Frequently Asked Questions
What is the state of SBCUSD classrooms and school facilities?
Many of our local schools were built over 55 years ago and need major repairs and updates. Underground pipes and infrastructure are deteriorating, 25+ year-old AC units leave students sitting in temperatures that can reach 90+ degrees. Last year, there were 734 roof leaks across SBCUSD campuses, resulting in expensive repairs. In the long term, it costs us more to patch up deteriorating portable classrooms and leaky roofs than it does to replace them. We cannot afford more band aid solutions.
What is Measure Z?
Measure Z is a cost-effective investment that will help repair our schools now, attract and retain quality teachers in classrooms, and ensure students can focus on learning in safe, comfortable classrooms. A yes vote for Measure Z is a vote for safe, high-quality schools and career technical education for every one of our local students, setting them up for success in college and good jobs.
Specifically, how would Measure Z be used to complete needed improvements?
If approved by local voters, Measure Z would provide $382 million in locally controlled funding that could be used to:
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Repair leaky roofs
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Repair 25 year-old heating, AC, and ventilation units
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Upgrade classrooms, labs, and technology to meet modern academic standards
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Upgrade older schools to meet current health and building safety codes
How do I know funds from Measure Z would be used responsibly?
Measure Z includes strict fiscal accountability protections to ensure responsible management of funds, including:
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All funds must be spent on our local schools and cannot be taken by the State
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Annual independent audits and a citizens’ oversight committee will ensure funds are spent as promised
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A detailed project list describing how bond funds will be used
Would all funds benefit all schools in SBCUSD?
Yes. Funds would be locally controlled and would benefit all local SBCUSD schools. No funding could be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.
Is there any other way to maintain and update SBCUSD classrooms, buildings, and facilities?
In 2012 the District asked voters for assistance in funding needed repairs and upgrades to school facilities by passing a general obligation bond, Measure N. In addition to the $250 million raised by the measure, the District has been able to leverage State matching funds and make use of other district resources to make priority repairs and improvements at local schools over the past 15 years. However, substantial maintenance needs and upgrades remain at many schools for which the District does not have a funding source.
What is the difference between assessed value and market value?
The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the cost of a bond measure is based.
How much would it cost me if Measure Z is passed?
If approved by voters, homeowners would pay approximately $50 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value while bonds are outstanding.
Are senior exemptions available?
No. State law does not allow for exemptions to be applied to bond measures. However, because the cost of a bond measure is based on the original purchase price of a home, residents who have lived in their homes a long time have the lowest assessed values and will pay the least toward the cost of a bond measure.
What is the difference between a school bond measure and a school parcel tax?
Parcel taxes provide local funding to support teachers and academic programs. A school bond measure, by contrast, is entirely different and can only be used for school facility upgrades and improvements, such as repairing aging buildings and infrastructure. Bond funds cannot be used for operating costs, salaries, or programs.
I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?
Even if you do not have school-age children, studies show that funding quality education can help improve the quality of life in the community and protect the property value of local homes.
Has SBCUSD used funds from previous bond measures responsibly?
Yes. The Measure N Citizens' Oversight Committee has found that SBCUSD completed bond projects on time and aligned with voter-approved priorities. The oversight committee reports can be viewed here: https://sbcusdfacilities.com/bonds-at-work/citizens-oversight-committee/
What level of support does Measure Z need to pass?
Measure Z would need to be supported by 55% of local voters for it to pass. All registered voters living in San Bernadino City Unified School District would be eligible to vote on Measure Z during the November 3, 2026, General Election.
