UPDATE: A shocking new report reveals significant transparency disparities in how San Diego County school districts are managing voter-approved bond spending. The 2025 School Bond Transparency Report Card, released by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, scrutinizes the financial accountability of 23 districts for the 2024-25 fiscal year, covering over $23.5 billion in bond programs.
This urgent update highlights that while some districts excel, others are failing to meet basic transparency standards, leaving taxpayers in the dark. The report indicates that the average transparency score among the districts stands at an impressive 90 percent, akin to an A-. However, glaring exceptions exist, with several districts earning failing grades.
Top performers include Vista Unified, Miracosta Community College District, and Grossmont Union High School District, which achieved A+ scores. In stark contrast, Borrego Springs received an F, and Lemon Grove and the National School District were among the lowest scorers.
The report also notes a concerning drop in scores for Chula Vista Elementary, which plummeted from an A- to a D+ this year, as reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
District leaders are responding, with Lemon Grove Superintendent Marianna Vinson emphasizing the district’s commitment to transparency and efforts to enhance reporting protocols. Meanwhile, Chula Vista spokesperson Giovanna Castro acknowledged the need for updates to bond-related web pages after facing launch issues. However, officials from Borrego Springs and the National School District have yet to comment.
The timing of this report is critical as districts continue to invest bond proceeds in essential campus upgrades. Grossmont Union has utilized its bond program to finance new science buildings and state-of-the-art facilities, with a refinancing plan projected to save taxpayers approximately $18.9 million.
For voters contemplating future bond measures, the scorecard serves as a crucial reminder: Are oversight minutes, audits, project lists, and itemized expenditures easily accessible on your district’s website? The San Diego County Taxpayers Association urges districts to improve their transparency efforts to maintain public trust in local bond initiatives.
As this situation unfolds, local residents must stay informed and demand accountability from their school districts. The implications of this report are profound, highlighting the urgent need for transparency in managing taxpayer dollars.
