proposed bond measure the largest ever for the district would build and equip eight elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school and one continuation high school.

It also would include projects to upgrade plumbing, computer technology and other utilities, improve traffic flow with new drop-off and pick-up spots, make classrooms handicapped-accessible, install security systems at schools, and build libraries, football stadiums and swimming pools.

The measure is backed by the teachers union and parent committees. No argument in opposition has been filed.

Bond underwriters George K. Baum & Co., based in Sacramento, and WLC Architects in Rancho Cucamonga, contributed the most, $20,000 a piece.

Other contributors included attorneys, architects, financial advisers, district employees, construction companies and developers.

"It was very helpful," Piazza said of the campaign and its contributions. "We're putting it to good use."

About 35 percent of the money raised was spent on mailers, campaign signs, consulting and design services, and fliers.

If Measure C is approved, property owners would pay $59.90 a year for every $100,000 of assessed valuation. An owner of a $400,000 home, for example, would pay $239.60 a year in additional property taxes.

The bond would retire in 20 years.

The measure would allow the district to get matching funds from the state. If the $275 million bond is combined with potential state funding, the district would see a $400 million investment in its schools, officials said.

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Copyright (c) 2006, San Bernardino County Sun, Calif.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: San Bernardino County Sun

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