This is about Proposition H, the March 2004 ballot initiative to upgrade Grossmont Union High School District’s aging facilities. It was to tax each district homeowner $28 per $100,000 of the assessed valuation of their home.
Rising property valuations has brought this rate down to below $22, and next year it will lower further. The bond value remains $274 Million.
     This tax lowering saves the “average” homeowner about $50 annually. In this scenario the savings come at a huge detriment to our school district. This money could better serve our children and grandkids.
     Its’ aggregate could produce over $100 million to benefit future high school education capabilities. We should reconstitute the previously granted $28 tax rate (or a bit higher).
We must encourage GUHSD to initiate a November 2008 general election ballot measure that grants a stopgap of additional funds.
The overall additional funding amount should be determined by considering the complete needs of all the listed Prop H projects.
     This bond extension (Add-on) should be seen as what it is; a reinstatement of the means to achieve what we originally agreed to pay for under Prop H, but are not. This restores a previously granted tax rate for fixing our high schools.
     The unforeseen facility needs, and skyrocketing construction costs aren’t GUHSD’s fault. We should not blame GUHSD for trying the in-house management practice that failed us. It was tried (alleged to save us money) and it did not work.
     GUHSD has shifted Prop H program management to experts. The Bond Advisory Commission, and the independent AF Consultants both have recommended this. Important GUHSD reforms are underway.
     We’ve learned that many GUHSD facilities do not merit repairing and should be replaced. The outdated science labs and classrooms, and Grossmont High’s crumbling 68-year-old multi-purpose building are examples.
     The Prop H Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) questioned the Program Managers’ (Gafcon-Harris) about the adequacy of Prop H funds.
     Gafcon–Harris is currently budgeting and categorizing the available district project funds. They are quantifying the current and longer-term needs. They have already confirmed that there aren’t sufficient funds.
     G-H explained to the CBOC details of the dire situation that faces our high school district in fixing its outdated facilities. Our schools have aged beyond their design life; this was accelerated by a lack of proper maintenance, which is partially a result of inadequate State and Federal funding.
     The State of California and Federal Governments has been shortchanging our public schools. Education programs have been mandated without the funds to pay for them. Other valid reasons exist such as…
Commodities needed in construction (steel, copper, cement, lumber, and energy) have seen prices soar.
Natural disasters and foreign demand have strained material supplies causing cost increases.
Labor, technology upgrades, and other costs have spiked, in some cases near 50 percent.
Deferred operating (outstanding lease-purchase obligations) costs have cut into the bond funds.

     Because of all these, the original 2003 GUHSD Facilities Master Plan for expenditures of Prop H money is missing its’ benchmark by a huge amount.
     Prop H was to eliminate school overcrowding and some safety concerns by building a new 12th high school campus. I will not rehash the legitimacy of arguments for, or against a 12th new district high school.
     I will say, “The new 12th high school was listed in the voter-approved bond and therefore must be included in all bond spending plans.” The bond-listed projects are indivisible, equal, and should be treated as such.
     Funding shortfalls exist at many school districts in San Diego County, and throughout California. Many have already passed bonds, and for many of the same reasons as we face, they also will be seeking follow-up bond measures.
     Without a successful bond extension, the needed modernization projects will not be completed. Blame should be shared by us all, and not leveled on any one coterie. The only Win/Win solution is to seek and approve a bond extension.
     Dissatisfied Alpiners have said that they are already paying for a 12th high school, and that GUHSD had misled them to get Prop H passed.
     It has been suggested by a few that legal action be initiated, that Alpine unify. I’ve been told that GUHSD is corrupt and incompetent… All these comments reflect those people’s frustrations. We must let bygones be bygones, and we should forgive.
     What is our best recourse? Alpine unification should not be considered… it is not a viable solution… the economy of scale (the multiple H.S. District), offers us more choices and options. For all considering a legal action, this is not prudent, it is lengthy, and will it be expensive.
     The history of GUHSD has been rocky. GUHSD is working to implement many good management reforms, and to fix what has been dysfunctional. GUHSD needs your help — support the reform effort now underway.
     Every district student and parent deserves the best the high school the district can offer. “Let’s get what Prop H intended, and what we voted for in the Prop H language.”
     Let GUHSD hear your support. Link to administration and governing board members at www.ahscc.com, click Meetings & Alerts. Also you may contact Debbie Peterson, Executive Assistant, Office of the Superintendent at 644-8085.

     Bill Weaver is the Chairman of the Alpine High School Citizens Committee and a resident of Alpine. He can be reached at 445-1234; or e-mail him at b.weaver@usa.com. The Grossmont Solution Report is an opinion column written for The Alpine Sun.