Schools
School District Poll Indicates Support for $95 Million Bond Measure
At Tuesday night's school board meeting, new officers were elected, and the board heard results of a recent district-wide poll that measured potential support for a $95 million bond measure, and how parents are feeling about the district overall.
At Tuesday night's meeting of the Milpitas Unified School District Board of Education, new officers were elected, and board members were presented with the results of a district-wide poll that asked parents whether they would support a $95 million bond measure for school improvements, and how they feel about their school district overall.
First on the agenda was the election of new officers for 2012. Trustee Daniel Bobay was elected the board's new president. Trustee Marsha Grilli will serve as next year's vice president, and Trustee Danny Lau was elected the new clerk.
Next on the agenda was a presentation of the poll results. Ruth Bernstein with EMC Research presented the results to the board.
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EMC Research polled Milpitas residents from November 8 to 20, trying to get a feel for where they stand regarding a possible General Obligation Bond measure. If passed, the bond would secure $95 million in much-needed funds for the district. The money would be used to make basic repairs at numerous schools, build new schools, and for technology updates.
EMC polled 401 registered voters via telephone. The interviews were conducted by trained, professional interviewers, Bernstein said.
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Those polled were asked a variety of questions about the school district, such as how they feel the district is doing, if they feel students are receiving a good education and if they thought schools were in need of repair.
Overall, the responses received were positive.
Bernstein stated a bond measure would need a vote of 55 percent or better to pass. The results indicated 68 percent of those polled would approve a bond measure if they were to vote on it, which would be more than enough to pass.
The poll also suggested strong support within the district for passing a bond measure, if it were to be placed on the June 2012 ballot.
EMC Research recommended the school board move forward with providing the district's public with information and education regarding the bond measure.