UPDATE: A shocking new report from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association reveals serious transparency issues among multiple school districts regarding voter-approved bond spending. The 2025 School Bond Transparency Report Card exposes which districts are effectively communicating spending details and which ones are failing to meet basic transparency standards.
In total, the report analyzed over $23.5 billion in bond programs across 23 districts for the 2024-25 fiscal year. While the average transparency score across districts stands at a commendable 90 percent (equivalent to an A-), several districts are falling woefully short, highlighting a critical need for improvement.
The top scorers include large districts like Vista Unified and Grossmont Union High School District, both receiving A+ grades, alongside San Diego Unified and San Ysidro. However, Borrego Springs earned an F, while Chula Vista Elementary plummeted from an A- in 2024 to a D+ this year, as reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
District leaders are responding urgently to these findings. Marianna Vinson, Superintendent of Lemon Grove, stated, “We are committed to transparency” and noted that measures are being put in place to enhance reporting and audits. Meanwhile, Giovanna Castro, a spokesperson for Chula Vista, emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing feedback and updating their bond-related web pages following technical issues.
The implications of this report are significant, as districts continue to utilize bond proceeds for essential campus upgrades and construction projects. For instance, Grossmont Union’s bond program has funded new science buildings and advanced technology facilities, benefiting students significantly. Furthermore, their recent refinancing is projected to save taxpayers approximately $18.9 million.
As residents consider future bond measures, the scorecard raises critical questions: Are oversight committee minutes and audits easy to find? Is there a clear project list available online? The findings suggest many districts still have substantial work to do to maintain voter trust in their bond commitments.
This report serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved. With transparency being more crucial than ever, districts must step up their game to ensure taxpayers are informed about how their money is being spent. Stay tuned for further updates as districts work to rectify these transparency issues.
