TUSD Board of Education Places Measure on the November Ballot

At their regular meeting on Monday, the Board of Education approved through a 4-0 vote to place the Tustin Unified School District Classroom Repair, Safety and Quality Education Measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot.  If enacted, the measure would allow the District to address repair needs of aging schools while providing quality learning environments for students.

“Many of our campuses were built more than 60 years ago and some classrooms, science labs and facilities have never been updated,” noted Superintendent Dr. Mark Johnson.  “Safe and modern classrooms are important to provide our students a quality education and an environment where they can thrive.”

If supported by the community, this measure will allow the District to update critical and failing infrastructure at schools (electrical, plumbing, roofs) currently causing water leaks and sewer backups, improve accessibility for students with disabilities, remove asbestos and lead pipes, where applicable.

“Enhancing and modernizing our older campuses is essential to providing a high-quality education for our students. When basic repairs and upgrades are properly addressed, it significantly improves the teaching and learning environment,” said Melani Meekhof, TUSD Teacher of the Year, resident and Foothill High School Graduate.

If enacted, the local funding measure would provide $261,000,000 in bonds, costing property owners 3 cents per $100 of assessed (not market) valuation.  The measure requires a clear system of accountability to the public including a project list detailing exactly how the money will be used, a Citizens’ Oversight Committee and independent audits to ensure the money is spent properly.  If passed, all money raised by the measure would stay local to support students.  It cannot be taken by the state or used for other purposes.  By law, no money from the measure can be used for administrator salaries or pensions.

For more information on the measures, visit: www.tustin.k12.ca.us.