Superintendent Dr. Jose Araux gives opening remarks at Wednesday’s information meeting.
A proposed school bond measure that could generate approximately $187 million for school improvements was the focus of a Perris Union High School District (PUHSD) informational meeting Wednesday morning.
District officials outlined the proposal ahead of a July 7 Board of Education meeting, when trustees are expected to consider the measure.
If approved by voters, the measure would extend payments on two existing school bonds that are nearing expiration, allowing the district to fund future facility projects without increasing the current tax rate paid by property owners.
“This is a unique approach that is only available to a select few districts every election cycle because you need to have existing bonds on the books already that are set to expire,” Jason Chung, a consultant working with the district, said.
According to district officials, the proposal would extend bonds originally approved by voters in 1999 and 2004. Chung said the existing measures currently cost property owners about $20 per $100,000 of assessed value annually.
“There is no projected increase to that $20 per $100,000 rate,” Chung said. “We’re just merely proposing to extend the rate for approximately 20 to 30 years.”
Superintendent Dr. Jose Araux said the district’s planning efforts are focused on maintaining facilities, supporting growing enrollment and ensuring students across all campuses have access to safe and modern learning environments.
“As we continue planning for our future facilities, our focus is not on increasing taxes,” Araux said. “Our focus is on maintaining the current tax rate while continuing to invest in our schools.”
Araux said the district’s approach is guided by four priorities: Delivering on promises made to voters, equitable spending across schools, financial responsibility, and strategic financing.
He shared that previous voter-approved bond funding has been used to improve classrooms, upgrade safety systems, modernize facilities, and expand educational opportunities throughout the district.
District materials distributed at the meeting cited aging facilities and continued enrollment growth as key reasons for pursuing the measure.
According to PUHSD, 35 classrooms experienced roof leaks during the past year. Officials also noted that Liberty High School, which opened in 2021, is already at maximum student capacity.
School principals have previously identified several potential projects across Menifee area campuses at an April 20 community meeting. At Liberty High School, proposed improvements include 28 additional classrooms, expanded shared learning spaces, and accessibility upgrades to accommodate continued growth.
At Paloma Valley High School, school officials have identified needs including additional parking, a student center, and classroom improvements.
At Heritage High School, proposed projects include a single point of entry, expanded fencing, additional classrooms, and a second gym to support future enrollment growth and campus safety.
Joy Kummer of TeamCivX, a consulting firm working with the district, said opportunities to extend existing tax rates rather than seek higher rates have become increasingly important as inflation continues to impact homeowners.
“That’s why these no-tax increase opportunities are so important and so critical,” Kummer said.
If approved by the Board of Education and placed on the ballot, the measure would require support from 55 percent of voters to pass.
