The Briggs School District has a $4.6 million dollar general obligation bond measure on the November ballot, which would allow for needed renovation work at the school, as well as some needed work at Olivelands School.

Briggs School hopes for ok of Measure K next month

October 17, 2014
Santa Paula News

The Briggs School District has a $4.6 million dollar general obligation bond measure on the November ballot, which would allow for needed renovation work at the school, as well as some needed work at Olivelands School.

Deborah Cuevas, Superintendent of the Briggs Elementary School District, said the original school was built in 1870. A fire destroyed that structure and the current building was constructed in 1925

Briggs serves students in grades 5-8. Cuevas said they have a growing enrollment and there are much needed repairs to provide for safety and security. They can no longer cook in the kitchen, so students now get reheated, flash-frozen meals.  Cuevas said the school’s windows are almost 100 years old and can no longer be safely opened. A portion of the money raised would go towards air conditioning the buildings. “Today, our schools need major classroom and infrastructure improvements to maintain the quality of education provided to local children,” Cuevas said. Another project will be to increase student access to computers and modern technology.

The project list was developed over several months with input from staff, teachers, parents, community leaders and an architect. The district came up with a needs analysis, which identified the major repairs, and upgrades that need to be made.

Cuevas noted they are using an old, leaky barn for storage that needs to be replaced. She added that they want to put in a track. “We’ve had big support, very positive,” Cuevas said. If passed the estimated cost to each property owner in the district will be $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

She also said that, if Measure K does not pass classrooms and school facilities will continue to deteriorate. A local, independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent and an annual audit is also required. Cuevas added that no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.

 





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