Measure Q

Vacaville Unified School District and Measure Q

Frequently Asked Questions

Though we have been busy implementing Measure A funding to improve our schools, we still have a great deal of work to be done. Faced with aging schools across the district and the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the Vacaville Unified School District is placing a general obligation bond measure on the November 2022 ballot, which would modernize and renovate our aging schools without increasing the tax rate approved by voters in 2001.
The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind the measure and how its passage will affect the District and our community.

What is Measure Q?

Measure Q is a $229.5 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program. The measure is intended to address the needs of the student population through new construction, modernization and renovation projects at the District’s 17 schools.

What is a 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 Q on the ballot?

Although we recently passed Measure A and completed many projects throughout the District, our work is not done. All of our neighborhood schools need to be brought up to current safety and efficiency standards. Measure Q authorizes funds for needed facility repairs and upgrades to improve student safety, instruction, and learning. Measure Q would continue our school upgrades and improve the quality of education provided to local children.

How did the District come up with the project list for Measure Q?

Over the last few years with input from staff, teachers, parents, civic leaders, and residents from community surveys the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis. The analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made.
Specific priority projects identified include:

  • Providing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) labs and classrooms
  • Upgrading/expanding Career Technical Education facilities and programs
  • Replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
  • Repairing/replacing leaky roofs, and
  • Improving student access to computers and modern technology
  • Upgrade/enhance safety and security on school campuses

What will the passage of Measure Q mean for our students and the community?

Measure Q 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 Q does not pass?

If Measure Q does not pass, many of our older classrooms and school facilities that have not been renovated already will continue to age. Major repairs will need to be postponed and as a result will likely be more expensive to make. In addition, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction will be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at the schools.

Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?

Today, the scope of improvements needed in the Vacaville 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 students and not the cost of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities.

Has the District ever passed a school improvement measure?

Yes, in 2001 and 2014, school improvement measures were overwhelmingly passed to support school facilities. Funds from those measures were used to construct new classrooms, repair and renovate aging classrooms and modernize facilities as well as improve classroom technology. This Measure would finish the work we started and bring the rest of our schools up to 21st century standards.

What will Measure Q cost?

Measure Q will not increase the original tax rate estimated to voters from the District’s successful 2001 election and is structured to replace the old school improvement measure that will drop off from the tax rolls. The original tax rate approved by voters was $60.00 per $100,000 of assessed value.

How can I be sure that funds will be spent on improving our local schools?

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.

Rev. 9/28/22

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Measure A

Measure A | $194 Million Bond

Passed by Voters November 4th, 2014

Resolution Ordering a School Bond Election Full Text (Measure A)


Measure A is a $194 million general obligation bond program passed by Vacaville voters on Nov. 4, 2014, to address needs for technology upgrades, facility renovation, and new construction for VUSD schools. Vacaville Unified identified facility improvement needs at over $250 million, but Measure A funding has provided remarkable improvements in Vacaville’s aging schools.

FINAL SCHOOL FACILITIES UPDATE MEASURE A

VUSD School Site and Year Built

Elm- now Kairos — 1949
Vacaville High — 1952
Alamo — 1955
Hemlock — 1957
Willis Jepson — 1960
Edwin Markham — 1962
Eugene Padan — 1964
Will C. Wood — 1969
Orchard — 1979
Sierra Vista — 1979
Buckingham Collegiate Charter — 1980
Vaca Pena — 1986
Jean Callison — 1990
Browns Valley — 1991
Cooper — 1991
Ernest Kimme Charter — 1999
Fairmont Charter — 2009

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