San Jose Weighs $500M Bond For School Construction

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- San Jose school officials are considering whether to seek taxpayer approval for a $500 million bond measure to pay for school construction and repairs.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that the measure could be placed on the same ballot as Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed tax extensions — if the school board approves the move and the Legislature sets a special election for June.

Superintendent Vincent Matthews says the money would be used for repairing roofs, remodeling campuses and building classrooms.

District officials say the bond won't lead to higher taxes because property owners will keep paying the same rate for previous bond debt.

Some critics say the proposal is too big and hastily put together. Others say the district should focus on paying for basic operational costs, not constructing new buildings.

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