Our school facilities need fixing. At the moment we don’t have enough money in our deferred maintenance account or School District savings to repair all of them. But how do we proceed?
The difference among our School Board members is that some are looking at this in the short-term, some long-term. Both have their points.
Micro-Economists
The holders of the short-term view say we need action now. They are right. We have had five years of state cuts and deferrals, making only dire maintenance to our facilities possible. They point out that historically, a November election is the best opportunity to pass a bond measure. Right again.
Macro-Economists
We need to pursue this bond measure in a more processed manner, say the long-term viewers, and not rush into such a years’ long debt commitment. They are right, too. They say we need to follow the historically prudent road signs, shunning shortcuts. The District needs to engage the community so that the terms are clear. Right.
Vista Pointe
Short-termers are looking at $165M in overdue District needs. Long-termers see a $400M debt burden being taken on.
There should be room for compromise. Meanwhile, lingering, unexpressed feelings and clashing personalities on the School Board are getting in the way of a compromise.
Board Stalemate
There seems to be a School Board standoff even though there has been no Board decision on the size of this bond or other pertinent details.
We don't need to schedule a public meeting. If ever there was a time for the superintendent to intervene and call for a weekend School Board retreat so members can talk with and not “at each other, this is it.
Where Do We Stand?
The people of Culver City have a reputation for frugality. The numbers attest to this. Culver City USD has the fourth lowest tax rate among the other 47 unified school districts in L.A. County. The City of Culver City has the 10th lowest tax rate among the 89 cities in the County. These rankings are no fluke. We are more willing to give of our time than in spending our tax dollars.
Years of Neglect
After years of deferring maintenance projects over and over, the mounting need still is present.
Bottom Line
But most homeowner/taxpayers’ minds will be on this question: Will inflation make it easier or harder to pay increased property tax bills over the next 25-plus years?
Land-Poor
Inflation makes it harder for homeowners to come up with the money. Their property may be worth more on paper, but it doesn’t help in paying their daily bills.
Transformation
Do our Board members comprehend how this undertaking will transform our community over 25 years? Whether paying for this massive District undertaking with a single large bond or in a series of smaller bonds, it will forever alter the character of our small community. Culver City never will be the same.
As a 62-year old lifetime resident, I don’t mind our city slowly changing with the times. I don’t want it to abruptly change for mitigating an ongoing, still unfunded District-wide maintenance problem before everybody understands the immense financial consequence.
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com
