Dear Parents, Guardians and Residents of Herald,
At the end of last week, I had a parent approach me wanting to know more about Measure M, the Arcohe school bond ballot measure. I spoke to her about the facts of Measure M , but I also wanted to reach out to all of the Arcohe community to share this important information and how it may impact our school district. This measure aims to address several key areas of facility improvement and classroom expansion within the Arcohe Union School District.
What Measure M Proposes
Measure M is a bond measure that asks local voters to approve $5.8 million in bonds to fund projects specifically designed to improve and maintain the quality of our school facilities. If passed, this measure would authorize an estimated property tax increase of approximately 3 cents per $100 of assessed property value, raising about $451,000 annually until the bonds are repaid.
Key Objectives of Measure M
The bond measure is structured to fund several critical areas, including:
Classroom and Lab Expansion: To meet the needs of growing student enrollment, Measure M seeks to prevent overcrowding by providing additional classroom spaces and specialized science, engineering, technology, and agricultural education labs.
Infrastructure Repairs: Measure M would fund repairs and upgrades to aging facilities, including the replacement of leaky roofs, updating plumbing and electrical systems, and ensuring clean drinking water.
Safety and Accessibility: The measure would support security enhancements, such as upgraded fire safety systems, improved emergency communication, and increased accessibility for students with disabilities.
Community Center Partnership: Measure M would enable the district to explore a potential joint-use community center with Sacramento County, supporting both educational and community uses.
Financial Impact
For households in Herald, the estimated cost would be approximately $29.50 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year. For a median-priced home, this translates to an additional cost of about $131.11 per year, or $137.29 for an average-priced home. This increase would contribute toward creating a safer, more modern learning environment.
Accountability Measures
To ensure transparency and responsible use of funds, the district has committed to the following oversight measures if Measure M passes:
Annual independent performance and financial audits.
Establishment of an independent citizens' oversight committee to monitor spending and project completion.
Why Measure M?
With facilities over 40 years old and an increase in student enrollment, the district faces challenges in maintaining and updating our learning spaces. State funding requirements also mean that local support through bonds like Measure M can help the district qualify for additional state funding, maximizing the community's investment in our schools.
Conclusion
Measure M is designed to address pressing infrastructure needs and ensure that our facilities can continue supporting high-quality education. We encourage you to review the details, consider your options, and make an informed decision in the upcoming election.
Thank you for your time and for being an essential part of our school community.
Sincerely,
Troy Miller
Arcohe Union School District