If the Specific List Included in the Bond Measure is Substantially More than the Bond Amount, Can You Ask For a Priority List with Project Schedules?

It has become common for some project lists presented in the bond ballot measures to include far more projects at far greater total costs than could be completed with the value of the bonds authorized.

This is understandable as it is another way of providing flexibility for districts and facilities leadership to respond to changes in conditions.

With such an approach, a priority list appears desirable, reasonable, and valid.

Perhaps the main reason that the priority list approach is not made more often is that to get a new tax to pass (and Prop. 39 bond ballot issues are measures to allow property tax increases to cover the bond debt service), you need to get as many “yes” votes as possible.  One proven way to get more “yes” votes is to promise as many things as possible to as many potential voters as possible – and likely “yes” voters who see “their” projects at “their” school far down the priority list could be regarded as less likely to vote in favor of the tax increase if they are less likely to get something out of it.

(See also FAQs16., “What are the basic key elements that should be included in a school district facility master plan?” and 17., “What are some examples of questions that should be asked by bond oversight members?”)