School Facilities Bond FAQ

 

Q: What is Measure P?
A: In 2010, the voters within the Monterey Peninsula Unified School (MPUSD) district voted to pass Measure P, a $110 million dollar facilities bond to make critical repairs to the district. The vote received 72% (facilities bonds need 55% to pass). The property tax rate was estimated at approximately $30 per $100,000 of assessed value. The median assessed value for a home within the school district is approximately $325,000.

Q: Are any Measure P funds left to address our current needs?
A: While Measure P funds were extremely helpful in improving the facilities at our schools, the funds were not sufficient to meet the needs across the district. The newest building within MPUSD is over 50 years old and a facilities assessment determined over $600 million in funding needed to modernize campuses to 21st Century standards.

All Measure P funds have been expended or committed to Phase I priority improvements. Although much has been accomplished with Measure P, it was never intended to fundamentally address all facilities needs in our District. Many of our aging schools require further repairs to provide a safe, modern learning environment that our students can continue to thrive in.

Q: What is Measure I?
A: In June of 2018, the voters within MPUSD voted to pass Measure I, a $213 million dollar facilities bond, with the property tax rate set at $60 per $100,000 of assessed value (the vote passed with a 70% approval). The median assessed value for a home within the school district is approximately $325,000.

Q: Why was there an increase on my recent property tax bill?
A: There was an increase on your recent property tax bill because the school district expects to issue the first series of bonds from Measure I in January 2019. In anticipation of the January sale we notified the County of Monterey in advance. This is a normal process if a bond sale is expected to take place during the tax year. This is done as a cost saving measure to the public so that the principal will begin to be repaid sooner.

Q: How long will these bonds show up on my tax bill?
A: For each series of bonds that are issued, the term is not expected to exceed 30 years.

Q: Will there be future increases to my tax bill for these two bonds?
A: The maximum rate that can be levied for any bond is $60 per $100,000 of assessed property value. Monterey County sets the actual rate.

Q: Can I get an exemption or adjustment for hardship?
A: A school facilities bond does not qualify for exemptions or hardships.

Q: Where will the funding go toward for Measure P and Measure I?
A: The funding will be used to modernize over 22 campuses across the school district that are in desperate need of repairs, including:

 

Q: What is the current state of classrooms, labs and school facilities?
A: The District’s newest school was built in 1965, more than 50 years ago, and all of our schools are in need of repair. Additionally, there are over 100 aging portable classrooms in our District, limiting the educational opportunities available to our students. Our schools have cases of failing plumbing, leaky roofs and are in need of sewer and electrical updates. Some classrooms and school facilities have been recently updated to address these needs, but there is more work to be done. Repairs are needed to help ensure that all students have equal access to a safe and modern learning environment.

Q: Do our classrooms meet modern educational standards?
A: The requirements for student success are rapidly changing in the 21st Century. Science, technology, engineering, arts and math education are becoming increasingly critical in preparing students for today’s competitive job market. Yet currently, many of our classrooms only have one or two electrical outlets, which is not enough to support the learning technology our students and teachers rely on. Repairs and updates are needed to ensure that local classrooms, science labs, athletic and other school facilities can keep pace with 21st-century learning.

Q: What are the fiscal accountability measures of Measure I?
A: Measure I is subject to mandatory fiscal accountability provisions to ensure the proper use of funds. By law, funds could only be used to improve public schools in our school district. A citizens’ oversight committee, annual audits and detailed project list are required. No funds could be used for administrators’ salaries.

Q: How do I know that the local funds from Measure I would be spent as promised?
A: An independent citizens’ oversight committee oversees all expenditures to ensure that all funds are spent only on voter-approved projects. Funds can only be spent on upgrading our schools; none of the funds could be used for administrators’, teachers’ or any other school employees’ salaries, benefits or pensions.

Q: Will you be bringing additional bond measures to the voters in the future?
A: The district has a minimum of $600 million in school facilities needs. At this time there has been no commitment to pursue additional school facility bonds.