LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Voters Embrace Local Schools By Passing Measure C


Future Springhill Elementary student Brooks Roder encourages voting yes on Measure C on election day. Photo provided

A small but zealous team of parents representing each of the neighborhood schools in the Lafayette School District, coupled with the efforts of Superintendent Rachel Zinn, enabled the overwhelming endorsement of Measure C in the June 7 election. In unofficial vote tallies, over 72 percent of Lafayette voters approved the $70 million bond measure that needed 55 percent to pass.

Volunteers spent thousands of hours educating voters about the amount of infrastructure needs on aging school campuses and urging support of the measure. "It captured the spirit of the community" said campaign chair Julie Hurd about residents valuing safe modern classrooms for current and future students, even older residents whose kids have already graduated.

"I am deeply grateful to the Lafayette community for their support of Measure C," said Zinn. "The $70 million that we will receive as a result of the passage of this bond measure will allow us to begin addressing critical facility needs throughout our district." She believes that up-to-date school facilities are essential to protecting the outstanding quality of education.

Funds raised will pay for renovation and repair of campuses throughout the district, along with the district offices. The most senior school is Lafayette Elementary, which first opened its doors to students in 1943, making it 73 years old. Projects include: repair or replace leaky roofs, and old deteriorated plumbing, along with heating, ventilation, windows, lighting and electrical systems; improve school safety; and accommodate projected enrollment growth.

The bond measure will cost property owners approximately $29.50 per year for every $100,000 of assessed value, not the market rate of the property. A typical homeowner in the Lafayette School District will pay about $185 per year. Commercial properties are also subject to the assessment.