Santa Barbara area school bonds need more than majority to win

GOLETA, Calif. - School bonds didn't all pass the election night test.

Measure M in the Goleta Unified School District appears to have achieved a passing grade with more than 70 percent of the vote, but the same can't be said for Measure L in the Cold Spring School School District.

Both need 55 percent of the vote to pass.

Although Measure L appears shy of the mark, the principal of Cold Spring is thankful for the support the measure received from parents and homeowners.

"The Cold Spring School District is cautiously optimistic that Measure L 2020 will pass. We are waiting for all remaining ballots to be counted. Regardless of the outcome, we will continue to be a relationships-driven and student centered school," principal Amy Alzina said. "I want to thank our governing board, our wonderful community, our hardworking parents and our dedicated teachers and staff that are committed to serving the hearts and minds of our children."

Susan Epstein, the head of the Measure M campaign and Vice President of the Goleta Unified School District Board of Trustees, is grateful for the widespread support in the community including the South Coast Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters.

"We are thrilled that voters overwhelmingly threw their support behind Measure M. They voted yes on investing in our schools, our communities and our children," Epstein said.

She said it's been decades since the district placed a bond measure on the ballot.

Measure M will raise $80 million through property taxes to pay for improvements to the district's elementary schools in Goleta, Isla Vista and Santa Barbara.

The money will also create STEAM classrooms.

"With the passage of Measure M, we can prioritize equity in facilities and technology across the school district, enhance students experience with STEAM programs, address the infrastructure at our schools sites, and add renewable energy throughout the district."

Epstein credits the large number of volunteers who spread the word at a time when many critics said they were concerned about their finances during a pandemic.

Supporters believe school improvements will help property values and the quality of education.

"We are grateful to the large number of volunteers and supporters who worked hard to inform the public and are heartened to see this overwhelming support of our children, families and schools."

Measure M will be paid for with a tax increase of a little more than $19 dollars on every $100,000 in assessed property value.

Goleta could get the first installment of money by the next school year.