Measure Q Bond Election for San Lorenzo Schools
Funding for Improved Student Facilities
The San Lorenzo Unified School District relies on our community’s shared belief in the importance of high-quality education. That includes ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment for students.
On Nov. 5, SLZUSD voters will decide on a $195 million bond measure to modernize our aging facilities, most of which are more than 50 years old.
If voters support Measure Q, a citizens’ oversight committee will make sure the money is used only for these AREAS OF NEED:
- Health, safety and security
- Repair or replace aging infrastructure
- Technology-equipped classrooms for career prep
- Heating, cooling and ventilation
- New and improved classrooms and student support facilities
Thank you for making an informed decision on Measure Q!
Faced with aging classrooms and the need to bring school facilities up to today’s standards, the San Lorenzo Unified School District has placed General Obligation Bond Measure Q on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot to modernize and renovate our schools.
The following answers to frequently asked questions are provided to help voters understand the facts behind Measure Q and how its passage will affect the district and our community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (click arrow to expand)
Why has SLZUSD placed Measure Q on the ballot?
Much was done towards completing projects identified by our district’s Facilities Master Plan with the passage of Measure B in 2018, but we are not finished. Many of our schools remain outdated, and while facilities have been well maintained, most do not meet the 21st-century educational and technological standards. It is important that we complete the job of upgrading our schools.
How did SLZUSD come up with the project list for Measure Q?
The District prepared a School Facilities Master Plan with input from staff, teachers, parents, community leaders and facilities professionals. The School Facilities Master Plan identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made.
What will Measure Q funds be used for?
Specific projects identified include:
- Making health, safety and security improvements
- Repairing or replacing leaky roofs and aging infrastructure
- Upgrading career technology classrooms to better prepare students for better-paying jobs
- Installing and updating heating, cooling and ventilation systems
- Constructing and modernizing classrooms and student support facilities
What will the passage of Measure Q mean for our students and the community?
Measure Q could provide our students with a better learning environment by making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and support facilities. Many of these resources, such as athletic fields, are also available to the community.
How much will Measure Q cost property taxpayers?
The annual tax rate for Measure Q is estimated to be $60 per $100,000 of assessed property value. (Assessed value is the taxable value placed on a property by the county, which is almost always lower than market value). Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.
Why can’t the district meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
The per-pupil funding the district receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating children, not for the costs of upgrading and repairing facilities. Today, the scope and cost of required improvements at the San Lorenzo Unified School District is far more than can be paid for with current funding sources.
What will happen if Measure Q does not pass?
If Measure Q does not pass, there will be limited funding to address deteriorating school and classroom conditions. In addition, general funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction may be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at each school. Major repairs will likely need to be postponed and, as a result of rising construction costs, will potentially be more expensive to make in the future.
Bond Basics
General Obligation (G.O.) Bond
General obligation bonds are used to fund projects such as the renovation and rehabilitation of classrooms and school facilities. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property-residential, commercial, and industrial-within school district boundaries.
Safeguards on Spending
All bond funds must be spent on local schools and cannot be taken by the state. In addition, an independent citizens’ oversight committee will ensure that bond funds are properly spent. Also, by law, there must be annual audits of expenditures, and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.
Ballot Language
Vote YES or NO
"To modernize/construct classrooms and school facilities; make health, safety and security improvements; upgrade deteriorating plumbing, sewer, and irrigation systems; upgrade outdated technology infrastructure; and replace aging heating and ventilation systems; shall the measure authorizing San Lorenzo Unified School District to issue $195,000,000 of bonds at legal rates be adopted, generating an average of $12,400,000 annually while bonds are outstanding at rates of approximately $60 per $100,000 assessed value, with citizens' oversight, annual audits, and all money staying local?"
Voter Questions for District
If you have additional questions about Measure Q and what it means for you and the San Lorenzo Unified School District, please contact Scott Faust, director of communications and community engagement, at [email protected].
Voter Information
- Mail ballots received week of Oct. 7
- In-person election on Nov. 5
- Voter information: acvote.alamedacountyca.gov
Measure Q Mailer
The San Lorenzo Unified School District prepared and mailed a four-page Measure Q brochure to all residences within district boundaries in mid-September.
The information in the brochure is featured on this webpage, but below are printable and downloadable PDFs in English, Spanish and Chinese.
Communications also include two different informational postcards mailed to district households in early and late October.