As the cost of attending the University of California and State University systems has become so expensive, more students are starting their education at community colleges. Palomar College ensures that lower, middle-income students who can’t afford the high price of a university still have the opportunity to succeed. Nearly one-quarter of all local high school graduates rely on Palomar College for higher education and to prepare for future careers. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college.
These educational experiences are best provided in state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms. As we train the workforce of the future, it is essential to have learning environments designed to provide the highest desirable outcome. In preparation to serve the future generations of students, PCCD recently issued its Vision 2035 Education and Facilities Plan and is currently conducting its due diligence to determine the likelihood of taxpayer support for a new general obligation bond. This includes the identification of how to create a measure consistent with community priorities, and to gather information needed for communications and outreach. Please view our Preparing for the Future Factsheet for specific information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearly one-quarter of all local high school graduates rely on Palomar College for higher education and to prepare for future careers. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and more students are starting their education at community colleges because the cost of attending the University of California and State University systems has become so expensive. Palomar College ensures that lower, middle-income students who can’t afford the high price of a 4-year institution still have the opportunity to succeed.
Many of our college classroom buildings were built in the 1960s and have not been updated in more than 60 years. Due to aging facilities, the College incurs the costly building maintenance expenses required to fix roof leaks, broken pipes, dry rot, water damage, and structural issues.
Some science and career training labs haven’t been upgraded in 20 years and lack technology and equipment that meets current industry standards. We need funding to repair and upgrade labs and career training technology so local graduates can compete in today’s job market.
The Palomar Governing Board is considering placing a $638 million school improvement bond measure on the November 2024 ballot.
If approved by local voters, funding from a potential local bond measure could be used to:
- Remove campus safety hazards including dry rot, broken pipes, water damage and structural issues in aging classrooms.
- Provide modern science labs, career training facilities, and equipment so students are prepared for in-demand careers in fields like nursing, health sciences, engineering, chemistry, tech, and skilled trades.
- Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems where needed.
- Provide classrooms and facilities the needed advancements and technology to support high-quality instruction in science, math, engineering, and technology.
- Keep computer systems and instructional technology up to date.
By law, a school facilities improvement measure would require strict accountability protections, including:
- All funds would be controlled locally for Palomar College improvements only and could not be taken away by the State.
- Independent citizens’ oversight, mandatory audits, and public disclosure of spending
- A detailed project list outlining the specific use of funds would be required.
- Qualify our local community college for as much as $200 million in State matching funds.
We will prioritize the project list and also make sure to pursue the matching funds from the State. These projects will align with the Vision 2035 plan, prioritize based on health and safety needs, as well as the education and training needs of our students in order to prepare our students for the needs of the workforce.
Palomar College completed a facilities review which determined the scope and construction cost of the modernization and repairs necessary to continue our education mission. We then chose that rate which afforded us a fiscally responsible amount for funding those projects. The rate and funding amount were then tested with likely voters which confirmed support for a rate of $.01 per $100 of assessed value to provide 638 million dollars in project funding. This rate is 60% lower than the maximum permissible which is consistent with our fiscally responsible approach to modernizing and repairing the community college in your area.
The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the cost of a bond measure is based.
The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties and not market value. The assessed value of a typical residence, or the mid-point value of all residences, within our district is about $508,000 today. This is the value that may not increase by more than 2% a year, while market value tends to grow at a much faster rate.
Yes. All funds would be locally controlled and would benefit Palomar College only. No funding could be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.
While no final decision has been made, the Palomar Governing Board is currently considering placing a potential measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot.
A potential bond measure would need to be supported by 55% of those who vote on it in order to pass.
In 2006, local voters approved Measure M bond funding to maintain and modernize school buildings, which were over 60 years old. However, that was nearly 20 years ago, and the State of California provides no consistent, dedicated funding to repair, maintain or upgrade community college facilities. Additional funding is needed to allow Palomar College to maintain and upgrade classrooms and labs used to train and educate students in fields that meet the needs of our local economy.
The funds from Measure M were spent locally to improve education and facilities at Palomar College. Over 20 projects were completed thanks to Measure M including: the Early Childhood Education Lab, the Health Sciences Building, the Industrial Technology Center, and the Library/Learning Resource Center. Thanks to the support of our community, Measure M allowed us to update and expand facilities, meet the needs of our growing enrollment, and advance education. While Measure M helped us make improvements to campus, voters approved it nearly 20 years ago. Additional funding is now needed to meet current challenges and needs of the institution.
Currently only one bond. Measure M was passed by the voters in 2006 for $694 million. The first bond measure was passed in 1960. Thus, only one bond in the last 60 years of Palomar College
Saving taxpayers money is important to Palomar College. Over the life of Measure M, Palomar College has refinanced Measure M bonds, saving taxpayers $134 million to date.
Palomar College is an invaluable resource for our community and serves to educate everyone in our region, regardless of income, age, or educational background. Almost one-quarter of graduating high school seniors rely on Palomar College to begin their higher education. Palomar College provides enrichment and adult education opportunities to all. Additionally, their workforce training and job placement programs support local employers and industry.
As we plan for the future of Palomar College, we want to hear your thoughts. Please reach out to publicaffairs@palomar.edu with questions.