Fremont short of estimated $1.6 billion

Evan Lindemann,
Contributor

Fremont school officials say they need $1.6 billion dollars to renovate and modernize schools in its district, but they’ve raised less than half the funds estimated to complete the project.

Only a portion of the funds needed is available, according to statements made at a joint meeting of the Fremont City Council and Fremont Unified School District Board.

“Our newest school [was built] in 1990,” said Therese Gain, director of facilities. “We have 31 schools that are over 50 years old…technology, infrastructure, class technology, lighting, plumbing, restrooms, alarm systems, roofs, walls, windows, doors, ceilings, [and] security” of most schools need to be fixed she said.

The district has about 30,000 students across 42 schools.

The FUSD board also wishes to revamp schools with a sleek 21st century style interior, including flexible furniture, Gain said. “Tallying up all the needs for renovation, our need [is] looking like $1.6 billion,” she concluded.

Measure E was approved by 61 percent of the voters on June 3, authorizing the district to increase its debt by $650 million by issuing general obligation bonds.

The plan is to pay off the debt by 2051 through the increase of property taxes.

The FUSD did not comment on how to come up with the remaining $950 million, nor does Measure E outline how to meet this need, despite winning majority
Measure E, supported by Mayor Bill Harrison and other council members, stirred up much debate.

Some citizens and city government officials said they wonder if $650 million dollars in bonds was too drastic and the subsequent tax burden too heavy, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Taxpayers who own a $350,000 home, would roughly double the tax levy for bonds to about $94 annually, while a home of $450,000 would be set to see its property taxes increase from $191 per year to $479 per year in 2018, according to the Contra Costa Times.

The first move of Measure E, according to Gain, is to “convert the [7th to 8th] junior highs to a 6th to 8th grade model…providing instant relief for the elementary schools.”

She said this will reduce overcrowded classrooms for a more intimate learning experience and help Fremont schools adopt a 21st century school system.

The task force has hired Harris & Associates, a construction management firm “to monitor the projects” said Gain.