Thank you Hart District voters!

Voters have approved $158 million in school bonds by a 70.75 percent affirmative vote to allow the William S. Hart Union High School District to build new schools and renovate older campuses in the district. The Governing Board approved the ballot measure (Measure V) in response to the Hart District's severe student overcrowding, which saw more than 17,000 students housed in junior and senior high schools designed to house 10,200. Since that time, the district has been able to complete two new junior high schools and two high schools, reducing overcrowding on a number of campuses despite the district’s continued growing enrollment.

Measure V bonds will cover a specific list of projects which include construction of four new high schools, two new junior high schools and facilities for several alternative education programs. It also will include construction projects to enhance, modernize and expand all of the Hart District's existing junior and senior high schools and provide furniture and equipment for Rio Norte Junior High, opened in 2003. The new Golden Valley and West Ranch high schools and Rancho Pico Junior High opened in 2004, with West Ranch ninth graders studying on the Rancho Pico campus until their school is completed in 2005.

Planning is underway for another high school to serve the Castaic area, with opening currently anticipated in 2008. Major modernization projects were started in 2004 at Arroyo Seco Junior High and Saugus and Canyon high schools. Athletic field modernization projects funded by Measure V were completed in 2004 and early 2005 at all four of the district’s existing high schools, with upgrades for Golden Valley and West Ranch scheduled for summer 2005..

Given current growth projections, the bonds are expected to cover the Hart District's needs for at least the next 10 years, according to Superintendent Robert C. Lee. Although voters approved the full $158 million in 2001, bonds will be issued only as new projects come on line and funds are needed.

More than $500 million will be needed for new and upgraded Hart District facilities in the foreseeable future, according to the Hart District's 10-year facilities plan. Local bond proceeds and developer fees will provide local matching funds to help the Hart District obtain state construction and modernization funds necessary to complete the full 10-year plan.
The Measure V Community Oversight Committee has issued annual reports indicating that the Hart District is expending its Measure V funds appropriately.