School Board Takes Another Shot at Improving Antioch High With New Bond Measure
By Allen Payton, Publisher
The Antioch School Board by a unanimous vote at their July 25 meeting decided to try again in November to pass a bond measure to fund improvements at Antioch High School. That follows the failure of Measure J in June – by just 31 votes.
The 58-year-old school needs $56.5 million in upgrades, according to the amount of the bonds that will be floated if the measure is approved. It requires 55% voter approval to pass.
Unlike Measure J which included improvements at other school district campuses and facilities, Measure B, as it will appear on the November ballot, focuses all its funds on improving Antioch High.
“The funds will be spent on a new cafeteria, Career Center, library, administrative offices, renovations and remodeling to support the academy and linked learning program,” shared Antioch School Board Trustee Joy Motts.
There will also be upgrades in technology, as well as improvements to the athletic facilities, including a new field and all-weather track.
“We have 1955 plumbing and electrical,” Motts stated. “We have one of the last cinder tracks at a high school in Northern California.”
“Antioch High has strong bones. We’re going to keep all the old brick,” she added. “We’re hoping we can make it happen, this time. The need is dire. The school has done its job for 58 years and it’s in need of a serious upgrade.”
Trustee Claire Smith, who was first elected in 1995 and faces reelection, this year said “Antioch High is in need of renovation, that’s for sure and it’s going to be up to the people.”
When asked why the district hadn’t set aside funds to improve the school over the years, she replied “Actually we have spent money on that school all along – the maintenance, the upkeep, the new roof. But after 60 years there are just things that need to be done that the budget can’t afford.”
The official language on Measure B in the ballot pamphlet is as follows:
To modernize Antioch High School by renovating classrooms including science and computer labs, improving critical safety and security systems, building a library and cafeteria, upgrading athletic facilities, replacing inefficient building systems, and improving student access to classroom technology, shall School Facilities Improvement District No. 1 of Antioch Unified School District issue $56.5 million in construction bonds at legal interest rates with funds monitored by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee with no funds spent on Administrators?
A pro-Measure B website has been set up for more information at www.YesonBondB.com.
