Measure E

Measure E is a $434.5 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program.  When combined with State-matching funds, developer fees, and other funding sources, the measure is intended to address the needs of our students through modernization and renovation projects at schools throughout the District.

Many of our schools are outdated and major upgrades and renovations need to be made. Although our schools have been well maintained over the years, the last major renovations to elementary and middle schools occurred in the 1990s. Many outdated classrooms and facilities now require significant upgrades to meet 21^st-century standards.  Currently, the average age of our schools in the District is 63 years.  EP Foster Elementary, is our oldest, and Ventura High School is over 84 years old. These aging schools need major classroom and infrastructure improvements to maintain the quality of education provided to local children.

Over the last several months with input from staff, teachers, parents, community leaders, and facilities experts, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis.  The Needs Analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made. 

Specific projects identified include:

·         Repairing and replacing leaky roofs

·         Constructing science labs and career technical educational facilities

·         Making health, safety, and security improvements

·         Renovating or replacing deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems

·         Upgrading inadequate electrical systems

Yes. The District passed a measure in June 1997, over 20 years ago with 75% voter approval.  Funds were used to upgrade and modernize some of the oldest classrooms and facilities in the District as well as build a new school and additional classrooms. 

Today, the scope of improvements needed at the Ventura Unified School District is far more than the current funding sources available.  The per-pupil funding which the District receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating children and not for major upgrades, renovations, and modernization projects.

Every unified school district in Ventura County has passed a school improvement measure, and some districts in the county have passed five.  VUSD has passed one. 

VUSD has the fewest amount of bond dollars per student in the County (see chart).  Furthermore, the District has nearly the lowest bond tax rate at $23.40 per $100,000 of assessed value.  By comparison, Oak Park Unified has a tax rate of $146.60 and three bonds passed for classroom improvements.

G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of 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 within the District’s boundaries.

Measure E will provide our students with a better learning environment by making renovations and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities; many of which are also used by and available to the community such as the libraries, gymnasiums, and playing fields.

If Measure E does not pass, our classrooms and school facilities will continue to deteriorate.  In addition, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction will be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at each school.  Major repairs will need to be postponed and as a result will potentially be more expensive to make.

The tax rate per property owner is estimated to not exceed $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year, or about $5.00 a month. (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value.  Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are lower than market values).  Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.

By law, all bond funds have to be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state.  In addition, a local independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent.  Also by law, there must be annual audits of expenditures and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.