School board weighs $205 million bond measure for November ballot

By Camille DeVaul · Fri May 15 2026

Proposed bond would fund campus upgrades, career technical education expansion, infrastructure repairs, and safety improvements

PASO ROBLES — Trustees with the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District received information Tuesday, May 12, regarding a potential bond measure that could appear on the November 2026 ballot.

During the board meeting, trustees reviewed a proposed resolution that would authorize placing a General Obligation Bond measure before voters during the general election scheduled for Nov. 3.

According to district information presented at the meeting, the bond would fund designated facility improvement projects benefiting students in grades 9-12 throughout the district. The proposed bonds would be issued under the provisions of Proposition 39, which requires approval by at least 55% of voters. Several example images highlighting before-and-after improvements at multiple locations throughout the district were presented during the meeting.

District staff said the resolution is intended to explain the need for the bond measure and the projects it would support. The proposed 75-word ballot language states the measure would fund the construction, renovation, and expansion of career technical and vocational education facilities, classrooms, and other school facilities. It would also provide funding to repair or replace aging roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems, while upgrading school safety and security measures.

Paso Robles resident Mark Perry, a Bearcat alumnus whose sons also went through PRJUSD, shared that he is more than willing to pay the proposed tax.

"I believe we need these improvements and I got less time to work than more but I am willing to pay these taxes for the betterment of all of Paso Robles' kids coming through the school district," Perry shared.

Isiah Gomer, whose family also has a long history in Paso Robles and with PRJUSD, echoed Perry's support for the bond measure.

"What I appreciate most about this plan is the variety of improvements," Gomer said.

However, Trustee Kenney Enney remained opposed to the bond measure.

"I think it's too big of a bite from the apple," Enney said. "I agree with pretty much everything people have said, I just don't think this is the right time."

If approved by voters, the measure would authorize $205 million in bonds. District information presented during the meeting stated the maximum tax rate would be $49.59 per $100,000 of assessed property value, with average annual levies estimated at approximately $12.2 million while the bonds remain outstanding.

Staff also shared examples of how the tax rate could affect homeowners within the district boundaries. Based on an average assessed home value between $600,000 and $800,000 in the district attendance area, a home assessed at $700,000 would pay an estimated $347.13 annually under the proposed rate.

The proposed ballot language also notes the measure would include annual audits, independent citizen oversight, and full public disclosure of all spending. Officials emphasized that the funding generated through the bond measure could not be taken by the state.

The resolution outlines the principal amount of the bonds and additional details related to the ballot measure. Appendix A of the resolution includes a list of the specific projects proposed to be funded through the bond measure.

To place the measure on the ballot, the resolution must receive approval from at least two-thirds of the board members. Under California law, the adopted resolution must also be submitted to the county no later than 88 days before the election.

Staff noted that the resolution aligns with Strategic Plan Goal 6, which focuses on providing safe and modern facilities, as well as Strategy 3, which aims to secure adequate and stable funding for district priorities.

When the item returns to the board as an action item, district staff is expected to recommend adoption of the resolution calling for and conducting a general obligation bond election on Nov. 3. The recommendation is based on community input, results from the district’s Facility Master Plan, and previous board discussions and direction.

You can view the entire presentation at pasoschools.org

The next Paso Robles Joint Unified School District meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, at 6 p.m.