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Measure M on the November 5, 2024 Ballot Top of Page
The Shasta Union High School District has been providing dedicated and excellent educational services to local students since its formation in 1899. Currently, the District educates over 5,500 students at the District’s schools and charter schools. It is through the hard work and dedication of teachers and staff that directly contribute to the education and success of our students.
In 2016, the District passed Measure I to update schools and add classrooms. Although facilities have been improved since then, our work needs to continue. It’s time to further renovate our schools, improve classrooms and programs, and provide quality education to our local children. By investing in our schools, we can meet today’s safety, technological, and educational standards and better our community. To do this, the District and Board of Trustees has decided to place Measure M, a school improvement general obligation (G.O.) bond measure, on the November 5, 2024 ballot to modernize and renovate our schools. Measure M will not increase the current annual tax rate. Instead, it will extend the tax rate that property owners are currently paying.
Over the last several months, through discussions with staff, teachers, parents, and community leaders, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis. The Needs Analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made.
Specific types of projects identified include:
- Repairing or replacing leaky roofs
- Modernizing, expanding, and constructing career technical education buildings to better prepare students for jobs after high school
- Repairing deteriorating plumbing, sewer, and drainage systems
- Making safety and security improvements
- Upgrading inadequate electrical systems
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FAQTop of Page
What is Measure M?
Measure M is a $56.6 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 5 high schools and other facilities.
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 M on the ballot?
Our schools are outdated, and major upgrades and renovations need to be made. Although facilities have been well maintained, aging and deteriorating classrooms must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st-century educational and technological standards. On average, the age of our schools is over 60 years old, with our oldest facility, the Shasta Learning Center, being constructed in 1927. With that being said, a local school improvement measure would allow the District to improve the quality of school facilities and education provided to local children.
How did the District come up with the project list for Measure M?
Over the last several months, through discussions with staff, teachers, parents, community leaders, and the District architect, 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 or replacing leaky roofs
- Modernizing, expanding, and constructing career technical education buildings to better prepare students for jobs after high school
- Repairing deteriorating plumbing, sewer, and drainage systems
- Making safety and security improvements
- Upgrading inadequate electrical systems
Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
Today, the scope of improvements needed at the Shasta Union High School District is far more than the current funding sources available. The per-pupil funding the District receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating students, not for the costs of upgrading, repairing, and modernizing facilities.
What will the passage of Measure M mean for our students and the community?
Measure M 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, such as the media centers, gyms, and playing fields.
What will happen if Measure M does not pass?
If Measure M 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 site. Consequently, major repairs will need to be postponed, and as a result, will likely be more expensive to make.
What will Measure M cost?
The current tax rate property owners are paying is $29.50 per $100,000 of assessed value per year. Measure M will not increase the current annual tax rate. Instead, it will extend the tax rate that property owners are currently paying.
How can I be sure that funds will be spent on improving our local high schools?
By law, all funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. Furthermore, 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.
