FAQs

Although it appears that our schools are in good shape based on the achievements of our students, our classrooms and facilities need some very costly upgrades and major repairs. Faced with aging classrooms and the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the Oakdale Joint Unified School District has placed General Obligation Bond Measure G on the November 2024 ballot which would modernize and renovate our aging schools. The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind Measure G and how its passage will affect the District and our community. 

What is Measure G? 

Measure G is a $105.5 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 eight 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 35 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 G on the ballot? 

Our schools are outdated, and upgrades and renovations need to be made. While 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 over 55 years old, with our oldest, Magnolia Elementary, being constructed in 1939. A local school improvement measure would allow the District to improve the quality of school facilities and education provided to local children. 

Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget? 

Today, the scope of improvements needed in the Oakdale Joint Unified School District is far greater than the current funding sources available. The per-pupil funding the District receives from the state is primarily used for the day-to-day business of educating students - not for the costs of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities. 

How did the District come up with the project list for Measure G? 

Over the last several months, with input from staff, teachers, parents, and community leaders, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis. The Needs Analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made. Specific projects identified include: 

• Expanding and renovating career technical classrooms and labs to better prepare students for employment after high school 

• Repairing or replacing leaky roofs 

• Replacing single pane windows, outdated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems 

• Upgrading and renovating inadequate and deteriorating electrical, plumbing, and sewer systems 

• Making safety and security improvements throughout the District 

What will the passage of Measure G mean for our students and the community? 

Measure G will provide our students with a better learning environment by making essential renovations and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities; many of which are also used and available to the community, such as the libraries and playing fields. 

What will happen if Measure G does not pass? 

If Measure G 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 only the most critical safety repairs and improvements at each school. Consequently, the major renovations and upgrades will need to be postponed, and as a result, will likely be more extensive and expensive. 

What will Measure G cost? 

The Measure G bond will be phased in as the 2002 bond is phased out. The tax rate per property owner is the same as the voter approved 2002 bond of $59.98 per $100,000 of assessed valuation 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 value.  Example: Median assessed home value of $316,000 = $16.57 per month...less than 3 pumpkin spice lattes a month at the drive through!

How can I be sure that funds will be spent on improving our local schools?

By law, all funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. Furthermore, an independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent. Also, by law, there must be annual independent performance and financial audits and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.