San Mateo-Foster City IDs huge needs

Some of the biggest-ticket items include an estimated $59 million rebuild of Bowditch’s campus, $84 million worth of replacing windowless classrooms and $100 million dedicated toward workforce housing. 

“That aligns with immediate priorities of windowless classrooms and modernizing space, but it is not yet an implementation plan,” Amy Ruffo, executive director of Facilities and Construction, said. 

To help out with the hefty price tag, the district is considering asking voters for support — likely in the form of a bond measure, ranging from $326 million and $498 million, placed on November 2026 ballots. 

If the district moves forward with a bond measure, more detailed plans will be made for which facility upgrades will be prioritized, with more definitive price estimates, Ruffo said. 

At the same board meeting, trustees received a report on a voter survey that gauged the success of any potential bond measures. 

Results showed higher probability for passing a major bond measure in November, rather than June, despite the likely lengthy ballot. Both amounts — $326 million and $498 million — received a soft majority support, and it will be up to the board to decide how much to ask voters to support. 

The Facilities Master Plan was intentionally finalized ahead of deciding on the bond measure, Superintendent Diego Ochoa said. With the in-depth assessment of district facilities, voters are much more likely to support a measure that would contribute to improving school campuses. 

“This plan, it really is an invitation for members of the public to think about every need of the school, to see it,” Ochoa said. 

The voter survey also showed increased support after more information was shared regarding campus needs. 

The Facilities Master Plan and preparation for placing a measure on the ballot is about “casting publicly the great need that exists,” Ochoa said. 

If the district looks to place a measure on November ballots, as recommended, it will likely approve the final amount and ballot language in June, staff said. 

In the case voters are asked to consider approving a $498 million bond, the authorization would levy $29 per $100,000 assessed value, and average $35 million in annual revenue. If the district goes for the smaller amount, the authorization would levy $19 per $100,000 of assessed property value and average $23 million annually. 

In 2020, 64% of voters approved a $409 million bond measure for the district. Approximately 60% has been spent, according to a staff update June 2025.