Deadline looms for school districts to put property tax measures on the ballot

With students are out of school, district leaders across L.A. County are deciding whether to ask voters to approve property tax increases this November to fund repairs and renovations.

District governing boards have until Aug. 7 to call for ballot measures.

Even with a record number of school bonds and a $10 billion statewide bond approved in the 2024 election, many districts are still strapped for funding to repair aging infrastructure and update classrooms.

The Bellflower Unified School District Board voted unanimously in mid June to ask voters to approve a $135 million bond.

“ Schools are the heart of communities,” said Erin Simon, superintendent of the Southeast L.A. County district. “You want your school to be something that is aesthetically amazing and beautiful, and places that your kids want to come to, and places that your families want to send [their] kids to.”

For example, Bellflower High School just celebrated its 75th anniversary and its athletic facilities are showing their age. The district’s facilities master plan calls for new turf in the stadium and locker rooms that are more accessible for students with disabilities.

Simon said the master plan also identified the need for new roofs, restrooms, plumbing and electrical systems throughout the district.

At least three other L.A. County school districts have called for bond measures so far.