2024 Bond Measure Information

 
 
The Governing Board of Central Unified School District has approved placing a $109 million bond measure on the November 2024 ballot. Voters will be asked to decide on funding for renovating classrooms and labs, enhancing student safety and school security, and improving accessibility to classrooms, restrooms, walkways, and playgrounds across Central Unified.
                 Gabrielle Gutierrez  Biola Students
WHAT IS MEASURE X?
Measure X is a general obligation (GO) bond measure on the November 5, 2024, Presidential Election ballot. If approved by 55% of district votes cast, it will result in an extension of a previously approved tax rate to authorize $109 million of funding to make critical repairs and improvements at Central Unified schools. Measure X will also qualify the district for state matching funds.
 
WHAT IS A GO BOND?
California school districts commonly use GO bonds to fund improvement projects, such as constructing and renovating classrooms. Similar to a home loan, GO bonds are repaid over time. Funds to repay the bonds come from a tax on all taxable property—residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural—located within the district.
 
WHY IS MEASURE X ON THE BALLOT?
The District Board Believes the state does not provide sufficient funding for construction and expansion. The state does not provide school districts with dedicated funds for facility improvements, unless school districts place local bond measures on the ballot. Measure X will enable Central Unified School District to qualify for state matching funds for eligible construction and renovation projects. The passage of Measure X will provide our schools with dedicated funds to update and expand our facilities.
WHAT TAXPAYER PROTECTIONS ARE IN PLACE?
 
Measure X ensures that there will be full public disclosure of all spending. An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee must review and report on all bond fund expenditures, and a third-party auditor must audit all bond fund expenditures. Measure X includes a specific list of projects on which bond funds may be spent. Laws prohibit funds from being used for administrators’ salaries, pensions or benefits. Measure X bond funds must be spent on Central Unified School District’s projects and cannot be taken by the state.
 
HOW MUCH WILL MEASURE X COST?
 
Measure X is estimated to have an average annual tax rate of less than $50 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. Assessed valuation should not be confused with market value. The assessed valuation is the value placed on property by Fresno County and is typically lower than market value.

HOW DO I VOTE BY MAIL?

All registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. If you need to register to vote, you can register online at www.registertovote.ca.gov. Once you complete your ballot, sign your ballot envelope and simply drop your ballot in the mail—postage is prepaid—by November 5, 2024. If you need additional assistance or would like to drop off your ballot in person at a vote center or drop box, please visit www.fresnocountyca.gov for more information.