Frequently Asked Questions About Measure I
What is Measure I?
Measure I, on the March 5, 2024 ballot, will provide funding to repair aging classrooms and labs at HUSD’s aging schools. Voting Yes on I would provide locally controlled funding to repair and upgrade local schools so all students attend class in safe and up-to-date schools.
Why do we need Measure I?
HUSD provides a quality education for more than 19,000 students in preschool through high school and adult education. However classrooms, labs, facilities, and school technology were built for a different era of learning. In fact, 18 of HUSD’s 29 school sites are over 60 years old. Many school facilities are deteriorating and no longer meet safety and instructional standards. Because the state does not provide funding for facilities, local schools cannot update classrooms and labs to support quality education without local funding from Measure I.
What projects will Measure I fund?
Voting Yes on I will provide the funding to:
Repair aging school facilities including deteriorating plumbing, sewers, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems
Improve earthquake safety, especially at schools near the Hayward Fault
Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes
Provide modern science labs, job training facilities and equipment so students are prepared for college and good jobs
Protect student safety, security and to improve access for students with disabilities
Replace aging portable classrooms with modern, permanent classrooms
Keep classroom technology up-to-date
How was Measure I developed and how were classroom needs accessed?
Starting in 2006, HUSD partnered with architects and school facility construction experts to conduct a thorough assessment of every classroom, lab and school facility in the District to evaluate conditions and identify needed upgrades. This work resulted in HUSD’s comprehensive Facility Master Plan, which has been updated periodically over the years, most recently in 2023. If Measure I passes, bond funds will be used to finance the most urgent upgrades and repairs, as identified in the master plan, at all HUSD school sites.
Would Measure I improve earthquake safety?
Yes, Measure I will improve earthquake safety to meet current seismic standards for schools. In fact, Bret Harte Middle School is located on the Hayward fault and does not meet current seismic safety standards. Measure I will fund the relocation of Bret Harte Middle School to a seismically safe location and facility.
How can I be sure funds from Measure I would be spent as promised?
Measure I includes strict fiscal accountability requirements, including:
All Measure I funds would be locally controlled and cannot be taken by the State
Citizens’ oversight and annual audits will ensure all funds are spent as promised
No funds can be spent on administrators’ salaries
How much does Measure I cost?
Measure I will provide $550 million for repairs and upgrades to HUSD schools and is estimated to cost $60 per $100,000 of assessed value (not market) per year, while bonds are outstanding.
How much would this increase our taxes?
Thanks to careful fiscal management, Measure I will upgrade local schools without increasing tax rates beyond the total rates already approved by voters in 2018. In other words, HUSD can issue new bonds to continue repairing and upgrading local school facilities without increasing the tax rate above the level already approved by voters.
What is the difference between assessed value and market value?
The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the cost of Measure I is based.
Would all Measure I funds benefit HUSD schools only?
All funds from Measure I will benefit HUSD schools only. No funds could be taken by the State or used for other purposes.
Haven’t we already passed bond measures to upgrade local schools?
Because the State of California does not provide dedicated funding for facility improvements, HUSD has had to rely upon voter-approved local school facilities improvement bond measures to fund the upgrade and repair of local schools. Thanks to the generous support of Hayward voters, many important upgrades have been completed, including replacement of several of Hayward’s oldest schools with new school facilities, construction of modern science, technology, engineering and math classrooms and labs at some campuses, upgrades to art, music and athletics facilities and installation of solar panels to supply 100% of HUSD’s electrical needs with green energy.
While some HUSD schools have been upgraded, many have not. Outdated classrooms and labs need updates for science, technology, engineering and math instruction. Schools have deteriorating sewers, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems. Aging portable classrooms are deteriorating.
Voting YES on I ensures all students learn in safe and up-to-date classrooms.
Will funds from Measure I be used for administrator salaries and pensions?
No. By law, no funds from Measure I can be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions.
I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?
Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment. Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and protect the value of our homes. Additionally, the new facilities will be available to every member of the community for use outside of school hours.
How many votes does Measure I need to pass?
In order to pass, Measure I must be supported by 55% of those who cast a vote on the measure in the March election. It is critical we all take the time to vote YES in this election to improve our local schools
Who can vote on Measure I?
All registered voters living within Hayward Unified School District boundaries can vote on Measure I.
When can I vote Yes on Measure I?
Measure I will be on the March 5, 2024 ballot. All registered voters in Hayward Unified School District will receive a ballot in the mail in early February. You may cast your ballot by mail in this election, place it in a drop box, or vote in-person at a designated vote center. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote YES on I, follow the instructions to sign and date the outer envelope and place it in the mail or deliver your ballot right away.
How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?
You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the Alameda County Registrar of Voters at (510) 272-6973 or visit www.acvote.org.
How can I get involved or learn more about Measure I?
Our campaign is a grassroots organization of parents, teachers and other community leaders dedicated to passing Measure I for local students. Some ways you can help pass Measure I include donating to the campaign, displaying a YES on I lawn sign at your home and adding your name to our list of Measure I supporters!