Long Beach district wins approval of $1.2 billion bond

A $1.2 billion construction bond measure for theLong Beach (Calif.) Unified School District has been approved. The bonds will pay for repairs, new facilities and improvements. A professional review of facilities found that major renovations are required at 38 percent of district schools, and moderate renovations are needed at 36 percent. The district has more than 28,000 students in portable classrooms, and officials want to use bond funds to replace portables with additional permanent buildings. To read The Long Beach Press-Telegram article, click here. FROM OCTOBER 2008: The Long Beach Unified School District is asking voters on Nov. 4 to approve a $1.2 billion construction bond measure. Measure K would require at least 55 percent voter support to pass. To read The Long Beach Press-Telegram article, click here. FROM JULY 2008: The Long Beach (Calif.) district has placed a $1.2 billion construction measure on the Nov. 4 ballot to fund repairs, new facilities and improvements. Major renovations are required at 38 percent of the district's schools, and moderate renovations are needed at 36 percent, according to a survey. In addition to repairing and upgrading facilities, the district wants to construct additional permanent buildings. More than 28,000 students attend class every day in portable classrooms, some of which are old and in disrepair. At least 55 percent of voters in the district would have to approve the measure. The district could be eligible for $286 million in state matching funds for construction and renovations after the measure passes. To read The Long Beach Press-Telegram article, click here.