Brady PieperThis article was written using information found in the National Bond Report from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. This comprehensive report features information on every public entity planning to hold a bond election. To purchase this report, click here.
In California, Sacramento’s school districts and fire department are seeking local voters’ approval on several bonds that’ll fund educational expenses and fire safety initiatives for years to come. Appearing on the Nov. 5 ballot, this round of bond measures looks to enhance schools’ safety, facilities and workforce as well as supporting local emergency services’ operations.
Sacramento Fire District Bond Measure
Residents will see one bond measure supporting the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. At least two-thirds voter approval will be needed to pass Measure O, which allows for the issuance of $415 million in general obligation bonds and a tax rate levy of $19 per $100,000 in property value.
If approved, the bond will allow the fire district to construct, relocate and renovate several fire stations, develop infrastructure improvements and purchase new life-saving fire and emergency vehicles, apparatus and capital equipment.
Specifically, Measure O-funded projects would include new fire stations in Vineyard, North Highlands and Rancho Cordova, while expanding or relocating existing facilities. The initiative would involve land acquisition for new sites, replacement and removal of inadequate buildings and other necessary infrastructure upgrades. The projects would also encompass the acquisition and replacement of vital fire and emergency equipment to ensure effective emergency service delivery.
Additionally, the bond funds would be used to continue development on the Zinfandel First Responder Training Facility in Rancho Cordova.
Sacramento School Bond Measures
The California Constitution and Education Code authorizes school districts to place bond measures on voters’ ballots to fund various education purposes within district boundaries. Sacramento’s school funding initiatives are highlighted by eight school bond measures requiring voter approval. Most of these will require 55% voter approval to pass.
Measure D, benefiting Sacramento City Unified School District, allows the district to issue $543 million in bonds to fund school facilities and classroom modernization. The bond measure would require an estimated property tax levy of $35 per $100,000 in assessed property value.
If approved, the district’s proposed projects will modernize and upgrade various school campuses across the district, focusing on essential infrastructure improvements and enhanced educational facilities. Key initiatives include comprehensive renovations at multiple schools, such as updating roofing, plumbing, electrical systems and classrooms to meet current safety and sustainability standards. New constructions, like the Elder Creek and Miwok Middle Schools, will provide contemporary learning spaces tailored for STEAM education and student support.
A new competition pool at McClatchy and district-wide technology enhancements will further support athletic programs and create modern learning environments. Additionally, performance art centers at Hiram Johnson and JFK High Schools will receive significant upgrades to improve their facilities, including stage and audio-visual systems.
Galt Joint Union Elementary School District’s Measure H is asking voters to approve $27 million in bonds to support classroom and facility repair efforts in the district. The bond would require a $29 per $100,000 in assessed value tax levy increase.
If approved, the school district’s projects would include leaky roof repairs, plumbing and electric enhancements, classroom renovations, HVAC and ventilation system upgrades and the development of new and renovation of existing athletic fields. Measure H’s school safety investment would also encompass improvements to emergency communications systems, the installation of campus security systems and the reconfiguration of parking lots and bus lanes to increase safe access to district facilities.
Measure J will ask voters to approve the issuance of $4.3 million in bonds to support Elverta Joint Elementary School District. The bond measure would include an average annual tax rate levy of $29 per $100,000 of assessed value.
If approved, Elverta Joint Elementary School District will use funds raised by bond sales to upgrade school facilities by replacing outdated electrical, HVAC, plumbing and roofing systems, while enhancing safety and accessibility in compliance with ADA regulations. Key initiatives include modernizing classrooms and restrooms, improving technology access and implementing security upgrades. Additionally, outdoor areas, such as playgrounds and sports fields, will be improved to ensure safety and better serve students.
Arcohe Union School District will ask voters to approve Measure M, which intends to issue $5.8 million in bonds to support the district’s Safe Classroom initiative. The bond would require a tax rate levy of $29.50 per $100,000 to fund the measure.
If approved, the bond’s projects will enhance safety, repair aging facilities and expand classroom space. Bond funds will be allocated to improve security systems, including emergency communications, surveillance and fire safety measures, while also ensuring better access for students with disabilities. Aging facilities will undergo necessary repairs, such as roof, plumbing and electrical system upgrades. To accommodate growing enrollment, supplemental classroom space for STEM and agricultural education will be added.
Additionally, the District looks to partner with Sacramento County to develop a joint use community center that supports both educational and community activities.
Elk Grove Unified School District will pursue the issuance of $542 million in bonds through Measure N. The bond measure, which would need a tax rate levy of $34 per $100,000 in assessed value, would fund repairs, modernization and construction projects that will alleviate overcrowding and support college readiness.
Measure N’s proposed projects, if approved, would enhance educational quality and safety across the district. Key projects include the modernization of labs and career technical education facilities to better prepare students for college and in-demand careers, as well as repairs for deteriorating infrastructure like roofs, plumbing and electrical systems.
Bond funds would additionally allow the district to improve campus security systems and replace aging portable classrooms with permanent structures to further support a safe and effective learning environment.
Measure P will benefit the San Juan Unified School District in their efforts to prepare students for college and careers. The measure will allow the district to issue $950 million in bonds to fund various education initiatives, requiring a local tax rate levy of $60 per $100,000 in assessed value.
If approved, San Juan Unified School District will construct and renovate classrooms, restrooms and various essential structures to enhance educational facilities and student safety. These efforts will include the acquisition of new school sites, upgrades to vocational and career education spaces and the creation of modern science and technology facilities like computer labs. To bolster safety, the plan calls for improvements to security systems, fire alarms and communication infrastructure.
Additional initiatives will update plumbing, HVAC systems and outdoor spaces for physical education and the arts. The district will also address hazardous materials, like asbestos, in buildings and remove outdated portable classrooms to better foster a safer learning experience.
Sacramento’s final two school bond measures will both support the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD).
Supporting the district’s elementary schools, Measure R will request voter approval for the issuance of $144 million in bonds. Requiring a tax rate levy of $60 per $100,000 of assessed value, the measure will attract highly qualified educators and improve the quality of education through the repair and modernization of elementary facilities.
Primarily, FCUSD will repair and renovate deteriorating infrastructure, including electrical systems, leaky roofs, air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, classrooms and water distribution systems. The district will also work to remove any legacy asbestos from facilities.
For school safety, bond funds will also be used to improve fire safety, enhance emergency communications systems, protect students and facilities’ drinking water and provide safe spaces for students to play.
FCUSD’s second bond measure, Measure S will support the district’s middle and high school facilities with the issuance of an additional $144 million in bonds. The measure would hold the same tax rate levy as Measure R and would improve the district’s facilities, utility infrastructure and safety and security.
While maintaining similar goals as the elementary bond, this measure would allow local high schools to expand and upgrade vocational education and job training initiatives throughout the district. This upgrade to career training facilities and related programs would include health, agriculture and farming, engineering and construction pathways.
Classroom improvements would include upgrades to school wiring and technology, visual and performance art classrooms, science labs, engineering spaces, technology classrooms, and additional facilities and equipment.
