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Templeton school district measure seeks too much money, vote no

October 19, 2024

OPINION by RUSSELL SPOTTEN

As a 27-year resident of Templeton, I feel compelled to provide some additional input regarding Templeton Unified School District Ballot Measure D-24, which is asking residents to authorize $53.2 in new bonds to finance a list of “specific school facilities projects,” with the list included in the voter information guide.

These new general obligation bonds will be financed by imposing a new property tax to every property owner within the Templeton Unified School District boundaries at the rate of $60 per $100,000 in assessed value. For example, a property with an assessed valued of $600,000 will be obligated to pay an additional property tax of $360 per year.

On the surface, this does not seem like too much to pay in order to upgrade and modernize the school district’s facilities. That said, it is important to note that Templeton property owners are already paying for a similar bond measure that was voted for in 2012. The Templeton 2012 General Obligation Bond had a face value of $35 million when approved, of which the the principle amount owed is currently $29.9 million. According to the SLO County web site, the “scheduled final payment date (subject to change)” for the 2012 bond is Aug. 2046.

Therefore, Measure D-24 asks for property owners in Templeton to now be obligated to pay for $83.1 million in total bond debt, ($29.9 million previous and $53.2 million new), for “upgrading and modernizing” equipment, classrooms, etc.).

For a small town, whose population in 2023 was listed at 8,386, this seems like an irresponsible amount of money to borrow. For someone who is retired and living mostly on Social Security and a little savings, I know how I will plan to vote.

 


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Job title Avg Total pay &

benefits

Superintendent/Cbo $249,424.48

Asst Supt Of Ed Services $201,623.08

Ths Principal $186,363.38


9

….and what is the average salary for a Superintendent and Principal in California? We are actually paying below average [$278-$319]. If you want talented individuals, you need to be competitive in the workplace.


-9

I would agree with you….except California is among the lowest testing scores in the nation.


We’re NOT getting our money’s worth.


3

Bonds encourage irresponsible mismanagment of taxpayer resources. Everyone except government has to live within a fixed budget. Why can’t government do the same?


14

Bond votes allow, a local, constituency to correct the oversight of Statewide lawmakers (Politicians) who notoriously underfund schools.

To a degree, bonds are corrective measures by the PEOPLE. They are, specific, targeted, funding mechanisms intended to solve a local problem often ignored by the Statewide politicians. They are apolitical statements of intent and priorities of a local constituency.


You want local control of school boards.

You want local input on curriculum.

You want higher standards and better performing locals schools.

But you want things perfect first in Sacramento, then you will think about our kids. That is clear.

We will put you down for as a no.


16

Rock on Yan. Always a good voice here, next to my wacky comments of teenage adult collegiate rebellion.


2

Sad how some people use a system to make profit, and won’t pay into it, and then demean the people who need it. Typical “conservative ideology”; until they need help.


-3

So, 26 years ago you bought your house for $200k. It is $120 a year to you, or $10 a month.

The tyranny of the left never ends.

Pay up and send our kids to school with nice facilities and the latest technology.


12

Then blame unions for asking for “liveable wages” as “bad guys”. As if no one knows how or why Unions started in America as if no one went to public school.


0

We all know how and why unions began, and every one of those concerns was addressed over 100 years ago.


Unions ONLY exist today, to extort businesses.


4

I respectfully disagree. Look at Boeing, covering up death. And firing whistleblowers; and Murdering whistleblowers.


-4

When in doubt, vote NO.


1

Why is voting for improving public schools bad? Did you attend public schools to get to where you are? Why would you abandon them? Why wouldn’t you reinvest into what made you, you?


-4

Let’s see a verified list of things that were “improved” with the last bond. Shouldn’t we know exactly what our they want our money spent on? Or do you prefer that unknown excitement of waiting for the next expensive bond vote for “improvements”?


1

Look at Cuesta as an example of bond money. paso Cuesta went from shacks to actual buildings. Is this bad? Is paso having a college bad?


-1

Strongly disagree. School facilities need upgrades. People want to come to this community because of the schools and italso indirectly creates better home values. It’s an investment in our community. Better schools results in lower crime and a smarter and more prosperous community.


20

I’m sure you missed the part, where she said the 2012 Bond is still in effect, still being paid for, and is the exact same thing as D-24. Where has that money gone? What have the taxpayers of teeny tiny Templeton got for their current $29 million dollars, that absolutely demands an additional $53 million dollars?


This is where Conservatives and liberals veer off onto vastly different paths. Conservatives want fiscal responsibility. Liberals want to tax and spend and tax some more with little to show for it.


Vote NO on D-24


-9

Seems like you believe everything you read without doing your own research. The 2012 Bond is not in effect anymore. The schools need repair and updating that are not covered in their budget. Nice of you to show your support your local schools and community


39

When people get paid $250k it’s no wonder things are in disrepair, though I doubt they truly are that bad of conditions. If they don’t waste it, they can’t ask for more. Learn to budget.


7

You voted for people allowing them to make that much; and they call them selves “conservative” in Paso.


-4

You make an uneducated assumption that things “aren’t that bad”. The budget does not cover these costs and deficiencies.


0

Why would a budget NOT cover a known quantity? We know the buildings will need maintenance and repairs. Put that in the budget.


We know that equipment will need repairs and replacement. Put that in the budget.


Paint, pencils, paper, plumbing, heating, and mystery meat Monday, all SHOULD be budgeted for.


Have you ever noticed, that the teachers union never goes on strike for a better budget for the kids, but only for higher wages and benefits? Every strike, some poor downtrodden teacher will complain to the news media, that they alone must buy supplies for their classroom BECAUSE THERE IS NO MONEY IN THE BUDGET, so they must get a higher wage to compensate. Think of the children…


0

How much is “to much?”


-6

Bond is such a nice way of saying higher property taxes. How about everybody paying not just property owners.


23

And those of us without kids or kids who go to public school, they shouldn’t pay. My grandparents should pay more, they already paid for their children’s education.


2

Hmm. So if someone doesnt drive, they shouldn’t have to pay road fees? Or if someone doesnt use a park, shouldn’t have to pay for that. Its called a community for a reason.


1

I am all for funding to assist with our public schools and understand that taxation is the route to get there – but I disagree with taxing property owners merely for being property owners. There is no direct correlation between the property owners and the individuals benefitting from the revenue and not everyone has an equal share in the expense. Moreover, non-resident landlords will pass this cost on to tenants to make the already unbearable cost of rentals even higher.


The more prudent path would be an increase in sales tax as it would ensure that Templeton captures not only the local revenue base, but also from the tourists, non-landowner residents, and anyone else visiting the area and engaging in Templeton commerce. Everyone benefits. Because the source is misplace and is disproportionate, I am voting no. I just wish it had been a more thoughtful solution.


2

Sales tax could be a consideration except that Templeton is unincorporated and has no power to assess any additional fees in this regard.


4

Old retiree with no more stake in the game, doesn’t want to support future generations.


In other news, the sky is blue.


4

Nice analogy. That seems to be the mentality in SLO county.


0

Bet school administration would have no problem paying the increase……


16
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