Frequently Asked Questions

Although it appears that our schools are in good shape based on achievements by our students, our school facilities need to be improved.  Faced with aging classrooms, and the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the Lemoore Union School District has placed Measure L on the November 8th, 2016 ballot that would modernize and renovate our aging schools.

The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind Measure L and how its passage will affect the District and our community.

 What is Measure L?

Measure L is a $24.0 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program.  The measure is intended to address the needs of the student population through modernization and renovation projects at the District’s three schools.

 What is a G.O. bond?

G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of 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 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 L on the ballot?

Our schools are outdated and upgrades and renovations need to be made.  While facilities have been well maintained, old classrooms must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st century education and technology standards.  A local school improvement measure would allow the District to improve the quality of the school facilities and education provided to local students.

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

Today, the scope of improvements needed at the Lemoore Union High 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 children and not the cost of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities.

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

Over the several months with input from staff, teachers, parents, community leaders, and an architect, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis.  The Needs Analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made. 

Specific types of projects identified include:

• Improving student access to computers and modern technology.
• Constructing new or updating outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities.
• Modernizing and constructing facilities on the Ag Farm.
• Making health and safety improvements, including fire alarms and lighting.
• Upgrading libraries and library technology.
• Repairing or replacing leaky roofs.
• Upgrading water, sewer and plumbing systems.

Are other funding sources available to complete the District’s projects?

If the Public Education Facilities Bond Initiative is successful on the November 8, 2016 ballot, a state funding component could be available to the District. 

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

Measure L will provide our students with a better learning environment by constructing new facilities and making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities; many of which are also used by and available to the community such as the libraries and playing fields.

What will happen if Measure L does not pass?

If Measure L does not pass, our classrooms and school facilities will continue to not meet 21st Century standards in all of the school facilities.  In addition, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction will be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at our schools.  Major repairs will need to be postponed and as a result will likely be more expensive to make.

What will Measure L cost?

The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $27.50 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year.  (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value.  Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are lower than market values). Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.

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

By law, all bond funds have to be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state.  In addition, a local independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to 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.