Frequently Asked Questions
What is the state of our high school?
Our high school was built nearly 50 years ago and doesn’t meet modern safety standards, contains asbestos and lead pipes, and isn’t earthquake safe. Gas lines, storm drains, sewer systems, and plumbing infrastructure at the high school are all failing. This has caused flooding, mold, sewage backups, and 17 roof leaks in the last year alone at Mountain Empire High School. Aging water and fire suppression systems force the school to close several times each year.
What is Measure L?
Our District works hard to take care of our 50+ year-old high school with limited funding, but decades of wear and tear have resulted in serious safety concerns that must be addressed. If approved by voters, Measure L would authorize up to $23 million in bonds for school facilities improvements. This November, your YES vote will ensure that every Mountain Empire student attends a safe, modern local school.
Specifically, how would Measure L be used to complete needed improvements?
If approved by local voters, Measure L would provide $23 million in locally controlled funding that could be used to:
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Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems
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Remove hazardous materials including asbestos, lead pipes, and mold
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Ensure proper access for students with disabilities
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Provide modern science labs, agriculture and career technical facilities and equipment
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Repair, replace, or reconstruct deteriorating classrooms and school facilities that don’t meet current building safety standards
How do I know funds from Measure L would be used responsibly?
Measure L includes strict fiscal accountability protections to ensure responsible management of funds, including:
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All funds must be spent on our local schools and cannot be taken by the State
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Annual independent audits and a citizens’ oversight committee will ensure funds are spent as promised
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A detailed project list describing how bond funds will be used
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No funds could be used for administrator salaries or pensions
How much would it cost me if Measure L is passed?
If approved by voters, Measure L’s cost would be structured to limit the rate to $38 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed (not market value) per year, or about $110 per year for the typical homeowner while bonds are outstanding.
Would all funds benefit all schools in MEUSD?
Yes. Funds would be locally controlled and would benefit all local MEUSD schools. No funding could be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.
Is there any other way to repair and update MEUSD’s high school?
No. The District is currently under extreme financial strain and lacks the necessary funds in its operating budget to address the substantial repairs and upgrades required at the high school. Without a successful local bond and the state matching funds it would garner, there is no other viable funding source to complete critical safety and facility improvements to Mountain Empire’s high school and elementary schools.
What is the difference between assessed value and market value?
The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the cost of a bond measure is based.
What is the difference between a school bond measure and a school parcel tax?
Parcel taxes provide local funding to support teachers and academic programs. A school bond measure, by contrast, is entirely different and can only be used for school facility upgrades and improvements, such as repairing aging buildings and infrastructure. Bond funds cannot be used for operating costs, salaries, or programs.
I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?
Even if you do not have school-age children, funding quality education can improves quality of life in the community and protects the property value of local homes.
What level of support does Measure L need to pass?
Measure L must be supported by 55% of local voters for it to pass. All registered voters living in Mountain Empire Unified School District will be eligible to vote on Measure L in November.
