An $80 million bond measure to improve and upgrade facilities in Merced City School District will be among the important issues local voters will consider in November.
The district’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to put the measure on the general election ballot.
If passed, the bond measure will fund improvement projects to address safety and security, according to a news release. The funds would also help alleviate overcrowding and improve technology and air quality.
The last time the district put a school facilities bond on the ballot was 2014’s Measure M, which passed by a narrow margin with 57.25% voting in support, just above the 55% required.
“In order to protect our investment in our school facilities, we must continue to invest in upgrading and improving our schools to make sure all students have access to high-quality facilities,” board president Allen Brooks said in a news release.
Recently the district gathered feedback from residents at community meetings and an online survey about needs related to school facilities.
Plus, a standards assessment was conducted of facilities at school sites.
The assessment data and community input contributed to the district’s updated Facilities Master Plan, which was also approved Wednesday, according to the release.
District officials said they expect to complete the final projects funded by Measure M next year.
Some of the improvements completed under Measure M included remodeled classrooms, installation of modern techology and improved Wi-Fi, plus new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
District officials said they were able to leverage the Measure M funds with $19 million from the state.
Other items on Nov. 5 ballot
The $80 million bond measure is just one of several important issues and offices on the November ballot in Merced.
In Merced City School District, two of the five board seats will be on the ballot — Area 2 and Area 4, which are held by Jessee Espinosa and Birdi Olivarez-Kidwell respectively.
Merced’s mayoral seat will be on the ballot along with City Council districts 1, 3 and 5.
The candidate filing period for Merced County offices is July 15 to Aug. 9.