What is Measure X?
Measure X is a $10.0 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program. This measure is intended to address the needs of the student population through modernization and renovation projects at the District’s schools.
What is a general obligation (G.O.) 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 25 to 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property - residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial - located within the District’s boundaries.
Why did the District place Measure X on the ballot?
The District operates four elementary schools, Miranda Junior High School, South Fork High School and Osprey Learning Center. In June 2014, the Southern Humboldt Unified School District narrowly lost a bond election by 18 votes. While facilities have been maintained, the District’s schools are over 40 years old and don’t meet 21st century education and technology standards. Measure X will improve the quality of education provided to our children and create a safe learning environment for students.
Has the District ever passed a school improvement measure?
Yes, in 2010 District voters overwhelmingly passed Measure L, a general obligation bond to improve our community's schools. Since that time, a new Junior High has been built, new facilities have been built at Redway School, Whitethorn School and on the campus of South Fork High School classroom modernization has taken place. Measure X will allow the District to access its remaining $10.0 million sooner, completing much of Phase 2 and save money in bond costs, labor costs as well as material costs. Upon the Passage of Measure X the remaining $10.0 million of 2010 GO bond will not be sold. It is now time to finish the work we started and bring the rest of our schools up to 21st century standards.
How did the District come up with the project list for Measure X?
Prior to the 2010 bond election the District developed a master plan that addresses the needs of each school site. The board of trustees then prioritized those needs and has implemented a two phase plan. Phase 1 will be completed this year and Phase 2 consists of the following projects at all our sites:
* Repairing or replacing leaky roofs
* Modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities
* Repairing aging plumbing and sewer systems
* Improving student access to computers and up-to-date modern technology
* Making health, safety and handicapped accessibility (ADA) improvements
* Repairing or replacing leaky roofs
* Modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities
* Repairing aging plumbing and sewer systems
* Improving student access to computers and up-to-date modern technology
* Making health, safety and handicapped accessibility (ADA) improvements
Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
Today, the scope of improvements needed in the Southern Humboldt 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 the cost of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities.
What will the passage Measure X mean for our students and the community?
Measure X will provide our students with a better learning environment by making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities; many of which are also used and available to the community.
What will happen if Measure X does not pass?
If Measure X does not pass, our classrooms and school facilities will continue to deteriorate. Projects that have been started will be completed; projects described in Phase 2 will be delayed by at least 10 years. During this time deferred maintenance contributions will need to be increased leaving less funding for the classroom.
What will Measure X cost?
The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $43 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year. (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value. Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are almost always lower than market values). Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.
How can I be sure that Measure X funds will be spent on improving our local schools?
By law, all Measure X funds have to be spent on facilities and cannot be taken by the State. Furthermore, an independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond measure funds are properly spent. Also, by law, there must be annual audits.
