HOAs Set Aside Funds for Major Repairs—School Districts Should, Too

Commentary Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) in Orange County, Calif., is considering issuing another voter-approved bond to pursue building improvements. The title of “Classroom Safety/Repair Measure” is being used in the initial phase of this exercise. And the Facilities Master Plan (FMP) is on the district’s website and invites visitors to take a prioritization survey. But that’s about all you’ll see, unless you dig deeper on their website. What you may not find in doing a search on NMUSD’s website is that “the district contracted the DLR Group to assist with the development of the FMP,” according to a district memo. And that “one of the options includes funding via General Obligation Bonds. Consequently, a general obligation feasibility study is required. … District staff have identified True North Research, Inc. … to design and implement a survey that will produce a … statistically reliable evaluation of voters’ interest in supporting a local bond.”...