San Jose school district upgrades at 49 campuses could cost $4B

San Jose Unified School District is drafting a facilities master plan to modernize all 49 of its campuses and facilities. The plan carries a price tag of about $4 billion and would guide spending over 15 years. The school board is expected to review it later this fall, according to the article.

The district has roughly $1.5 billion on hand. A large share comes from Measure R, a bond of nearly $1.2 billion that district voters approved in 2024. Over $282 million of that bond is expected to go toward housing for teachers and staff. The district also expects $225 million in state matching money, plus smaller amounts from developer fees, a building fund and a maintenance budget. The plan allocates about $3.2 billion to modernization and new construction, $188 million to heating and cooling, and about $55.5 million to urgent repairs at schools that absorbed students after enrollment-related closures. District business chief Seth Reddy says the aim is a strategic approach rather than piecemeal fixes, and that the district will seek state and energy-efficiency grants. Some work could begin next summer, but large projects would not start until summer 2028.

Some parents voice concerns. One, a former Measure R campaign co-chair, calls the plan aspirational given the funding gap. Another says engagement should occur while plans are being drafted. A third worries that items like a multipurpose room may go unfunded. About 70 people attended an Oct. 8 workshop.