Frequently Asked Questions

Measure O is a $9.875 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 Mesa Union School.

Although Mesa Union School has been well maintained over the years, aging classrooms and facilities must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st century standards. Our school was first built in 1939, nearly 80 years ago.  While there has been some major investment in the campus, our work is not done. Measure O would allow the District to improve our school and the quality of education provided to local children by upgrading and modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities.

Over the last several months with input from 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• Repairing or replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
• Improving student safety and security
• Renovating or replacing deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems
• Upgrading inadequate electrical systems
• Providing new classrooms to reduce class sizes and improve programs

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.

Today, the scope of improvements needed at the Mesa Union 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.

Measure O 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.

If Measure O 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 be $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year, or about $2.50 per 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 funds have to 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.