Seven local school districts will put bond measures before voters in Tuesday's election, with the biggest by far a $2.1 billion proposal for the San Diego Unified School District.

Proposition S is a follow-up to Proposition MM, which was overwhelmingly approved 10 years ago, said Katherine Nakamura, president of the Board of Education in San Diego.

But according to the leading opponent of the bond issue, real estate broker and civic activist Pat Flannery, property-owners will be saddled with the tax liability while the $1.5 billion of MM bonds are still being paid off.

District officials told school board members in July that, despite the improvements from MM, the district's buildings remain in poor condition. District facilities are 39 years old, on average.

"We said repeatedly (in 1998) that we would have to come back (for more)," Nakamura said.

Among the projects envisioned under Prop. S are repairs to heating and air conditioning systems, improved compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and bringing classrooms up to current technology standards.

"It is going to repair and revitalize our schools," Nakamura said of the proposition. "It will touch every part of our district, including after-school programs, band and junior ROTC. There's something for everyone."

Nakamura acknowledged the current economic climate and plethora of ballot measures looking to raise money for government, but said there's really never a good time for a major bond issue. However, waiting for another time was not a good alternative, she said.

Districts in Escondido, Lakeside, Lemon Grove and the South Bay also have bond issues on Tuesday's ballot. The Grossmont Union High School District is asking voters for a $417 million bond issue, four years after a $450 million measure passed.

Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista is asking for $389 million.

All seven measures require 55 percent to pass.

Among the school board races in San Diego, Mitz Lee is being challenged by teacher John Lee Evans in District A, which includes Clairemont, University City and Mira Mesa; Richard Barrera is running unopposed in District D, which encompasses downtown and Golden Hill; and incumbent Shelia Jackson faces Xeng Yang in District E, Southeast San Diego.