San Diego Schools Transparency Report Reveals Major Gaps

UPDATE: A new report reveals shocking disparities in transparency among school districts in San Diego County regarding voter-approved bond spending. The 2025 School Bond Transparency Report Card, released by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, exposes which districts are successfully informing taxpayers and which are failing to meet basic transparency standards.

The report evaluated 23 districts with active bonds totaling over $23.5 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year. While many districts earned commendable scores, the findings indicate that several are leaving residents in the dark about where their money is going. Overall, districts scored an average of approximately 90 percent, equivalent to an A-. However, significant gaps remain, especially for those at the bottom of the list.

Top performers include Vista Unified, Miracosta Community College District, and Grossmont Union High School District, all achieving A+ ratings. In stark contrast, Borrego Springs received an F, while Chula Vista Elementary plummeted from an A- in 2024 to a D+ this year. The report highlights the critical need for transparency as districts continue to spend bond funds on essential campus upgrades and construction projects.

District leaders are responding to these findings. Lemon Grove Superintendent Marianna Vinson stated the district is “committed to transparency” and is taking steps to enhance reporting and audits. Meanwhile, Chula Vista spokesperson Giovanna Castro emphasized the district’s commitment to updating its bond-related web pages following recent website launch issues. However, officials from Borrego Springs and the National School District have yet to comment.

As voters prepare for future bond measures, this report serves as a vital reminder of the importance of transparency. Residents should ask themselves: Can you easily access oversight committee minutes, the latest audits, a clear project list, and itemized expenditures on your district’s website? The scorecard indicates that many districts still have significant improvements to make if they wish to maintain public trust.

With the demand for clear accountability growing, taxpayers are urged to stay informed about where their money is going. As districts like Grossmont Union invest in state-of-the-art facilities and technology, including new science buildings and upgraded sports amenities, clarity in spending is more crucial than ever. The potential savings of about $18.9 million from refinancing initiatives further underscore the need for transparent financial practices.

Stay tuned for updates on how these districts respond to the report and what measures they implement to enhance transparency in the future. Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and the call for accountability is louder than ever.