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Bond Questions & Answers |
| GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT Proposition H Frequently Asked Questions en Español 1. What is Proposition H? Proposition H is a local school bond measure on the March 2nd ballot to authorize $274,000,000 for critically needed repairs and upgrades to our local high schools. If approved by voters, Proposition H will allow the High School District to repair aging roofs, upgrade deteriorated plumbing, restrooms, electrical, technology, heating and cooling systems; improve fire safety and security systems; renovate outdated classrooms, science labs and school facilities; improve buildings and grounds for safety; and construct a new high school.
2. Why is Proposition H needed? Local high school facilities are aging. After 30-50 years of constant use, most high schools in our community are old and deteriorated, some are overcrowded, and virtually all need repair and renovation. After the unsuccessful attempt to pass Proposition T in 2002, the High School District reexamined the facility needs of each school. Based on need and the input of parents, teachers, staff and community, a specific plan to rehabilitate aging schools and relieve overcrowding was developed. Proposition H was placed on the ballot to authorize implementation of the planŅto renovate and upgrade all of our local high schools.
3. How will Proposition H funds be used? Proposition H funds will only be spent on essential high school repairs and upgrades. Proposition H will:
--Replace aging roofs --Upgrade deteriorated plumbing and restrooms --Improve electrical capacity for safety and better access to technology --Upgrade fire alarms, sprinklers and emergency safety systems --Renovate old, outdated classrooms, science labs and libraries --Replace inadequate heating and ventilation with energy efficient systems --Upgrade security systems, building exteriors, outdoor lighting, walkways and school grounds for safety and security --Construct a new high school 4. How will my neighborhood high school benefit? Each and every GUHSD high school will receive upgrades from funds authorized by Proposition H. Specific project lists for each neighborhood high school are available in the school office, the school district website (www.guhsd.net), and in the voter pamphlet distributed by the County Registrar of Voters or by calling the Grossmont Union High School District at 619-644-8082.
5. What is the actual question on the ballot? ŌTo repair aging local high schools, improve student safety, and qualify for State matching funds, shall Grossmont Union High School District repair aging roofs, upgrade deteriorated plumbing, restrooms, electrical, technology, heating and cooling systems; improve fire safety and security systems; renovate outdated classrooms, science labs and school facilities; improve buildings and grounds for safety; and construct a new school; by issuing $274,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with annual audits, citizen oversight, and all money benefiting our local community?Ķ
6. How can we be sure that Proposition H money will be spent properly? Proposition H mandates proper fiscal controls and accountabilities. Annual performance and financial audits and an independent Citizens Oversight Committee are required by law to monitor expenditures and ensure all funds are spent properly. The Citizens Oversight Committee, made up of parents and members of the community, will be appointed by the School Board and serve without pay. By law, bond proceeds can only be used to upgrade facilities, not for salaries or administration. 7. How is this measure different from Proposition T? Proposition H has been updated to reflect the current facility needs of the GUHSD. The DistrictÕs assessment process has been conducted in a comprehensive way, school-by-school. This new bond measure will allow the school district to make improvements and repairs at every neighborhood high school that reflect their current facility needs.
8. What about other sources of funding--like the lottery? By law, lottery funds must go directly into classroom instruction and cannot be used for facility repairs, renovation or construction. Lottery funds comprise only about 2% of our school district budget. The District has made every effort to secure other available funds from state, local and private sources. Passage of Proposition H will qualify GUHSD for approximately $120,000,000 in state matching funds, further reducing the cost of essential school upgrades to local taxpayers.
9. What about ongoing maintenance? Grossmont Union High School DistrictÕs maintenance staff works hard to maintain local school facilities with limited resources. However, the types of repairs and need for renovation go far beyond the scope and means of regular maintenance efforts. Aging crowded schools are wearing out. Classrooms and labs are old and outdated. Additional classroom space as well as upgrades in roofing, plumbing, electrical, safety, and other essential building improvements are critically needed.
10. Will all high schools in the district be repaired? Yes. A plan has been developed to upgrade every high school in the school district.
11. Will Proposition H improve classroom instruction? Yes. Upgrades to existing classrooms, new classrooms that relieve overcrowding, and improved science and computer laboratories will enhance instruction as well as the teaching and learning environment. Improved electrical and technology infrastructure will allow students and teachers to better access technology. Safe and sound building systems will make it possible to focus on learning first. Without Proposition H funds, money earmarked for educational programs may have to go toward facility repairs.
12. When will work begin at the schools? Once Proposition H passes, facility project planning will begin immediately. Projects at specific schools will follow. The DistrictÕs goal will be to ensure all facility improvements to our local high schools are completed according to the Proposition H Bond Plan and Project List approved by voters. Upgrades will be completed in priority order, starting with health and safety issues first.
13. What will happen if Proposition H doesnÕt pass? As schools age, the need for improved facilities and more classroom space will grow. Delaying repairs and upgrades will increase as construction costs rise. State matching funds currently available to communities that have passed bond measures, may be exhausted and no longer be available.
14. Who will vote on Proposition H? All registered voters who reside within the Grossmont Union High School District are eligible to vote on Proposition H. To pass, Proposition H must receive support from 55% of the voters who vote on March 2, 2004. February 17th is the last day to register to vote in this election.
15. How much will Proposition H cost taxpayers? The cost to homeowners will be less than $28 per $100,000 of assessed property value. (Assessed value should not be confused with market value. The assessed value of property may be much lower than its market value.) This money is tax deductible.
16. What if I have more questions? For high school facility repair and renovation questions, please call Catherine Martin at 619-644-8082. To inquire about the Proposition H campaign, please call Linda Williams at 619-466-4025. |
For specific information about school needs in the Grossmont Union High School District, contact Catherine Martin, Coordinator of Public Affairs.