Castro Valley teachers support Measure G schools bond

Castro Valley teachers have unanimously agreed to support Measure G, the schools’ bond for renovations, repairs, and upgrades to the district’s 15 aging campuses, at their union meeting on April 20.

“Measure G will allow Castro Valley Unified School District to better serve our students in safe and updated facilities,” said Alicia Gholami, a teacher at Chabot Elementary and president of Castro Valley Teachers Association (CVTA).

“Our school facilities are aging,” said Jennifer Clyde, CVHS English teacher. “My own classroom sometimes leaks in the winter. I’m also in favor of adding air conditioning. Students have trouble learning when it’s hot inside the class.”

A recently conducted facilities review on Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) campuses revealed that many buildings are more than 50 years old and in critical need of improvements.

School board members voted to place the $123 million bond proposal on the June 7 ballot.

“The school district wants to spend the money wisely for our students,” said Gary Howard, the board’s vice president.  He explained the bond would be broken into three increments of about $40 million to be sold every other year.

According to the Facilities Master Plan, the district plans to add or improve science labs, install air conditioning and heaters for more classrooms, create new music rooms and upgrade playgrounds at elementary schools. The plan also calls for improved school safety and security, technology, and increased space for special education students.

If voters approve by at least 55 percent, Castro Valley property owners would pay an additional $60 per $100,000 of assessed value per year for 25-30 years.

“We must pass this bond so students can learn in the best facilities possible,” said Sarah Burke, CVHS social studies teacher.

“There’s not enough money in the general fund. This bond will help keep our campuses up to date,” said Mark Mladinich, CVHS social studies teacher.