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Bond Measure
Order of Election for the Purpose of Considering Bond Measures
Order of Election for the Purpose of Considering Bond Measures![]()
Order of Election for the Purpose of Considering Bond Measures
At the June 25, 2024, Regular Board meeting, the CUESD Board of Trustees approved Resolution 23/24-15 calling for an election authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds. The bond measure (Measure J) will meet the ongoing capital improvement needs of the District.
Measure J - November 5, 2024 Ballot Measure
Measure J - November 5, 2024 Ballot Measure![]()
Measure J - November 5, 2024 Ballot Measure
The Corning Union Elementary School District has been providing dedicated and excellent educational services to local children since its formation in 1888. Currently, the District educates an estimated 1,980 students at its six schools. The hard work and dedication of teachers and staff directly contribute to the education and success of our students.
Our elementary schools are outdated, and upgrades and renovations need to be made. The average age of our schools in the district is over 50 years old and many do not meet 21st-century educational and technological standards. Faced with outdated classrooms and the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the District and Board of Trustees decided to place Measure J, a school improvement General Obligation (G.O.) bond measure, on the November 5, 2024, ballot to modernize and renovate our aging elementary schools.
Over the last several months, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis with input from staff, teachers, parents, community leaders, and an architect. The Needs Analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made.
Specific types of projects identified include:
- Making health, safety, and security improvements
- Constructing and modernizing classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities
- Making handicapped accessibility improvements
2002 Measure B Bond Information
2002 Measure B Bond Information![]()
2002 Measure B Bond Information
Measure B was the General Obligation Bond Measure passed in March 2002. The bond's funds were used to build a new elementary school at the corner of Toomes Avenue and Blackburn Avenue. This project comprised 22 new classrooms, restrooms, a multipurpose room, a library, an office, and playgrounds. Funds were also used to improve the roads around the new school, build sidewalks, and a school bus parking area separate from student drop-off and pick-up.
What Is Measure J?
Measure J is a $13.7 million General Obligation (G.O.) bond program. This measure is intended to address the needs of the student population through modernization and renovation projects at the District’s five local schools.
What is a General Obligation (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 J on the ballot?
Our schools are outdated, and major upgrades and renovations need to be made. Although our facilities have been well maintained, old classrooms must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st-century educational and technological standards. The average age of our schools is 50 years old, with our oldest, West Street Elementary, being constructed in 1920. A local school improvement measure would allow the District to improve the quality of the school facilities and education provided to local children. By investing in our schools, we can meet today’s safety, technological, and educational standards as well as better our community.
How did the District come up with the project list for Measure J?
Over the last couple of months, with input from staff, teachers, parents, community leaders, and facility planners, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis. The Needs Analysis identified the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made and found approximately $41.7 million in project needs at our five district campuses.
Specific projects identified include:
- Constructing and modernizing classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities
- Making health, safety and security improvements
- Making handicapped accessibility improvements
Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
Today, the scope of improvements needed at the Corning Union Elementary School District is far more than the current funding sources available. The per-pupil funding the District receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating children, not for the costs of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities.
What will the passage of Measure J mean for our students and the community?
Measure J 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 by and available to the community, such as the libraries and playing fields.
What will happen if Measure J does not pass?
If Measure J does not pass, our classrooms and school facilities will continue to deteriorate. In addition, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction will be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at each school. Consequently, major repairs will need to be postponed, and as a result, will likely be more expensive to make.
What will Measure J cost?
Measure J renews, but not increases, the same tax rate approved by voters over 20 years ago in 2002. The 2002 program expires soon and had a voter approved tax rate of $29.99 per $100,000 of assessed value 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 funds will be spent on improving our local schools?
By law, all bond funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. Furthermore, 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.
