PALMDALE – Palmdale City Council passed a resolution in support of Palmdale School District’s Bond Measure DD for 21st Century Palmdale Schools that will be on the Nov. 6 Ballot.
Measure DD is a $220 million school bond measure that will upgrade Palmdale schools so students have a strong academic foundation that prepares them for high school, college and the competitive 21st century job market, city officials said.
“Measure DD will provide locally-controlled funding to update Palmdale schools and not one dollar can be taken by the state,” said Mayor James Ledford. “This measure will keep our students competitive and best prepare them for future careers.”
Superintendent Roger Gallizzi also spoke in support of the resolution.
“Our strong academic programs in science, math, and english help students succeed,” Gallizzi said. “Our classrooms and school facilities, however, need essential safety repairs and upgrades to support a 21st century learning environment that prepares students for today’s competitive economy.”
Measure DD will repair leaky roofs, provide up-to-date science and computer labs, repair aging and deteriorating classrooms, upgrade facilities to meet health and safety codes, replace outdated heating and cooling systems to improve energy efficiency, provide 21st century classroom technology and update technology over time, and provide modern fire-detection, alarms, emergency communication, and security systems.
The bond will cost residents no more than $30 per $100,000 of assessed property values annually.
Measure DD requires strict fiscal accountability. All funds will be controlled locally and no funds can be spent on salaries, pensions or benefits for administrators, teachers or other school employees.
An independent citizen oversight committee and annual audits will be required.
(Information via press release from the Palmdale School District.)
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