$504 million bond heads to ballot
Voters will decide on a $504 million bond focused primarily on upgrading and fixing Downey’s elementary schools. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)
DOWNEY - A $504 million dollar bond measure to fix, upgrade, and improve Downey’s aging elementary schools will be decided upon by voters in November.
The measure heads to this year’s ballot after The Downey Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to act now instead of wait until 2024, when it is believed that voting conditions may be more favorable.
There is some general concern that current economic conditions would work against the bond’s potential approval. If successful, the bond would cost average homeowners around $194 annually.
Still, members of the board were of the mindset that the time is now to move forward.
“I’ve thought a lot about this bond measure, and everything that’s going on in the world, from gas prices, to our economy, the job market as well is very robust,” said Linda Salomon Saldana. “The bottom line is the state of California is not going to remodel and upgrade our schools; the federal government is not going to give us money to remodel and upgrade our schools…Bottom line is as a community, we need to come forward and yes, as a homeowner it’s difficult, but that’s why we have an election.”
Giggy Perez-Saab said that while she was “very hesitant,” the district would “get the best bang for our buck.”
Adding to those sentiments, Jose Rodriguez said that “construction costs aren’t going to go down” and that the board should “keep the positive momentum going.”
“The high schools, the middle schools, they all have top notch facilities,” said Rodriguez. “Now it’s elementary’s turn to get what they deserve.”
D Mark Morris said the bond “says a lot about Downey and what they value.”
“What we as a community value is education for our students, because we know by a good education, we’ll be a harbinger for good things in the future,” said Morris. “In today’s world, we have to be competitive…If we stand still or don’t improve, then we fall behind.”
“My feeling is Downey has always put students and their education foremost in their life. Whether or not they had students, it makes no difference; it still is a harbinger for what is going on in the community, and it sends a message that we care about our future.”
Morris went on to compare Griffiths Middle and Price Elementary Schools.
“All you have to do is drive by Griffiths Middle School, and you will see the improvement there,” said Morris. “And right next to Griffiths is Price Elementary, and you do the comparison visually. Don’t think that doesn’t have a difference in a student’s mind when they come on campus. It just changes everything; it changes the students’ outlook, it changes the teachers’ outlook, because they know the community cares about them and where they’re going to learn.”
A prior survey taken in July indicated around 49% voter support for the bond after taking benefits and arguments opposed into consideration. The measure would need 55% approval to pass.