SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today thanked constituents for voting on a total of 46 school bond or school tax measures throughout California in the June 3 statewide primary election. Of that total, voters in 30 school districts successfully passed their measures. Another 16 school districts failed to gain enough votes to pass their measures.

"Even in these tough economic times, Californians are willing to reach deep into their pockets to pass measures to invest in their communities, their local schools, and their children’s futures," said O’Connell. “Voters continue to send us a clear message that they want their children to learn in an environment that is safe, clean, and modern. And the need remains great. Each day, California should build 16 new classrooms and modernize another 21 to meet the needs of our students and to shore up crumbling facilities.

“Passing these measures is only part of the equation to provide quality educational programs for our students. I will continue to work with the Legislature and the Governor toward a final state budget agreement that protects our students and schools and prevents further devastating cutbacks."

Of the total 46 school district measures, 29 were general obligation bond (GOB) measures that are financial vehicles secured by the taxing and borrowing authority of a district to repay bond holders. Of the GOBs, 24 measures totaling $1.8 billion passed by margins of between 56 percent and 77 percent. Five measures totaling $167.8 million in funding failed by margins of between 46 percent and 54 percent. Approval of local bonds allows districts the ability to seek matching funds from the State of California for the construction of essential new classrooms and improvement of existing school facilities. 

Of the total 46 school district measures, three were school facilities improvement district (SFID) tax measures that allow school districts to tax a portion of their districts, often new housing developments, or generate funds through general obligation bonds based on the value of the property. Of the SFIDs, two measures totaling $72.9 million passed by margins of between 62 percent and 74 percent. Two other measures totaling $95.3 million failed by margins of between 51 percent and 59 percent.

Of the total 46 school district measures, 13 were parcel taxes that are revenues school districts are allowed to collect from local residents if two-thirds of the voters approve the measure. Four parcel taxes passed by margins of between 69 percent and 83 percent. Nine parcel taxes failed by margins of between 46 percent and 66 percent. O'Connell supports efforts to lower the threshold approval level to 55 percent for increasing parcel taxes to allow more communities the option of raising funds to support local schools.

Of the total 46 school district measures, 31 school districts chose to employ the lower 55 percent threshold approval level that requires additional accountability assurances. Of these, 25 measures passed and six failed. However, 15 school districts chose to employ the higher two-thirds voter approval threshold. Of these, five measures passed and 10 failed. As a state Senator, O'Connell was the author of the voter-approved initiative that lowered the approval threshold to 55 percent, down from a minimum of two thirds. This change allowed more communities to raise funds for local school construction projects.

This news release may be updated as more returns are counted. For a list of the measures provided courtesy of School Services of California, Inc., please contact the California Department of Education’s Communications Division at 916-319-0818 or communications@cde.ca.gov.