☆ Hinkle: SV school bonds promise “technology.” Do they really prepare students for tech jobs?
This year’s June ballot will once again ask voters to take out a loan, says Mark Hinkle, President of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association & Vice Chair of the Santa Clara Libertarian Party. He says bonds can cost twice the borrowed amount over 30 years, for technology that becomes obsolete in just five years. An Opportunity Now exclusive warning for 2026.
I have authored over 100 ballot arguments against school bonds, so I'd like to take the opportunity to grade Santa Clara County School Board’s use of bonds to see if they’re graduating students capable of finding employment in Santa Clara County, especially the tech sector.
Short answer: NO!!!
The June 2 primary election is months away, but already there's a new tax increase (BOND) submitted: Franklin-McKinley Elementary school district. More to come?
Many school bonds feature “technology” purchased with the funds. Technology is purchased with a 30-year bond. What’s the lifespan of that technology? 5 or 6 years?
Voters should know: BONDS are like mortgages. Like mortgages, the bond amount must be paid back…principal AND interest…lots of interest. That effectively doubles the cost.
When securing a mortgage, truth in lending law mandates that banks inform you of the real cost of purchasing a home (purchase price plus 30 years of interest). Bonds should do the same.
Will voters on election day know the interest rate when the bonds (debt) are sold? NO!
If the bond passes, will the voter know what it is going to cost them? NO!
School bond measures always say that a “Bond Oversight Committee” will ensure that the bond money is spent on the projects listed in the bond measure. Who selects this committee? Answer: the school district’s board of trustees. In a courtroom, that would be the equivalent of the defendant getting to choose all 12 of the jurors.
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