In a meeting on Tuesday, the Panama-Buena Vista Union District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a measure calling for a school bond election to be held in November.

According to the District, the measure, if approved, would give them authority to approve up to $90 million of general obligation bonds. These bonds would be used to improve school safety, build new facilities to relieve overcrowding, repair and upgrade older classrooms, labs, etc.

If approved for the ballot, the measure would need a 55 percent majority in the November election to pass.

In a public comment to the Board of Trustees, Michael Turnipseed, Executive Director of the Kern County Taxpayer Association voiced his support and commented on how the bonds will save taxpayers money in the long run.

"Issuing 10 year bonds will save taxpayers approximately 68 million dollars," Turnipseed said. "There shouldn't be a whole lot of opposition."

Another expression of full support was by Laura Barnes, Chapter President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC). Barnes submitted a letter to the Board expressing her support, stating that the bond promotes fair and open competition to local contractors and is very fiscally responsible.