URGENT UPDATE: A new report reveals alarming disparities in transparency among San Diego County school districts regarding voter-approved bond spending. The 2025 School Bond Transparency Report Card, released by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, grades 23 districts on how openly they disclose the use of over $23.5 billion in bond funds for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
While some districts achieve impressive transparency scores, others are failing to meet basic standards. The report indicates that the average transparency score across districts is approximately 90 percent, equivalent to an A-. However, significant outliers, including Borrego Springs which received an F, highlight a pressing need for improvement.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS: The report showcases top performers such as Vista Unified, Grossmont Union High School District, and San Diego Unified, which all earned A+ ratings. In stark contrast, smaller districts like Lemon Grove and Chula Vista Elementary have seen dramatic declines in their scores. Chula Vista, which boasted an A- last year, plummeted to a D+ this year, raising concerns among residents about accountability.
District leaders are responding to the findings. Lemon Grove Superintendent Marianna Vinson stated, “We are committed to transparency” and are taking actions to enhance reporting methods. Meanwhile, Chula Vista’s spokesperson Giovanna Castro emphasized the district’s commitment to updating bond-related pages following earlier website launch issues.
As districts continue investing bond proceeds into critical campus upgrades, such as new science buildings and advanced technology, the urgency for clear, accessible documentation is paramount. For instance, the Grossmont Union bond program has financed significant infrastructure improvements, including facilities for sports and performing arts, with a refinancing move expected to save taxpayers about $18.9 million.
WHAT TO WATCH: Residents considering future bond measures should scrutinize their districts’ transparency. Key questions include whether oversight committee minutes, audits, and itemized expenditure lists are readily accessible online. The scorecard reveals that many districts have substantial work ahead to regain voter trust.
This report underscores the vital importance of transparency in school bond spending, directly affecting the community’s trust in local governance. As districts work to improve their scores, taxpayers need to remain vigilant and hold officials accountable for their commitments.
Stay tuned for updates on how these districts respond to the report and what measures they implement to enhance transparency.
