Council Backs $81-Million School Bond Measure

VENTURA —  To scattered applause Monday night, the City Council unanimously endorsed an $81-million school bond measure on the June ballot.

Before the vote, Supt. Joseph Spirito put into perspective the importance of upgrading the Ventura Unified School District’s campuses.

“Let me remind you, 30 years ago President Johnson was just finishing his first and only term, ‘Bonanza’ was our favorite TV show and Bart Starr had won the MVP award for the NFL,” Spirito said. “That’s how long it’s been since we built a school.”

The school bond measure, designated Measure M, is the outgrowth of a five-month effort by city officials, residents and the school district to cope with school overcrowding.

The City Council held a joint meeting with the school district board to adopt a master plan Jan. 13.

The master plan lays out $120 million in recommended projects, including construction of four new schools, repairing existing school facilities and wiring local classrooms with computers and the latest technologies.

The plan recommends that the city use a bond measure as the main source of funding.

“The council may differ in its views and philosophies,” Councilman Steve Bennett said. “But when all of us can speak with a unified voice, it’s clear it’s something that is very important to the city of Ventura.”

If the $81-million measure passes, it would be the largest in Ventura County history.

The plan recommends that the district raise the rest of the money by selling unused school properties, pursuing state funds and assessing developer fees.