2024 Bond Measure H Information
Measure H Projects and Facilities Master Plan Progress | December 12, 2024
At the December 12 Board Meeting, the Board approved a resolution supporting the award of Lease-Leaseback Agreements for the District-Wide HVAC Upgrade Project and authorized District staff to enter into agreements with Flint Design Build, LLC (dba FLINT).
Next Steps:
- Procure HVAC Equipment: Initiate the process of sourcing and securing the necessary HVAC systems to ensure timely installation.
- Architectural Planning and Approvals: Collaborate with architects and stakeholders to finalize designs, obtain necessary permits, and ensure all plans meet regulatory standards.
- Phase Preparation: Plan and schedule the project in two phases, with work set to begin this summer and continue into the following year.
We are committed to keeping you informed as this significant project moves forward. Please check this website regularly for updates and progress reports.
Measure H Projects and Facilities Master Plan Progress | October 10, 2024 | Click Here to Learn More
Measure H Projects and Facilities Master Plan Progress | October 10, 2024
During the October 10, 2024 Board Meeting, we provided an update on Measure H projects and shared exciting progress on Phase 1 of the Facilities Master Plan.
With the Measure H Implementation Plan guiding our work, we have seen significant advancements in several key projects that took place over the summer. These initiatives aim to enhance our facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of our growing school community.
Summer Project Highlights:
- Transitional Kindergarten (TK) expansion classrooms installed at Arundel, Brittan Acres & Heather Elementary
- Mariposa turf installed and perimeter secured
- White Oaks Elementary roof and gutters replaced
- Improved safe routes to school at Arundel and Heather Elementary
- Erosion control mitigation at Charter Learning Center
Looking ahead, we are excited to discuss the next steps for Phase 1 projects under the Facilities Master Plan (FMP)*. These projects will continue to improve our school infrastructure, supporting our commitment to creating safe, sustainable, and state-of-the-art learning environments for all students.
Process for HVAC Installation:
- 1 - Design Phase - Architectural planning for HVAC Projects in process
- 2 - DSA Review & Approval - Submittal of plans to the Division of State Architects
- 3 - Construction Phase
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to move forward with these important initiatives.
*Click HERE to view the associated FMP Appendices.
Measure H Implementation Plan | May 16, 2024
Measure H Implementation Plan
Chief Operations Officer, Jennifer Gaboury provided information related to the funding options considered by the Facilities Steering Committee, that recently met to consider pathways available to fund Measure H projects outlined in the Facilities Master Plan. The process of the committee’s consideration of the accompanying risks, pros and cons associated with each pathway was reviewed. The Measure H Implementation Plan first read was also presented.
Facilities Master Plan Funding Approved
Facilities Master Plan Funding Approved
We are pleased to report that since the Board’s certification of the Measure H results May 2, 2024 next steps have developed. The approval means that funding will be allocated towards the implementation of school improvements outlined in our Facilities Master Plan (FMP)*, with a particular focus on Phase 1 and Phase 2 initiatives.
On behalf of the Governance Team and the entire SCSD community, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support in our mission to improve our school facilities. Whether you volunteered with the Facility Master Plan team or contributed your efforts to our campaign, your commitment has been instrumental in our success.
The hard work lies ahead, and as we embark on the next phase, your continued engagement will be invaluable. Staff have begun to roll up their sleeves in preparation for next steps and will share further details soon. We are really looking forward to investing in our schools!
*Click HERE to view the associated FMP Appendices.
Background - 2024 Bond Measure H
Background on 2024 Bond Measure H
Despite the high-quality instruction offered in SCSD schools, our neighborhood campuses are aging, with some structures reaching 50-60+ years old. Deteriorating roofs, plumbing, heating, and building systems require rehabilitation. Many classrooms, originally built in the 1960s, lack sufficient electrical capacity, and their safety systems require ongoing upgrades. With the rapid advancement of technology, learning spaces and library buildings throughout our campuses would greatly benefit from updated technological systems and workstations.
In line with our commitment to future planning, we continuously assess our facilities' needs. Measure H outlines a plan to address these identified needs in facilities and technology within the San Carlos School District.
Measure H seeks to provide funding for facility improvements outlined in the district's updated Facilities Master Plan (FMP) over the next decade. Developed in collaboration with our community, the FMP identifies over $400 million in necessary improvements district-wide. These improvements are categorized into four phases:
- Phase 1: Climate Ready Projects, focusing on climate readiness and promoting healthy school environments.
