Measure N DEFINED: Measure N is a local school bond measure on the March 3, 2020 ballot seeking voter authorization to repair and upgrade school facilities and equipment within Tustin Unified School District (TUSD). To pass, the measure must secure at least 55% support among TUSD voters casting ballots in the March 3, 2020 Election and voting on this measure.  A “YES vote” approves funding to implement the District’s Bond Plan to repair and upgrade impacted schools; a “NO vote” rejects the Plan. All TUSD residents who are registered to vote within the TUSD SFID boundaries are eligible to vote on this measure.   

Tustin Unified Schools rank among the best in the State, outperforming others in virtually every level. However, our elementary and middle school classrooms are aging. Many are over 50 years old, built before our current “digital age,” and although well maintained, require significant repairs and upgrades after decades of constant use. In order for our students to succeed in college and careers, they must have access to classrooms that support high quality teaching and learning in skilled trades, the use of today’s technologies, core subject’s science, math, engineering and technology. Furthermore, all of our schools require ongoing safety and security upgrades. Over the past several years, Tustin Unified School District, has built a Facilities Master Plan with input from over 600 school stakeholders, and engaged thousands of residents regarding our facilities priorities. Measure N is the result of these community conversations, and provides a prudent, responsible plan to address our most critical facilities needs. NO other funding currently exists to upgrade these facilities. 

“TUSTIN SCHOOLS IMPROVEMENT AND SAFETY MEASURE – To improve student learning, provide safe/modern schools, repair/replace deteriorated roofs, plumbing, lighting and electrical systems, modernize science labs, improve school safety-security, replace aging portables with permanent classrooms, upgrade inadequate classrooms, by issuing $215 million in bonds at legal rates, levying 3 cents per $100 assessed value ($12.4 million annually) while bonds are outstanding, be adopted, with mandatory audits, independent oversight, NO administrator salaries, and all funds staying local?”

• Upgrade 1960’s era, very outdated elementary and middle school classrooms
• Improve student safety, security and wellbeing
• Rehabilitate deteriorating roofs, plumbing, sewer, and electrical systems
• Renovate student support spaces for college/career readiness in science, math, technology,       engineering, arts, and skilled trades
• Add modern hands-on learning spaces and Career Technical Education labs

The short answer: NO.  In the past, State funding has been available to support local school upgrades but we cannot count on this uncertain source of funding – there are simply no guarantees.  Moreover, in order to access State funding, school districts MUST generate local matching funds by passing a local school bond measure.  In fact, passing a local bond is the ONLY way to qualify for additional State funding when it becomes available.  There are no other source of funding for the major facility upgrades TUSD needs. 

YES. Tustin Unified schools strive for teaching and learning excellence in every educational setting. Our goal is to provide all students with access to the education they need to be successful in college, well-paid jobs of the future, and life. Safe, modern school facilities and education technology are essential to maintaining quality schools and giving our students a competitive edge. As school facilities are improved, students and our community will benefit.

Unfortunately, Lottery funds can only be used for classroom instruction, not facility or technology infrastructure upgrades. Moreover, the money TUSD receives from the Lottery each year comprises less than 2% of our annual General Fund Budget. Proposition 30 funds, approved by California voters in November 2012, restored earlier classroom cuts, however, did not provide any “new” funding for schools or school facilities. Neither Lottery nor Prop 30 funds can provide the funding solution that our local schools need for repairs, upgrades and modernization.

How can we be assured that the Measure N money will be spent properly?                                                                         
Taxpayer protections are REQUIRED. By law, all funds from Measure N must stay local, dedicated to TUSD schools only. The State cannot take Measure N funding away. Measure N funding is only for school instructional and educational needs. No funds are allowed for administrators' salaries or pensions. Additionally, Independent Citizens' Oversight and mandatory audits are required by the Measure.

Tustin voters approved three previous school bonds in recent years benefitting TUSD – Measure S (2012), Measure L (2008), and Measure G (2002).  These measures funded significant upgrades on TUSD school campuses – but more work remains.   Measure N provides an affordable way to complete the full repair and renovation of our local school campuses without interruption. 

The $215 million bond currently translates to about $30 per $100,000 of ASSESSED property value. The “assessed” value of your home refers to the taxable value, not its market value. The taxable value of your home or business will depend on when you purchased it. Approval of Measure N will support locally controlled funding for critically need Tustin Unified school facility improvements.

Quality schools are the foundation of a healthy, thriving community. Quality schools improve the quality of life in the community, protect home values and keep the Tustin community strong.

All registered voters living within the jurisdiction of the Tustin Unified School District registered by February 18th will be eligible to participate in the March 3 Primary Election.

The last day to register to vote is February 18, 2020 online or by postmark. Additionally, anyone can register to vote in person at any of the vote centers that are open starting 10 days before the election, and vote conditionally until your information is verified. Visit https://registertovote.ca.gov/ to learn more. 

At least 55% of the voters who cast their ballots on Measure N in the March 3, 2020 Election must vote in favor of the bond for it to be approved. Measure N is being sought under the provisions of State Proposition 39, which prohibits use of bond funds for operations or administrator salaries, benefits or pensions, and also requires independent financial and performance audits on the use of bond proceeds.

Once the measure is approved, the school district will immediately focus on the most critical facilities needs starting with safety and security upgrades. A schedule for funding projects will be developed so projects can be completed on time and within budget.

Who makes the final decision on a local bond measure?                 
The locally elected Board of Education of Tustin Unified School District is the legal entity that has called for the Measure N election. Ultimately, Tustin Unified School District REGISTERED VOTERS will have the final say when they vote for or against the measure on the March 2020 ballot.