Opinion: Yes on Measure X for Waugh Schools

The Waugh School District on Petaluma’s east side has some of the highest performing schools in the area. But Corona Creek Elementary School and Meadow Elementary School are both more than 20 years old and in need of some upgrades.

The district has deferred mainenance on the facilities during the past several lean years in favor of keeping education standards high. Now, the district has found itself with leaky roofing and outmoded plumbing.

It’s time to fix these two schools and bring the facilities up to the high standard of the instruction that takes place within their walls.

A portion of the voters in the district will be asked to approve $4 million in bonds to modernize the two campuses. Measure X on the Nov. 8 ballot is worth supporting, and will give the district the ability to complete all of the necessary projects.

None of the money will go towards teacher or administration salaries, and an oversight committee will ensure that the revenue is spent wisely. It will require 55 percent of the vote to pass.

The bond issuance is expected to add $30 to each $100,000 of property value for home owners within the School Facility Improvement District. These are residents who have not already paid the special taxes that constructed the two schools.

We hope that voters are generous in supporting the excellent schools in the Waugh district. With improved facilities, the quality of education will only get better.

The Argus-Courier recommends a “yes” vote on Measure X.