FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HANDOUT
EAST SIDE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

Measure E, on the February 5, 2008 ballot, is a $349 million general obligation (G.O.) bond Measure that will provide funding for classroom and school facility improvements throughout the East Side Union High School District.  The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind Measure E and how its passage will affect the District and the community.

 

Why did the District place Measure E on the ballot?

 

The District needs to complete the remaining improvements and repairs started by the last improvement bond measure and plan for future growth.  The District operates eleven comprehensive and one continuation high schools, and several alternative, adult and charter schools.  Many of our schools are outdated major upgrades and renovations remain. While facilities have been well maintained, over 900 of district classrooms are over 25 years old and do not meet 21st century education and technology standards.  In addition, our schools are at capacity. Since 2001, District enrollment has increased by over 1,600 students to over 25,000, and is expected to increase by 10% over the next seven years, creating an overcapacity of students as soon as next year.  A local school improvement measure would allow the District to relieve student overcrowding as well as continue to improve existing school facilities.

 

What is Measure E? 

 

Measure E is a $349 million G.O. bond program appearing on the February 5, 2008 ballot.  Measure E is intended to address the needs of a growing student population, such as the construction and modernization of science and computer labs as well as classrooms throughout the District.  In addition, Measure E will improve existing facilities by upgrading heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and electrical systems and repair and replace outdated roofs.

 

What is a general obligation bond?
 
G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new schools and classrooms.  Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over 30 years.  The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property - residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial - located in the District.

 

What will the passage of Measure E mean for our students and the community? 

 

Measure E will provide East Side students with a better learning environment by building new classrooms to relieve overcrowding and making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities; many of which are also used and available to the community such as the libraries, gymnasiums, auditoriums and athletic fields.

 

What will Measure E cost? 

 

Property owners are estimated to pay $19.40 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year.  (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value.  Assessed valuations are almost always lower than market values).  Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation. 

 

How can I be sure that Measure E funds will be spent on improving our schools? 

 

As required by law, an independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent.  Also by law, there must be annual audits and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.

 

Has the District ever passed a school improvement bond measure? 

 

District voters approved Measure G, a $298 million bond program. Funds from Measure G were used for critical basic improvements at several of the District’s schools including new classrooms, health and safety improvements, and upgrades to school facilities and athletic fields and facilities.  It is now time to complete the remaining improvements and repairs at our District schools.