As one of the top 5 school districts in San Diego county, San Marcos Unified School District’s (SMUSD) mission is to remain an innovative and collaborative community where all our students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.
Local Funding Under Local Control for SMUSD Schools
After conducting a thorough Facilities Master Plan & Needs Assessment, it was clear many of our aging schools, classrooms, and labs, including 146 portable classrooms that are more than 25 years old and falling apart, have pressing infrastructure and repair needs. Measure JJ, a school improvement bond measure, was placed on the November 2024 ballot. Voters approved Measure JJ by 57% which will raise $324 million in locally-controlled funds, to:
- Remove hazardous materials, mold, asbestos, and lead pipes from older school sites
- Upgrade older schools so they meet current health codes, building safety codes, and provide access for students with disabilities
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Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems
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Provide the classrooms, facilities and technology to support quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology
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Provide modern labs and career technical facilities so students are prepared for college and in demand careers in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology, and skilled trades
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Improve student safety and school security including security fencing, security cameras, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers
Strict Fiscal Accountability and Oversight Required
Cost will be approximately 4 cents per $100 of assessed (not market) property value.
This school bond measure includes fiscal accountability protections including:
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A detailed project list indicating projects that could be funded
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All money would stay local, only benefit SMUSD schools, and could not be taken by the State
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Required citizens’ oversight and independent audits to ensure funds are spent properly
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Qualifying for up to $96 million in state funds that will otherwise go to other Districts