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About CSCAE
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Reports from the Field Adult Ed. Leverage: Passing a School Bond When it comes to school bonds, adult schools may have more leverage than one might think. Though many districts resort to bond issues as a way to fund capital projects and solve other major issues by taking their case to the voters, they often overlook adult education. In doing so they turn their backs on an important segment of voters - adult school students. Take Fremont USD, a midsize school district in Southern Alameda County (San Francisco Bay Area), with an adult school population of 17,000 in a city of 210,000. Over the last 20 years the district has failed to pass two bonds in four attempts. Interestingly, both failed measures contained no provision for adult school funding. When adult administrators tried to promote these facility construction measures, the overwhelming response from adult education students was, "Why should I vote for a bond when I no longer have children, grandchildren, or relatives in the system. If the district is serious about securing my vote, adult education should be included in the funding, so I can benefit." This general sentiment was relayed to the district superintendent and bond planning committees, and the next time a school construction vote was presented (2002), the community made a strong effort to include adult education and the measure passed. Fremont Adult School principal Ron Cass and his students were an important part of the winning strategy. Mr. Cass made sure his adult students were actively involved in the planning process, including the creation of a wish list and final monitoring for district/community compliance. The result was passage of a $155 million bond measure that earmarked $6 million for adult education. The district came out a winner and so did the adult school. The adult education projects funded included a new $3.6 million multipurpose room/theater and kitchen, with an outdoor stage amphitheater; parking lot repairs; and improved ventilation and-air conditioning for classrooms and computer labs. Reflecting on the 61% voter approval margin in his city, Mr. Cass believes that if a district is narrowly missing passing its construction bonds, adding adult education to the mix will enhance the overall package. The interest and commitment to the adult population will yield additional 'yes' votes. Contact: Ron Cass, tel. 510-793-6465, email: rcass@mail.fremont.k12.ca.us
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