Knightsen may catch a break if a $5 million revenue bond passes - it was failing slightly but votes will likely
be counted for two more weeks. 55% Yes votes are needed - the current tally is 235 Yes (54.4%) and 197 No
(45.6%). Six more Yes votes (and zero No votes) would do the trick. So would seven Yes votes and one No
vote (242/440 = 11/20 which would be exactly 55%). We note in passing that whenever a district has as
many transfers in as Knightsen (we would guess 35% or more at present - we'll see what happens if the bond
fails) it seems to us that parents of those transferees ought to be able to re-direct their votes
(Measure N and presumably the school board) and a portion of their taxes to Knightsen.
November 2010 Measure N text: "To upgrade classrooms with up-to-date
computers and technology infrastructure; repair and replace deteriorating
roofs, plumbing and restrooms, and improve the District's budget, preserve
school programs and retain teachers by paying lease obligations relating to
existing school facility debt, shall Knightsen Elementary School District be
authorized to issue $5 million of bonds within legal interest rates, so long
as there is independent citizens' oversight and funds cannot be taken by the
State and spent elsewhere?"
We are not exactly certain how anyone stops the State of California from in effect reducing payments to
Knightsen Elementary. Suppose the bond fails. Or it passes, and there no one willing to underwrite for fear
of not enough purchasers, less likelihood of repayment than Ireland or Greece ... In fairness, we
point out that in July 2008, all upper grade classrooms, as well as the bathrooms and pool changing
areas, were modernized with State Financial Hardship funding, and that a new fire alarm system was
installed with Extreme Financial Hardship funding.
LATE FLASH! as of 11/12 Measure N is passing by THREE votes: 253 to 205
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