Impartial Analysis of Measure A

Jason M. Heath, County Counsel
By: Ruby Márquez, Chief Assistant County Counsel

Under the California Constitution, school districts may issue bonds if approved by at least 55 percent of voters within the boundaries of that district. These bonds are sold to the public and constitute a debt of the district. The principal and interest on the bonds are repaid by an annual property tax levied on all real property within the jurisdiction of the school district. This is known as an “ad valorem tax” and is calculated based on the current assessed value of each property. 

The Board of Trustees of the Scotts Valley Unified School District (“the District”) has placed Measure ___ on the ballot, which proposes the sale of bonds in an amount not to exceed $49 million. The District anticipates that these bonds would generate approximately $2.7 million annually.

The District’s best estimate of the average annual tax rate to be levied is approximately $30.50 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year. The best estimate of the highest tax rate is $32.00 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year. If the measure passes, it is anticipated that this tax would be collected through fiscal year 2055-56 to repay the bonds.

In accordance with the law, the funds from the sale of these bonds shall only be used for specific purposes related to school site facilities, buildings, and classrooms. The law does not allow these bond funds to be used for teacher and administrator salaries or other operational expenses.

The District has submitted a “Bond Project List” contained within the full body of the measure. With these funds, the District plans to modernize, replace, renovate, construct, acquire, and/or rebuild the District’s facilities. The types of projects funded may include, but are not limited to:

• Adapting classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities to address current needs, including pandemic-related requirements;
• Improving student access to computers and modern technology, including providing necessary infrastructure, hardware, software, computers, devices, etc.;
• Replacing outdated electrical wiring systems;
• Improving accessibility to facilities to meet federal and state regulations under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA); and
• Upgrading school safety and security systems, such as fire alarms and cameras.

As required by law, the District must follow certain accountability provisions, including the establishment of an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, the annual completion of Performance and Financial Audits, and an annual report detailing the amount of proceeds collected by the sale of the bonds and the expenditures made.

A “yes” vote on Measure A is a vote to authorize the District to sell and issue up to $49 million in general obligation bonds to be repaid by the levy of ad valorem taxes on real property in the District boundaries.

A “no” vote on Measure A is a vote against the issuance of the proposed bonds by the District.