Classrooms to Support 21st Century Instruction
For our students to be prepared to compete in high school, college and beyond, we need to ensure our classrooms and labs support hands-on 21st Century learning in science, technology, engineering, and math, with instructional tools needed to prepare students for real-world situations. While CUSD strong schools are at the heart of the community, some schools in the District are 50 to 60 years old and in urgent need of repairs and modernization.
Locally Controlled Funding to Maintain High-Quality Education
To keep schools safe and up to date so students can receive the education needed to be competitive in our modern world, the CUSD Governing Board voted to place Measure T on the November 8, 2022 ballot. Measure T would simply extend, and not increase, the tax rate homeowners are currently paying ($30 per $100,000 in assessed value) for repairs and updates to local kindergarten through 8th grade schools.
If approved by local voters, Measure T would:
- Fix leaky roofs, wiring, fire and security systems
- Keep schools clean and well maintained
- Update science, technology and math classrooms and labs, and modernize aging and outdated classrooms and facilities
- Improve accessibility for students with disabilities
- Improve air filtration and indoor air quality, and replace outdated heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems
- Modernize instructional technology infrastructure and update classrooms and facilities for hands-on learning
- Provide renewable energy systems, improving energy efficiency and water conservation, lowering operation costs and meeting today's environmental standards
Continued Fiscal Accountability Required
- All funds would be used to improve CUSD elementary schools only, and no funds could be taken by the State
- None of the funds could be used for administrators' salaries
- Independent oversight, annual audits and reports to the community would be required to ensure funds are spent as promised
Get the Facts About Measure T
General Process for Construction Project Planning and Public Input
- Project List prepared
- List goes to Board for approval *
- Consult with architects
- Site evaluation (topography, underground systems, etc.)
- Architect prepares initial drawings (concept drawings)
- Drawings presented to staff, community for input *
- Drawings modified based on budget, input, building codes, State Architect requirements
- Final drawings to Board for approval *
- Architect prepares plans and specifications for final drawings
- Plans and Specs to State Architect for approval
- Board authorizes District to prepare bid for the State-approved plans *
- District sends request for bids
- Bids presented to Board for approval *
- Building phase begins (emphasis on summertime construction)
The Citizens Oversight Committee also oversees the district's parcel tax spending.
* Formal opportunities for public input. Input can also come via correspondence and scheduled meetings related to specific projects. The Citizens Oversight Committee The Citizens Oversight Committee reviews expenditures for compliance with ballot wording of bond measures and is another channel for communication throughout the general process.More questions? Please contact us.
District Construction Manager: Douglas Williams
Support staff: Christina Tran, 408-364-4200 ext. 6215