A possible school bond measure and what it could mean for local campuses was the focus of a community meeting Monday evening at Paloma Valley High School.
Officials from the Perris Union High School District, along with principals, teachers and parents, gathered to go over past facility upgrades, current campus needs, and what a proposed tax rate extension could fund moving forward.
Superintendent Dr. Jose Araux started by highlighting how previous bond money has already been used across the district.
“I’m proud to share how our bond investments were put to work across our district,” Araux said.
He said more than $176 million has been invested in Menifee schools, with $352.1 million spent districtwide.
“That represents real classrooms, real opportunities and real futures for our students,” Araux said. “It also represents the shared belief that all of our students deserve the best possible spaces and facilities so they can thrive.”
The meeting comes as the district considers placing a bond measure of roughly $185 million on the November ballot. A recent survey showed 55 percent support, which is just enough to pass.
One of the main points officials made is that the proposal would not raise current tax rates. It would extend the timeframe for those taxes so the district can continue funding facility improvements.
Joy Kummer of TeamCivX, a consulting firm that works with school districts across California, said bond funds are limited to specific uses.
“Those things that are called out on the project list are the only things that the money can be spent on,” she said, adding that bonds require oversight committees and annual audits.
Kummer also pointed to the timing.
“2026 is the only opportunity to look at this bond extension opportunity. In 2028, it would not be available,” she said.
Principals from several campuses also shared what they are seeing on their own sites.
At Liberty High School, Principal Erika Rojas said the campus has grown faster than expected since opening about five years ago.
“I don’t think anybody anticipated the growth in the community,” she said.
Plans there include adding 28 classrooms, improving accessibility, and expanding shared learning spaces.
“It’s really important that we have this space because in the next 10 years, we will have the kids because they keep coming,” Rojas said.
At Paloma Valley High School, Principal Thomas LaRochelle discussed ongoing challenges with parking, restrooms and space on campus, even with recent upgrades such as a new culinary lab and auto shop. Future ideas include more parking, a student center, and updated classrooms.
At Heritage High School, safety and growth were top concerns, especially with new housing developments planned nearby. Proposed improvements include a single point of entry, expanded fencing, new classrooms, and a second gym.
Across campuses, district officials said the focus is on keeping up with growth, improving safety, and giving students access to more modern learning spaces, especially in career technical education and STEM.
Whether the bond measure moves forward will depend on community feedback in the coming months. Officials said meetings like this are meant to help guide that decision before an August deadline to place it on the ballot.
“The information that we get from you will help inform the board of what is the best thing to do as they move forward,” Kummer said.
The next community information session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26 at Paloma Valley High School.
