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School Services of California, Inc.
Community College Update
November 7, 1996
Copyright© 1996 by School Services of California,
Inc.
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Community College Bond and Tax Measures Get Mixed
Results
Historically, California Community Colleges have placed very few local bond
or tax measures on the ballot. The November 5 elections did nothing to alter
this historical pattern. Only three districts tempted the fate of the voters
with mixed results.
-
The Peralta Community College District was successful in passing an $8 million
General Obligation bond for the purpose of constructing a permanent site
for Vista College. Interestingly, Vista College has petitioned to de-annex
from the Peralta Community College District in order to establish their own
independent community college district. A majority of the board members of
Peralta Community College District signed the petition to form Vista Community
College District. However, Chancellor's Office staff is recommending that
the Board of Governors deny the petition to de-annex Vista College from the
Peralta Community College District. The matter will be on the agenda for
the Board of Governors' November 14 meeting. More than 77% of the voters
approved the bond measure.
-
The Contra Costa Community College District fell just short with its $145
million General Obligation bond measure, losing with 65% of the voters in
support -- 66.7% is needed for approval. The funds would have been used to
renovate the facilities at the District's three campuses.
-
The Los Angeles Community College District placed an "Advisory/Assessment
Levy" on the ballot to determine if local voters would support the establishment
of a Maintenance Assessment District (MAD). The District had attempted to
adopt a MAD but ran into major opposition by a portion of their constituents
and local Republican legislators who introduced bills to prohibit the assessment.
The voters were very clear -- 52% said no to levying any assessments or fees
without a vote of the people (a simple majority was needed to give the District
the go ahead). This position was consistent with the statewide vote on
Proposition 218, which now requires a vote of the people before a MAD can
be established.
-- Arnold Bray
[Posted 11/12/96]