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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Measure Z?Measure Z will provide dedicated, locally controlled funding to repair and improve Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) elementary schools to meet current safety and academic standards. All funds generated by Measure Z must be used in our local schools and cannot be taken by the state.
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How are EUSD schools doing?The EUSD serves approximately 4,300 kindergarten through sixth grade students and is considered a leader in K-6 public education. All nine EUSD schools have received state and national recognition for their innovative programs and outstanding student achievements. Teachers and staff are committed to helping students develop skills to become empowered learners, global citizens, innovative thinkers, wellness advocates, skilled communicators, and confident collaborators.
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Why do we need Measure Z?The vision of Encinitas Union School District is to ignite the limitless potential of all learners. Staff and students cannot successfully implement this vision if school facility conditions don't provide adequate spaces for optimized learning. Aging school facilities have created a variety of challenges. Major site maintenance upgrades need to be made including plumbing, drainage, electrical, technological and safety improvements. In addition, seven of the nine EUSD schools have undersized classrooms and outdated portables. Classroom and program spaces also need to be expanded in order to meet the needs of all students.
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How will voting Yes on Measure Z improve our local schools?Voting Yes on Z will: Repair and upgrade leaky roofs, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems Replace aging portable classrooms with permanent classrooms and increase classroom space where needed Implement health, safety and security improvements to all school facilities as needed Upgrading classrooms, facilities and technology infrastructure to support high-quality instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts and math
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How do we know Measure Z funds will be spent wisely?Measure Z includes strict mandatory accountability requirements that ensure the funds are spent as promised, including: Independent citizens’ oversight and annual audits are required All funds stay local to support local schools – no funds can be taken by the State No Measure Z funds can be used for administrators’ salaries or benefits
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Will funds from Measure Z be used for administrator salaries and pensions?No. By law, no funds from Measure Z can be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions. Funds can only be used to repair and upgrade local elementary, middle and high school facilities.
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Will all Measure Z funds stay local to improve local schools?Yes. Every penny from Measure Z will stay in our community. No funds can be taken away by the State or used for other purposes. All funds from Measure Z will be locally controlled for needed repairs and improvements to our local schools.
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Does EUSD have a detailed plan for the use of funds from Measure Z?Yes, EUSD worked with parents, teachers and community members to carefully assess the condition of all school facilities. The Board of Trustees has approved a detailed Facilities Master Plan that identifies the specific projects with cost estimates that would be completed if Measure Z is approved by local voters. The Facilities Master Plan is available for review here.
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How much would Measure Z cost?Measure Z will provide about $158.3 million in locally controlled funding for improvements to EUSD schools and will cost property owners $19 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value. A property assessed at $1 million will pay $190 per year, or roughly $16 per month. The assessed value of a property is based on the price one paid for their home, with no more than a 2% increase each year. Typically, the longer a home has been owned, the lower the assessed value because it is based on the original purchase price.
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Has EUSD recently passed a bond measure like this?No, it has been almost 14 years since EUSD placed a school improvement measure on the ballot. In November 2010, voters in the city of Encinitas and the south Carlsbad area of Rancho La Costa passed a $44 million bond extension. The bond funds benefitted all nine EUSD schools and helped the district in three areas. The first area of focus provided students with 21st Century classrooms including infrastructure upgrades and provide technology tools for students and teachers. Energy efficiency was the second area of focus for Proposition P which included providing solar energy, installation of solar tubes for lighting, bringing reclaimed water for irrigation, replacing inefficient heating and air condition systems, and upgrading restroom fixtures. The third area focused on upgrading and renovating existing facilities around the district. In the spring of 2022, the bond funds were completely expended, the Board of Trustees received the final audit report and closed the fund. Additionally, the Citizens' Oversight Committee presented their final report to the Board of Trustees.
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I don’t have children attending local schools. How will Measure Z impact me?Whether or not you have school-aged children, supporting local schools is a wise investment that improves our property values and local quality of life.
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Is Measure Z the only way to update our schools?The State has been an unreliable partner in funding basic school operations and provides very limited funding for facilities improvements. The district has very few options when it comes to making the necessary renovations and upgrades to keep pace with safety and academic standards.
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Will Measure Z qualify our schools for state matching funds?Yes. Measure Z makes our schools eligible for about millions in state matching funds that would otherwise go to other communities. The district is expecting to receive $22 million in matching funds from Prop P that would not have been accessible had not voters passed Prop P.
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Who gets to vote on Measure Z?All registered voters residing within Encinitas Union School District are eligible to vote on Measure Z.
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How many votes are needed to win?To be approved, Measure Z requires “YES” votes from 55% of the votes cast on the measure.
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When can I vote YES on Measure Z?Measure Z will be on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Whether or not you normally vote at the polls, all registered voters living in Encinitas Union School District will be mailed a ballot the week of October 7. Once you receive your ballot, vote YES on Z, sign and seal the envelope and mail it back right away. No postage is required. Mail ballots must be postmarked by November 5, 2024.
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How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the San Diego County Registrar of Voters at (858) 694-3900 or visit https://www.sdvote.com/.
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How can I get involved or learn more about Measure Z?Our campaign is a grassroots organization of parents, teachers and other community leaders dedicated to passing Measure Z for local students. Some ways you can help pass Measure Z include volunteering some time to spread the word about Measure Z, putting up a yard sign or adding your name to our list of Measure Z supporters!
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