Panel Lists Priorities Should School Bond Measure Pass

A taxpayers oversight committee Monday issued its priority list for using proceeds from a $80.5-million general obligation bond measure that officials of the Torrance Unified School District are asking voters to approve next month.

In a report to the board of education, the Independent Citizen Facility Oversight Committee said highest priority should go to fire alarms ($2.1 million), plumbing ($12 million), heating and ventilation ($6.1 million), restroom renovations ($2.5 million), new classrooms ($11 million), replacement of old buildings ($12 million) and seismic safety improvements ($1.3 million).

Further down the list are roofing, electrical and security lighting projects, science labs and other needs. Noting that it would take $125.5 million to modernize all the district’s crowded facilities, the committee gave highest priority to projects that, if delayed, would cost taxpayers more in the long run, such as security lighting to ward off vandalism.

Projects eligible for matching funds from the state or federal governments also ranked high on the committee’s list.