Why Paso Robles Students Might Pay $12,500 for a Gym Air Conditioner

The high school gym in Paso Robles has been a sweatbox for generations. Students deal with rising temperatures without modern climate control. The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District says this is unacceptable. They claim students deserve an air-conditioned environment. However, the math they have presented suggests a drastic fix is better than a simple upgrade.

The proposal on the table costs $6.46 million. This plan involves demolishing the current gym and building a new one on the tennis courts. The district argues that this demolition approach costs less than installing air conditioning units. Before voters see Measure G, a proposed $205 million bond, the district is already considering a $429,800 contract to design this new complex.

The new facility will feature amenities like lights, bleachers, and shade structures. It will also relocate six existing tennis courts. These courts need resurfacing, not total replacement, which raises questions about necessity. The complex includes 82 parking spaces. Baker points out that asking taxpayers to fund a $6.46 million project to move a few courts is a big ask.

The bond measure carries a heavy price tag for homeowners. The total repayment for Measure G is estimated at $377.8 million, including interest. Taxpayers could be paying this bill until fiscal year 2057 or 2058. If a home is purchased today at the median sale price of about $809,500, the owner would pay an estimated $12,500 over 31 years.