Districts move ahead with bond spending

Four months after voters approved bond measures in three Anaheim school districts, administrators are preparing to spend millions of dollars on a barrage of construction and modernization projects. Here's what's going on in each district. Anaheim Union High School District Voters approved Measure Z, a $132 million bond measure to fund district construction and modernization projects. District officials recently met in New York with Standard and Poor's representatives to secure a credit rating. Standard and Poor's ratings reflect a borrower's potential to repay its long-term loans on time. Ratings beg"AAA" and end at "D." Anaheim Union scored an "A." John Larner, assistant superintendent of business, said the district is in the process of selling $90 million in bonds. He estimates that the district will receive all the proceeds by the end of June. The district has hired eight firms to work on the first wave of bond funded projects. Architects are Merrick Planning and Architects, Westberg & White, Inc., LPA and Flewelling & Moody. Magnolia district seeks applicants The Magnolia School District is accepting applications for a replacement for Trustee Doug Chotkevys, who is resigning his seat effective June 21. Chotkevys, a West Anaheim resident, was appointed city manager in Dana Point in January. He is moving to that city and wiil resign from the school board once escrow closes on his West Anaheim home. Applications to fill the school board vacancy are available at the Magnolia School District office, 2705 W. Orange Ave. or at district schools, Deadline to return applications and resumes is 4 p.m. Monday. Interviews will be held beginning at 5:30 p.m. June 17 in that district office board room. Who's your favorite? Teachers guide us through life. Early on, they encourage us to learn colors, numbers and the days of the week. Years later, they explain complicated math problems and urge us to expand our vocabulary. From kindergarten to graduate school, they play a key role in our personal development. High School and South Junior High School. The district's top priority is to build an auditorium at Kennedy High School, Lamer said. Currently, all 24 schools use Anaheim High School's Cook Auditorium. Kennedy's auditorium will serve the western part of the district, while Anaheim's facility will serve the eastern part of the district. The new auditorium will house 600 patrons. Larner said the district will submit design plans for state approval in the fall. Suzanne McElderry, Kennedy's vocal music department chairwoman, said the auditorium will revolutionize the school's music program. It pro vides classroom space for the school's 400 choir members and 250 band members. It also gives students a safe, permanent performing venue. Choir and band performances are now held at Anaheim High School or Walker Junior High School. "We're very excited," she said. "In the past, we had no place on campus to perform. This gives us the opportunity to actually rehearse in the same hall that we're performing in." The Measure Z Citizen's Oversight Committee will oversee bond proceeds, expenses and projects. Members are: Christine Barnes, Tom Cryer, Dennis Doi, AnnMarie Randle-Trejo, Don Baldwin, Joseph Carter, Bill Taormina, Pat Miller, Brian O'Neal and Buck Weinfurter. Anaheim City School District Voters also approved Mea sure BB, a $111 million bond measure to fund district projects. District representatives met with bond rating agencies a few weeks ago to secure a credit rating. District spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the district should receive its rating in mid-June. Bonds will be issued soon after the district receives its rating. Measure BB provides funding for a variety of construction and modernization projects. All district schools will be renovated. Construction will occur at 11 sites. The district's top priority is to build two side-by-side schools at 1000 S. Harbor Blvd., near Harbor Boulevard and Ball Road. The schools will share a library, multipurpose room and playfield. Resident Jesus Ramirez, 60, said he doesn't mind paying extra property taxes to fund the proposed project.