BURBANK : Board Considers a $30-Million Bond

Nearly a year after the failure of a $100-million bond measure aimed at rebuilding and renovating Burbank’s public schools, school board members say they are considering a less expensive option for voters to consider in 1996.

The idea for a $30-million bond measure came from a committee of Burbank residents and met with strong approval Thursday from board members, who acknowledged they must work harder to find other potential sources of revenues.

“We really must begin to educate the community,” board member Joseph Hooven said. “I don’t think we can wait any longer. I think we need to move right now.”

A recently released report by the committee warns that Burbank’s high schools are in dire need of major construction, and suggests that Burbank High School be completely rebuilt in 1998.

At Burbank High, toilets don’t flush, drinking fountains fail to work and windows cannot open and close, among other problems shared districtwide, the report states.

Last April, the $100-million bond measure failed to earn support from two-thirds of voters. Some residents later said it was because they didn’t understand how the money would be spent and how much it would end up costing them.

The measure’s failure, school board member Elena Hubbell said, brought a public awareness to the poor condition of Burbank’s school buildings.

In its report, the committee asked board members to consider: the $30-million bond measure, $30 million each from the city of Burbank and Burbank Redevelopment Agency, $20 million in local business contributions, and $10 million in grants.