The school board voted to adopt an amended resolution and accompanying ballot exhibit that increases the proposed November bond from $185,000,000 to $190,000,000 to cover curriculum purchases and to reflect a newly awarded state grant for Wood Middle School.

Remo Douglas, staff member, told the board that staff proposed increasing the bond amount to “accommodate those purchases,” and that the district had been awarded “the awesome grant, for a little over $6,000,000, for some improvements to Wood Middle School.” The amended ballot title was updated so voters would see the additional state funding referenced in the measure materials.

The change bundle (the amended and restated resolution plus Exhibit A with ballot language) was approved on a single vote. Director Salvaggio, Director Wyatt, Director Shoemaker, Vice Chair Vidal and Chair Sloop all voted aye. The motion passed.

Board members discussed how the ballot summary is written and how prominent to make the sentence saying the measure would “not increase current tax rates.” Director Salvaggio asked whether emphasis (for example, capitalization) could be added to make that clear to voters; staff and legal counsel warned that ballot wording and formatting are highly prescribed and that changes could create legal risk. Andrew, staff member/legal counsel, said the district’s attorneys “weigh in heavily” and that final wording would need counsel approval. Douglas noted the summary is restricted to 175 words and that legal counsel recommended keeping the prescribed phrasing in that first sentence while separating the paragraph break so the reference to the state grant would be less proximate, if practicable.

Board members also discussed campaign roles. Director Wyatt said board members would be active in advocating for passage in the community, and Douglas confirmed that the tax rate would remain at the stated $3 per $1,000 assessed value if the measure passes.

The board approved the amended resolution and ballot exhibit as presented and directed staff to proceed with the filings and next steps required for the November bond measure.