California District Seeks $400 Million More

EL CERRITO, Calif.-On Nov. 8, voters within West Contra Costa school district boundaries will decide whether to grant $400 million more for campus reconstruction.

Measure J would renovate three high schools and 13 elementary schools if 55 percent of voters approve it. If it passes, the bond would become the fourth capital projects bond passed in West Contra Costa since 1998, bringing the total to $890 million.

By the end of this year, the district – home to one of the most extensive school construction projects in California – will have finished 17 of 22 schools slated for overhaul already.

Supporters say the bond is critical to repairing the rest of the district’s old and decrepit campuses, many of which were built 50 years ago.

Opponents point to construction delays, cost overruns and dwindling enrollment as reasons to vote down Measure J. Some say three bonds is enough. Voters passed a $40 million bond in 1998 that built Lovonya DeJean Middle School in Richmond. Two years later, the district asked for $150 million. The money went toward renovating 17 elementary schools. Most have reopened.

In 2002, voters approved $300 million more for school construction. The repair list now includes the $96 million El Cerrito High School demolition and reconstruction, and renovations of Helms, Pinole and Portola middle schools and Downer Elementary School.

These projects constitute half of the 50 or so older campuses the district plans to renovate, which would cost nearly $1.5 billion. To finish the task, West Contra Costa would likely need to pass an additional bond.