Question 1

What is Measure S and why is it necessary?

Accepted Answer

Measure S is a school facilities improvement bond measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot that would provide locally controlled funding to upgrade aging classrooms, labs and school facilities to continue providing high-quality education for our students without increasing tax rates.

Question 2

What is the condition of LVUSD’s school facilities?

Accepted Answer

Many of LVUSD’s 15 schools were built more than 50 years ago and require repairs and upgrades. Last year alone, there were over 170 classrooms with leaky roofs. Some portable classrooms are over 30 years old, are falling apart and several have been condemned due to structural damage and water leaks. Aging schools were built for a different era of education and outdated classrooms, labs, job training facilities and learning technology need updates to meet rising academic standards and support advanced classes in science, math, engineering and technology.

Question 3

What would Measure S funds be used for?

Accepted Answer

All funds from Measure S will remain under local control, be spent right here in our school district and cannot be taken or redirected from the State. All funds from Measure S will be used to: 
Provide modern labs, career training facilities, and equipment to prepare students for college and in-demand careers in health sciences, engineering, technology, and skilled trades
Update classrooms and technology to support high-quality instruction in math, science, engineering and technology
Repair deteriorating roofs, plumbing, sewer/gas lines and electrical systems
Provide classroom air conditioning for air quality and to avoid extreme temperatures
Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes 
Keep computer systems and instructional technology up-to-date

Question 4

Haven’t we already passed bond measures?

Accepted Answer

Voters in LVUSD approved bond measures in 2006 and 1997. The 1997 bond measure (Measure R) is about to be paid off. Measure S would simply extend the tax rate for Measure R to generate new funding to upgrade and repair local school facilities without increasing the tax rate beyond the amount already paid.

Question 5

How were funds from prior measures used?

Accepted Answer

Funds from prior measures were used to address the most important needs at the time to upgrade and repair local schools, support quality education and keep students safe. In fact, an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committed confirmed that all funds were used as promised, and that projects were completed on time and on budget. While much was accomplished with prior measures, some schools haven’t been upgraded and many urgent projects need funding.

Question 6

Will Measure S upgrade schools to current instructional standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, locally controlled funding from Measure S will be used to provide modern classrooms, labs, career training facilities, technology and equipment to support high-quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology. Measure S will ensure LVUSD graduates are prepared for college and in-demand careers in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology and skilled trades.

Question 7

Will Measure S improve student safety and campus security?

Accepted Answer

Yes, local funding from Measure S will be used to upgrade older schools to meet current health codes, building safety codes, earthquake safety standards and improve access for students with disabilities. Measure S will also improve student safety and campus security systems including security fencing, security cameras, intruder-protection systems, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers.

Question 8

I don’t have children in the district. Why should I support Measure S?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not you have children in the district, protecting high-quality local schools helps protect the investment that we have all made in our homes in this community. Our high-quality local schools help keep home values strong. Good for our schools. Good for our property values.

Question 9

Would Measure S increase tax rates?

Accepted Answer

No. If approved, Measure S will extend the current tax rate of $36.77 per $100,000 of assessed value already paid. It would not increase tax rates beyond the current rate local property owners already pay.

Question 10

How much will Measure S generate for local schools?

Accepted Answer

Measure S will generate approximately $340 million in locally controlled funding for upgrades and improvements to local schools in LVUSD. This measure would not increase current tax rates.

Question 11

How can $340 million be generated without increases tax rates?

Accepted Answer

In 1997 LVUSD voters approved Measure R to fund repairs and upgrades needed at that time. Measure R bonds will soon be paid off. Measure S extends Measure R tax rate so that new funds can be generated for classroom and school improvements without increasing the tax rate already paid.

Question 12

Could the State take away funding from this measure?

Accepted Answer

No. All Measure S funds will be controlled locally and used to support LVUSD schools only. By law, funds from this measure may not be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.

Question 13

Will Measure S help LVUSD qualify for state matching funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Measure S funds could be used to help LVUSD compete for state matching funds that would otherwise go to other school districts.

Question 14

Does Measure S include senior exemptions?

Accepted Answer

By state law, no exemptions may be provided for bond measures. However, this measure does not increase tax rates beyond what we currently pay. Furthermore, the total cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of a home, not the market value. The longer a home has been owned, the lower the assessed value because it is based on the original purchase price. Typically, older homeowners who have owned their homes the longest pay the least for bond measures.

Question 15

What level of support is required for Measure S to pass?

Accepted Answer

At least 55% of those voters who cast a ballot on the measure must vote “Yes” in order for it to be approved.

Question 16

How can I support Measure S?

Accepted Answer

To learn more, or to endorse, volunteer or donate, please visit YesonSforLVUSD.com

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