URGENT UPDATE: A new report from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association has just revealed significant disparities in transparency among school districts regarding voter-approved bond spending. The 2025 School Bond Transparency Report Card exposes which districts are effectively informing taxpayers about their spending and which are failing to meet basic transparency standards.
The report, released today, evaluated 23 districts with active bonds for the 2024-25 fiscal year, scrutinizing more than $23.5 billion in bond programs. Disturbingly, while some districts averaged an impressive transparency score of approximately 90 percent—equivalent to an A-—others are barely scraping by, with Borrego Springs tragically receiving a failing grade of F.
Among the top performers, Vista Unified, Grossmont Union High School District, and San Diego Unified earned A+ scores, demonstrating a commitment to keeping taxpayers informed. In stark contrast, districts like Borrego Springs and Lemon Grove are struggling, with the latter’s superintendent, Marianna Vinson, stating they are “committed to transparency” and implementing measures to improve their reporting.
The report highlights that Chula Vista Elementary dropped from an A- to a D+ this year, raising concerns among residents about the district’s commitment to accountability. Spokesperson Giovanna Castro acknowledged the challenges and assured that they are working to enhance bond-related communications following website launch issues.
As districts continue to spend bond proceeds on essential campus upgrades, including new science buildings and advanced technology, watchdogs emphasize the need for clearer spending documents. For residents, this report serves as a crucial reminder: When considering future bond measures, ask yourself—can you easily find oversight committee minutes, audits, and itemized expenditures on your district’s website?
The report urges districts to prioritize transparency, as failure to do so may jeopardize trust with voters. With watchdogs advocating for improved access to financial documents, the implications of this report could shape the future of school funding in San Diego County.
Now is the time for parents, taxpayers, and community members to demand accountability from their school districts. If districts want to maintain voter confidence in local bonds, they must act swiftly to address the gaps highlighted in the report. This is a developing story, and further updates will emerge as districts respond to the report’s findings.
