Measure ME: School Facilitites Bond 2024 Overview
El Monte City School District (EMCSD) Board of Education voted to order a bond to appear on the November 2024 Ballot.
What is Measure ME?
Measure ME is a school facilities bond that aims to upgrade neighborhood elementary schools by modernizing classrooms, expanding outdoor learning and green spaces, improving performing arts facilities, repairing school structures, and enhancing school safety. To accomplish these upgrades and needs, EMCSD is seeking $105 million in bonds. All funds will be managed locally with citizen oversight, audits, and public spending disclosure.
How will Measure ME be funded and what is local impact?
Measure ME is seeking to authorize $105,000,000 in bonds at legal rates. Based on the District's estimates, the average and highest tax rate to fund the bond is expected to be $30 per $100,000 of assessed property value while bonds are outstanding.
Why are we going for a new bond?
In 2023, EMCSD developed a Facilities Master Plan outlining the necessary facility updates and renovations for EMCSD schools to operate at the current educational standard.
In 2023, EMCSD developed a Facilities Master Plan outlining the necessary facility updates and renovations for EMCSD schools to operate at the current educational standard.
The Master Plan identified $594 million in project costs to provide necessary upgrades and renovations to schools. You can view our entire Master Plan here. To begin these projects, EMCSD is asking for $105 million in local tax revenue to begin working towards these projects. If the measure is approved, EMCSD can:
- Upgrade classrooms to meet current educational standards and provide modernized spaces for students and staff.
- Expand green spaces and improve performing arts facilities.
- Enhance security systems to keep our schools safe.
- Repair deteriorating roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems to prevent costly emergencies.
- Improve energy efficiency and sustainability in our buildings, saving money on utility costs that can be redirected to the classroom while helping improve air quality, enhance natural lighting, and reduce noise pollution.
- Create Student Learning and Connection Spaces where school communities can reconnect, collaborate, and strengthen relationships.
Below are examples of potential design concepts that include:
- Modernization of classrooms
- Outdoor learning environments
- Enhancing maker spaces and visual and performing arts areas