Tech Bond Measure Survey on School Board Agenda

The Fountain Valley School District's Board of Trustees will consider a resolution Thursday night that would start the process for a potential bond issue by conducting a survey of local voters to gauge support.

, the board heard a presentation from investment banking firm George K. Baum outlining the process for issuing general oblibation bonds, how the funds could be used, and the process and strategy for holding an election to decide whether the bonds are issued.

Based on Fountain Valley's tax rate and an estimated average single-family home value of $300,000, the bonds could bring about $20 million in intial money to the district and an additional $10 million in interest. The money could be used to make capital improvements to school buildings or be placed in a technology fund, which would allow the money to gain another $1 million each year in interest until 2039.

The board will also consider resolutions finalizing the district's goals and the board's own interests for the 2012-13 school year. In addition to the usual teaching, staff development and recruitment goals, the proposed goals also include financial goals related to the decision to close Moiola K-8 school and the subsequent redrawing of the district's boundaries.

The board's primary proposed interest dovetails with the potential bond issue, pointing out the need to advance "21st-Century Learning Skills" through the increased and proper integration of technology into the district's classrooms. The board is also seeking to hold itself to a higher standard by engaging in more professional training.