Frequently Asked Questions

How much money does the district need to fix the schools?

According to the estimates of an architectural study and input from

local volunteers, in order to bring all 29 of the district schools to

current educational standards, it will cost $165 million.

What happens if the school bond doesn’t pass?

Aside from the repairs not being done, the school district will no

longer be eligible to apply for the $53 million in state matching funds.

Additionally, those funds will dry up.

Is there any precedent for a school bond of this size?

This is the first school bond proposal Newport--Mesa school district

has ever pursued. But other neighboring school districts in Huntington

Beach, Santa Ana and Capistrano Unified have also gone to the voters for

help. Santa Ana and Capistrano Unified have been successful.

How much will this cost the average homeowner?

If passed, the bond will be paid by assessing homeowners $22 per

assessed value annually. This price will fluctuate through the years but

will average $22.35 per $100,000 of assessed value. According to the the

median property value for residents in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, most

homeowners will pay $48.50 a year.

Do renters pay the tax?

Not directly but apartment owners or homeowners could ultimately raise

rent to offset the costs to the property owner.

Are there safeguards in place to make sure the bond money is spent

properly?

The school board passed a resolution establishing an oversight

committee that will be charged with spending the bond money. The

committee will be made up of non-elected community volunteers. Further,

each school site will have a separate committee to monitor the progress

of construction and advise project leaders.

Will any money from the bond measure go to teacher salaries?

No. The law forbids that any of this money go to salaries and a school

board resolution requires that all funds go directly for repairs.

How long will repairs take?

District officials estimate that it will probably take three years

until all the projects are completed.