Bond Watch: What BUSD Is Signaling — and What’s Next
Disclosure: The editor has children who attend schools in the Bonita Unified School District.
Board members of the Bonita Unified School District are signaling the district may be heading toward a future school facilities bond, though no formal decision has been made. At the Jan. 7 school board meeting, trustees discussed the district's ongoing facilities master planning and invited residents to take part in the process as the district considers whether to pursue a bond measure. Board member Jim Elliott noted that the district is approaching a decision about whether to move forward with a bond. "I think we're heading in that direction," Elliot said. However, no formal proposal has been made.
Why facilities funding is being discussed
According to a district-issued Neighborhood School Update brochure, Bonita Unified has completed a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan that identified more than $200 million in urgent repairs and updates needed across all school sites — costs that exceed funding provided by previous bond measures passed in 2004 and 2008.The brochure highlights districtwide needs, including:
- HVAC systems more than 30 years old
- Plumbing systems with original components 50–80 years old
- Fire alarm upgrades needed at most school sites
- Security cameras in only about 15% of schools
- Heavy reliance on portable classrooms, which make up roughly one-third of classrooms, many of which are more than 50 years old
- Outdated science labs and vocational classrooms that no longer meet current educational or safety standards
The district also notes that the state does not provide adequate funding for school facility improvements, leaving local districts with limited options to pay for major repairs and modernization.
What to watch for next
- Release of a specific project list tied to facility needs
- Discussion of a potential bond amount and taxpayer impact
- A formal board vote on whether to place a bond measure on a future ballot
At this stage, district leaders emphasize that no bond has been proposed, and the board has not taken action to place a measure before voters. Community participation is being encouraged early, before decisions are made.
During the recent board meeting, Elliot encouraged residents to ask questions. "Ask the hard questions, get information, have dialog. This is an important time in our district as we look to the future."
📣 How to participate
Community input plays an important role in Bonita Unified’s facilities planning process. Facilities Advisory Committee meeting
⏰ 6 p.m.
🗓 Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
📍 Ekstrand Elementary School
400 N Walnut Ave., San DimasDistrict leaders say these meetings will focus on identifying facility needs and exploring possible funding options.Other opportunities to engage
- Attend BUSD Board of Education meetings, the next one is 6 p.m. Feb. 4
- Watch for public presentations tied to the Facilities Master Plan
- Attend the State of the District Address
🗓 March 2, 6 p.m.
📍 Bonita Center for the Arts, 822 West Covina Blvd., San Dimas
Meeting agendas, materials, and updates are posted on the Bonita Unified School District website.
What Is a School Bond — and What Would It Mean for BUSD Taxpayers?
School bonds are a common way districts pay for major school repairs and upgrades — but they can raise big questions for taxpayers.
Read more in our FAQ
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