SDCCD earns perfect score in first Measure HH bond transparency review 

October 28, 2026 | San Diego Community College District
An A plus on four renderings of building projects on campuses

In its first year of eligibility, The San Diego Community College District’s $3.5 billion Measure HH bond program earned an A+ rating from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting efficient use of taxpayer dollars, meeting all 25 metrics in SDCTA’s 2026 School Bond Transparency Report Card.   

The independent report card checks whether districts give taxpayers clear, accessible information on how they manage and spend bond money. That includes financial reports, independent audits, annual reports, and the work of citizens’ oversight committees. SDCCD met criteria that many districts missed, including an expanded performance audit/ third-party program review, and a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee that meets at least quarterly and helps set reporting structures for public reporting. 

“San Diego voters entrusted us with an extraordinary responsibility when they approved Measure HH in November 2024, and we are committed to earning that trust every day,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. “This A+ rating reflects our commitment to transparency, accessibility of information, independent oversight, and responsible management of public funds.” 

"We are grateful to the San Diego County Taxpayers Association for this recognition and to our Board of Trustees, the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee, and our dedicated district teams for their accountability as we deliver on the commitment made to voters,” he added. 

Now in its 14th year, the Taxpayers Association's annual report card evaluated 24 school and community college districts countywide with active bond programs. SDCCD was one of only three community college districts to earn a perfect score.   

“An A+ rating is something to celebrate, but it's also a standard we intend to uphold,” said Dr. Joel L. A. Peterson, SDCCD vice chancellor and executive operations officer, who oversees Measure HH. “We are managing an ambitious construction program that will transform our colleges for generations to come. Our responsibility is to deliver those improvements efficiently, provide the public with clear information about our progress, and make thoughtful financial decisions that protect taxpayers' investment.” 

The district brings a proven record to Measure HH. Refinancing under its previous bonds, Propositions S and N, has saved taxpayers more than $366 million, including $27 million from an August refinancing, without cutting voter-approved projects. SDCCD will watch market conditions for similar savings under Measure HH. 

Additional Information: Measure HH project updates, financial reports, and oversight activities

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