West Hills College Lemoore looking to grow, seeks voter approval to pass Measure J bond

It's an opportunity, school officials say, that will only improve upon the local college’s educational success.

All the college has to do is convince voters to pass Measure J, the $8.6 million bond measure on the November ballot, which, if approved by local voters in Lemoore, Stratford, NAS Lemoore, Riverdale, and Avenal, the State will kick in an additional $21.9 million grant for the construction of a new academic building on Lemoore’s campus.

Not a bad deal for Lemoore at all.

For the record, Lemoore citizens have been generous when it comes to the campus at West Hills College Lemoore. Local residents have contributed greatly over the last two decades to the college’s rapid growth, which has contributed handsomely to the college’s success and reputation in state and national circles.

Like most bonds, Measure J’s passage depends on the voters, who must pass the measure with 55 percent of the vote.  Should the measure pass, it will pave the way for improvements and expansion of West Hills College Lemoore’s classrooms and facilities.

The state has already approved a $21.9 million grant for the construction of a new academic building on the Lemoore campus. The state funding program requires community college districts to contribute local funds to qualify for these grants. Measure J will provide additional funding.

District officials are hoping to use bond proceeds to expand the school’s paramedic, nursing, and Health Science programs. Officials also envision a new academic building with classrooms and science labs as well as an increase in career training in computer sciences, visual arts, health sciences, and emergency medical services.

According to the college’s analysis, Measure J’s average annual tax rate is estimated to be less than 1 cent per $100 of assessed value while the bonds are outstanding, which is projected for 15 years.

California Community Colleges commonly use General Obligation Bonds to fund improvement projects. Such bonds are repaid over time through repayment from a tax on all taxable property within the district.

There are also protections put in place, including an independent Citizens Oversight Committee that reviews and reports on all bond expenditures. Measure J includes a specific list of projects for which bond funds may be spent. Laws prohibit funds from being used for salaries, pensions, or benefits. Laws also prohibit the state from taking Measure J funds to spend in other districts.

All this comes on the heels of the Pandemic, which curtailed the services of many educational institutions. What is the state of WHC after two or more years of a pandemic?

“We’re back, and better,” West Hills College Lemoore President James Preston told The Leader.  “Last year, we had the highest year for degrees and certificates conferred.” 

He added that 350 graduates attended commencement ceremonies in the spring. Another 1,476 students were eligible for a diploma or certificate.”

West Hills College Lemoore had earned the right to boast. The local college has earned national and state recognition for its programs and student success rates.

“We’re part of 200 colleges “Achieving the Dream Network,” said Preston, who told The Leader it is an honor conferred on colleges that have success data which includes achieving jobs after graduation. “We just earned last year the College of Distinction.” He said the local school was selected because of its student success rates.

The Fresno Bee recently named WHC Lemoore one of Central Valley's best colleges or universities.

“I think for us, we’re small but lively. We have a reputation for being highly innovative. Our vision is the relentless pursuit of student success. That’s what we’re all about all the time.”