- Phase 2: Transitional Kindergarten and Building Systems, which involves reconfiguring or expanding classroom spaces to support the implementation of universal TK.
- Phase 3: Dynamic Learning Environments, encompassing enhancements for early childhood education, outdoor learning spaces, nutrition services, and flexible collaboration areas.
- Phase 4: Future Ready Projects, which include long-term building lifecycle replacements tailored to each school site.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2024 Bond Measure H
Frequently Asked Questions about 2024 Bond Measure H
Measure H Project Summary:
- PROVIDING secure, healthy, and safe learning spaces for all students.
- REPAIRING or rehabilitating classrooms, restrooms, and roofs.
- IMPROVING fire safety, school security systems and accessibility for students with disabilities.
- UPGRADING infrastructure such as heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical systems, and gas lines.
- UPDATING science, technology, engineering, arts, and math classrooms.
- PROVIDING facilities needed for Transitional Kindergarten to all four-year-olds by 2025 – required by new state mandates.
Our dedicated school district maintenance and operations staff members work hard to keep our schools
safe and well-maintained on a tight budget. Our current list of facility needs, including repairs and upgrades to outdated security, HVAC, roofing and electrical systems, new classroom construction, classroom upgrades, and installing new technology, far exceeds our available allotment for school facilities maintenance.
In the past, State funding has been available to support local school upgrades, but we cannot count on this uncertain source of funding. Moreover, to access state funding, school districts MUST generate local matching funds by passing a local school bond measure. Passing a local bond is a way to qualify for additional State funding if and when it becomes available. There are no other sources of funding for major facility upgrades.
If approved by voters, a $176 million bond translates to about $30 per year for every $100,000 of assessed valuation. The assessed valuation refers to taxable value, not the market value of your home. The average homeowner in our school district will pay about $365 a year, or $30 a month.
Taxpayer protections are REQUIRED. This measure requires independent citizen oversight and reports
to the community to ensure the funds are spent as promised.
Are there any key projects the district is looking to develop with these funds?
District-wide Projects Include:
- Acquire and install and/or replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC units)
- Repair or replace roofs
- Replace windows and doors
- Construct Early Learning Centers and improve and/or expand Transitional Kindergarten facilities and learning spaces
- Acquire, replace, upgrade and or install security, health and safety improvements and systems, including lighting, fencing, smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinklers, security alarms, and emergency communication systems
- Construct, improve and/or renovate restroom facilities
Our current list of facility needs includes repairs and upgrades to outdated security, upgrading and installing new HVAC/Air Conditioning, plumbing & electrical systems, and new classroom construction.
What would it mean to the district if the Measure didn't pass?
In the past, State funding has been available to support local school upgrades, but we cannot count on this uncertain source of funding. Moreover, to access state funding, school districts MUST generate local matching funds by passing a local school bond measure. Passing a local bond is a way to qualify for additional State funding if and when it becomes available. There are no other sources of funding for major facility upgrades.
How will the district ensure the funds are spent responsibly if it is?
All funds raised stay local to support SCSD school facility improvements. The State can't take this funding away. This Board will establish an Independent Citizen Oversight Committee to provide annual performance and financial audits to ensure the funds are spent as promised. By law, no Measure H monies can be used for employee salaries, benefits or pensions.
What technology upgrades need to be made?
The technology updates needed have to do with the upgrade of infrastructure to support the increase in technology use. Cybersecurity and bandwidth demands have increased.
How are students in the San Carlos School District performing on standardized tests?
At the January Board Meeting, Assistant Superintendent Hans Barber shared the students results on the most recent California Dashboard. San Carlos students in grades 3-8 tested in Spring 2023, continued to outperform state and local averages and groups further behind made progress in both reading and math. You may have seen the recent story in the New York Times, grading each school district on how they have recovered post-pandemic. SCSD remained one of the top performers nationwide. In fact, the article graded our math scores as almost a full year ahead of where they were in 2016 (2+ years ahead in 2016, 3+ years ahead in 2023). This is a testament to our focus on the whole child, and the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff, and our strong sense of community.
The last day to register for the March 2024 election is February 20, 2024. All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, at a drop-off location, or at your county elections office.
