One of the challenges we face in society is the difference between fact and opinion, especially in news media and even more so on social media.
Plumas Lake residents will vote on five school bonds on November 5th, and there are many opinions surrounding them. Opinions are not wrong; people can vote YES or NO based on their circumstances and views. However, as a voter, it’s critical to understand the facts as you consider the best decision for you and your family.
The Facts
Here are some clear facts related to the school bond measures on your ballot (Measures B,C,D,E,F):
- The bonds require 55% to pass, and for each one that passes, your property tax bill will go up approximately $30 per $100k of assessed value (B & C are slightly less than $30, so the total if all five measures pass is roughly $144 per $100k of assessed)
- Measures B & C (with development impact fees and state funds) will construct the first phase of a Plumas Lake High School. WUHSD already owns the 50 acres where the school will be located.
- Measures D, E, & F (with development impact fees and state funds) will fully construct a Plumas Lake Middle School. Riverside Meadows will return to its designed purpose, serving as the third elementary school in Plumas Lake.
- The average assessed value (different from market value) in Plumas Lake is $400k, so the average homeowner will pay $576 per year ($48 per month) if all five pass. This is the average, and your specific cost may be higher or lower based on your assessed value. You can check your assessed value here.
- The community has grown significantly in recent years, is still growing, and will continue to grow. Therefore, additional school capacity is needed to support recent and future growth.
- Construction of a middle school and a high school in Plumas Lake will require the passage of school bonds; there is no other option.
- There are short-term solutions to school overcrowding, including moving to year-round school, but these are only temporary and do not eliminate the need for future high and middle schools as the community continues to grow.
Based on these facts, the choice before voters can be boiled down to two options:
- Raise taxes and build schools (yes vote)
- Do not raise taxes, and do not build schools (no vote)
You can read a letter from PLESD that provides facts about current school enrollment and capacity. The letter also addresses anticipated growth and the associated impact on existing facilities. The 2021/2022 WUHSD facilities master plan identifies that the existing high school will reach capacity at or before the 26/27 school year.
The Opinions
(more coming soon)