January 2024
Dear Delhi Community,
RE: Measure E for the Delhi Unified School District on the March 5, 2024 ballot
The Delhi Unified School District has been providing dedicated educational services to local students since the formation of the District. It is the hard work and dedication of parents, teachers and staff that directly contribute to the education and success of our children.
Although facilities have been maintained over the years, we continue to strive to maintain classrooms and facilities that meet 21st century standards, with close attention to safety for all. Faced with the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the Board of Trustees decided to place Measure E, a school improvement general obligation (G.O.) bond measure, on the March 5, 2024 ballot so the community can decide to whether or not expedite the modernization and renovation of our schools.
Over the last several months with input from staff, teachers, parents, and community the District has facilitated a needs analysis. The needs analysis identified the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made. Specific projects identified include:
Making health, safety and security improvements, including security fencing around the Ed Park campus, and updating surveillance and locking systems
Repairing or replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
Upgrading outdated electrical and communication systems
Modernizing/renovating outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities
Constructing classrooms and school facilities
The attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) handout is provided to assist teachers, staff, and voters in understanding the facts behind Measure E and how its passage will affect the District, our students and the community. Please take a moment to review the FAQ, and feel free to reach out to us should you have any questions on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Jose Miguel Kubes
District Superintendent
Measure E - Delhi Unified School District
Frequently Asked Questions Handout
Although facilities have been well maintained over the years, we continue to strive to maintain classrooms and facilities that meet 21st century standards, with close attention to safety for all. Faced with the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the Delhi Unified School District has placed Measure E on the upcoming March 2024 ballot that would modernize and renovate our aging schools.
The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind Measure E and how its passage will affect the District and our community.
What is Measure E?
Measure E is a $17.0 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program. The measure is intended to address the needs of the student population through modernization and renovation projects at the Delhi Education Park and the District’s three elementary schools.
What is a G.O. bond?
G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new schools and classrooms. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property - residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial - located within the District’s boundaries.
Why did the District place Measure E on the ballot?
Our schools face major upgrades and renovations that need to be made, in particular when it comes to improving safety. Although facilities have been well maintained over the years, there is a need to address specific needs. Today, our schools need major classroom and infrastructure improvements to increase the safety and maintain the quality of education provided to local students.
Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
Today, the scope of improvements needed at the Delhi Unified School District is far more than the current funding sources available. The per pupil funding which the District receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating children and not the cost of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities. If the District attempts to address these needs with current budget projections, the work will take a long time and not all major priorities may be met.
How did the District come up with the project list for Measure E?
Over the several months with the input from staff, teachers, parents, and community the District identified the major needs that need to be addressed, with a priority on making health, safety and security improvements, including security fencing around the Ed Park campus, and updating surveillance and locking systems, repairing or replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
Specific projects identified include:
Making health, safety and security improvements, including security fencing around the Ed Park campus, and updating surveillance and locking systems
Repairing or replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
Upgrading outdated electrical and communication systems
Modernizing/renovating outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities
What will the passage of Measure E mean for our students and the community?
Measure E will provide our students with a better and safer learning environment by making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities; many of which are also used by and available to the community..
What will happen if Measure E does not pass?
If Measure E does not pass the District will attempt to address these needs, as they are important to the community. However, with current budget projections, the work will take a long time and not all major priorities may be addressed. In addition, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction may need to be used for this work. Major repairs may need to be postponed and as a result will potentially be more expensive to make. Specifically, the District will attempt to address health, safety and security improvements, including security fencing around the Ed Park campus, but it will be unclear as to how long it may take.
What will Measure E cost?
The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year. (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value. Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are lower than market values). Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.
How can I be sure that Measure E funds will be spent on improving our local schools?
By law, all bond funds have to be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. In addition, a local independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that funds are properly spent. Also by law, there must be annual audits of expenditures and no money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.