OVERVIEW
We know that quality facilities make a big difference in student learning. The physical environment students experience every day sends important messages to how they feel about school. Students thrive when spaces are open, well lit, and creative.
With the support of voters in November 2016, Santa Barbara Unified School District received $193 million dollars of bond funds to invest in safe, modernized facilities throughout our district. We are making the most of these important local resources by upgrading learning environments in every school in our district.
PRIORITIES FOR OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS INCLUDE:
- Replacement of old portables with new permanent classrooms
- Repair outdated underground utilities – water, sewer, and natural gas
- Repair playground surfaces and outdoor paving
- Modernization of classroom lighting, windows, heating, and ventilation systems
- Repair old, leaky roofs
- Modernization of old bathrooms
PRIORITIES FOR OUR JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS INCLUDE:
- Replacement of old portables with new permanent classrooms
- Repair outdated underground utilities – water, sewer, and natural gas
- Improve site drainage to avoid flooding
- Repair/replace outdated and unsafe electrical equipment
- Repair of kitchen and cafeteria facilities to meet health code standards
- Fix classroom lighting, windows, heating, and air circulation systems
- Repair or replace old, leaky roofs
- Replacement of old junior high PE facilities
PURCHASE OF THE ARMORY PROPERTY
We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase the Armory property, located between Santa Barbara Junior High and Santa Barbara High School. This property will provide educational and community benefits for both students and adults.
FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT
The Bond program is annually audited and an independent citizen oversight committee ensures funds are only spent on projects authorized by Measures I and J.
None of the bond funds could be taken by the State or spent on instructional staff or school administrators’ salaries.
Measure I (secondary schools): This $135 million-dollar bond measure is calculated on the homeowner’s assessed value. The Santa Barbara County Auditor’s Office determines the tax rate per $100,000 of assessed value.
Measure J (elementary schools): This $58 million-dollar bond measure is calculated on the homeowner’s assessed value. The Santa Barbara County Auditor’s Office determines the tax rate per $100,000 of assessed value.