Question 1

How are SUHSD schools doing?

Accepted Answer

Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) is always striving to provide a well-rounded education to our district’s almost 9,000 students that prepares them to excel in college and in-demand careers. However, many facilities and classrooms are aging and need repairs and updates in order to keep students safe and meet current educational expectations.

Question 2

Why do we need Measure W?

Accepted Answer

Many of our facilities were built over 60 years ago and are in need of major repairs. Several classrooms in our local high schools are so old they have small classrooms, inadequate ventilation, use radiator heaters, and have just one or two electrical outlets – not nearly enough to support the learning technology our kids need to excel now and in the future. As the temperature rises, classrooms get too hot to teach in, and ventilation systems are not sufficient to ensure healthy, smoke free air for students and educators.

Additional upgrades are needed to remove hazardous materials such as lead pipes and asbestos that were used at the time of construction. Student safety is a top priority and improvements are needed to ensure schools meet current safety standards.

Question 3

How will Measure W improve our local high schools?

Accepted Answer

Measure W provides locally controlled funds to address high-priority facility needs identified in SUHSD detailed Facilities Master Plan. Measure W funds will be used to:  
Replace and repair old heating, ventilation and outdated electrical systems 
Expand and modernize classrooms to support instruction in math, science, engineering and technology  
Update safety and security systems at older schools
Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes and retrofit schools for earthquake safety

Question 4

Has SUHSD carefully assessed the needs at each school and developed a plan for repairs and upgrades?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SUHSD partnered with school facilities architects and engineers to complete a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan that identified the conditions and needs at each high school campus in the District. The Master Plan includes detailed plans and cost estimates for completing needed repairs and upgrades at all schools.

Question 5

Will Measure W improve student safety and campus security?

Accepted Answer

Yes, local funding from Measure W 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 W will upgrade safety and security systems at school sites to improve campus safety.

Question 6

How can we be sure that Measure W funding will be spent as promised?

Accepted Answer

Measure W includes strict mandatory fiscal accountability requirements to ensure that all funds are spent as promised and every penny benefits local high schools.  
An independent citizens’ oversight committee, annual audits, public spending disclosure and detailed project list ensure funds are spent as promised
All funds must be used locally and no funds can be taken by the State
No funds can be used for administrator or teacher salaries or benefits

Question 7

Why should I vote Yes on Measure W if I don’t have children in school?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting local schools is a wise investment that improves our property values and local quality of life.

Question 8

Will all Measure W funds stay local to improve local schools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every penny from Measure W will stay in our communities. No funds can be taken away by the State or used for other purposes. All funds from Measure W will be locally controlled for needed repairs and improvements to our local schools.

Question 9

Can Measure W funds be used for administrator, teacher or staff salaries or benefits?

Accepted Answer

No. By law funds from Measure W may only be used to improve aging classrooms and school facilities. No funds may be used for school district administrator, teacher or staff salaries or benefits.

Question 10

Would Measure W help SUHSD qualify for state matching funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Measure W makes our schools eligible for millions of dollars in state and local matching funds that would otherwise go to other communities. In the past, our District has received state matching funds from previous bond measures, maximizing local funding without further increasing the burden on local taxpayers.

Question 11

How much will Measure W cost?

Accepted Answer

Measure W will cost about $14 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value annually. Because Measure W is based on the assessed value of properties and not their current market value, the cost for most homeowners will be less than $200 per year.

Question 12

Who gets to vote on Measure W? How many votes are needed to win?

Accepted Answer

All voters registered in SUHSD are eligible to vote on the measure. To be approved, Measure W requires Yes votes from 55% of the votes cast on the measure.

Question 13

When can I vote Yes on Measure W?

Accepted Answer

Measure W will be on the November 8, 2022 General Election ballot. All California voters will receive a ballot in the mail the week on October 10. Once you receive your ballot, vote Yes on W, sign and seal the envelope and mail it back right away. No postage is required. Mail ballots must be postmarked by November 8, 2022. The County will also offer in-person voting centers on and before Election Day and many polling locations will be open from 7am-8pm on November 8.

Question 14

How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?

Accepted Answer

You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the San Mateo County Registrar of Voters at (650) 312-5222 or visit www.smcvote.org.

Question 15

How can I get involved or learn more about Measure W?

Accepted Answer

Our campaign is a grassroots organization of parents, teachers and other community leaders dedicated to passing Measure W for local high school students. Some ways you can help pass Measure W include: 
Volunteer some time to spread the word about Measure W
Display a lawn sign at your home
Add your name to our list of Measure W public supporters

Frequently Asked Questions About Measure W