Question 1

What is Measure M?

Accepted Answer

Measure M is a $315 million General Obligation (GO) Bond approved by voters in Measure M is a $315 million General Obligation (GO) Bond approved by voters in November 2024 to fund critical facility improvements across Pajaro Valley Unified School District. This bond represents a long-term investment in the safety, modernization, and functionality of school campuses district-wide. Funds are specifically allocated to capital improvements such as infrastructure upgrades, classroom modernization, and student support spaces. Ultimately, Measure M is designed to ensure that students learn in environments that are safe, modern, and aligned with today’s educational standards.

Question 2

How much funding does Measure M provide?

Accepted Answer

Measure M authorizes up to $315 million in bond funding, which will be issued in phases over time rather than all at once. This phased approach allows the District to align project delivery with financial planning, market conditions, and construction readiness. It also helps ensure responsible fiscal management while maintaining steady progress across campuses. The structured issuance of bonds ensures that funds are available when needed while minimizing unnecessary financial burden.

Question 3

How is Measure M funded?

Accepted Answer

Measure M is funded through a local property tax, estimated at $60 per $100,000 of assessed property value annually. This generates approximately $18.3 million per year to support bond repayments. Because it is based on assessed value rather than market value, the tax impact is more predictable for property owners. Importantly, these funds are restricted by law and can only be used for school facilities—not for operational expenses or salaries.

Question 4

What types of projects are included?

Accepted Answer

Measure M supports a wide range of capital improvement projects across the district. These include facility modernization, infrastructure upgrades, safety enhancements, accessibility improvements, and the development of student support spaces. Additionally, projects may include site improvements such as traffic flow, parking, and outdoor learning environments. Workforce housing initiatives are also being explored to address staff retention and recruitment challenges.

Question 5

Why is Measure M needed?

Accepted Answer

Many PVUSD facilities are over 60 years old and require substantial reinvestment to meet modern educational and safety standards. The District faces over $1 billion in identified facility needs, far exceeding available resources without voter-approved funding. Deferred maintenance, outdated systems, and aging infrastructure create operational inefficiencies and safety concerns. Measure M provides the beginning of a structured, community-supported solution to address these long-standing challenges.

Question 6

How does Measure M relate to the Facilities Master Plan?

Accepted Answer

Measure M is directly informed by the District’s Facilities Master Plan, which provides a comprehensive assessment of all school sites, including facility conditions, enrollment trends, and long-term needs. The Master Plan serves as a roadmap for prioritizing investments, identifying critical repairs, and planning future improvements across the district.

Measure M provides the funding necessary to begin implementing many of these identified projects, focusing first on health and safety, modernization, and long-term sustainability. While not all projects in the Master Plan will be completed immediately, Measure M represents a significant step toward addressing the District’s highest-priority facility needs in a strategic, phased manner.

Question 7

Will every school benefit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every school in the district is expected to benefit from Measure M; however, improvements will not look the same across all sites. Investments are prioritized based on safety, facility condition, enrollment trends, and long-term educational needs to ensure funds are used responsibly and where they have the greatest impact.

As part of this effort, the District is actively evaluating how campuses are utilized, including the removal of aging portable classrooms. These decisions are not taken lightly and are driven by the goal of providing students with safe, modern, and fully supported learning environments rather than maintaining underutilized or outdated facilities.

In some cases, this may mean transitioning resources from one site to another to strengthen it, ensuring students have access to better facilities, programs, and services. The long-term commitment is that every student benefits from Measure M, even if the way improvements are delivered varies by campus. This approach ensures that investments are made responsibly, focusing on long-term student outcomes rather than short-term or site-specific considerations.

Question 8

When will projects begin?

Accepted Answer

Projects began rolling out in Summer 2026, with implementation occurring in multiple phases over several years. Early phases focus on high-priority projects that are ready for construction or address urgent needs. Subsequent phases will include more complex or large-scale developments requiring design and approvals. This phased approach allows the District to maintain momentum while ensuring quality and compliance.

Question 9

How are projects prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Projects are prioritized based on several key factors, including safety, educational impact, facility condition, and community input. The District also considers long-term operational efficiency and alignment with strategic goals. Data-driven assessments and professional evaluations guide decision-making. This ensures that funding is allocated where it will have the greatest overall benefit.

Question 10

Who manages Measure M projects?

Accepted Answer

Measure M projects are managed by the PVUSD Planning & Facilities Department with support from experienced program managers, architects, engineers, and contractors. This team is responsible for planning, design, procurement, and oversight of construction. External consultants may also be engaged to ensure best practices and cost control. The District maintains accountability through structured project management processes and reporting.

Question 11

What taxpayer protections are in place?

Accepted Answer

Measure M includes strong taxpayer protections to ensure funds are used responsibly. These include an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, annual financial and performance audits, and strict legal restrictions on the use of funds. Bond funds cannot be used for administrative salaries or operational costs. These safeguards provide transparency and accountability to the community.

Question 12

What is the Citizens’ Oversight Committee?

Accepted Answer

The Citizens’ Oversight Committee is a group of community members responsible for reviewing Measure M expenditures and ensuring compliance with the intent of the measure. The committee operates independently from the District and provides public reporting on how funds are used. Members represent various community interests, including parents, taxpayers, and local organizations. Their role is critical in maintaining transparency and public trust.

Question 13

Will Measure M build new schools?

Accepted Answer

Measure M may fund new construction projects where needed, including replacement buildings, expansions, or entirely new facilities. These decisions are based on enrollment trends, facility conditions, and long-term planning. While modernization is a primary focus, strategic new construction may be necessary to address capacity and program needs. All new construction decisions will be based on enrollment projections, program needs, and long-term facility efficiency, ensuring that investments are both necessary and sustainable.

Question 14

What is the plan for teacher/staff housing?

Accepted Answer

Measure M includes exploration of workforce housing initiatives to support teacher and staff retention. Rising housing costs in the region have made recruitment and retention increasingly difficult. Providing housing solutions can help stabilize the workforce and improve educational continuity. These efforts will be evaluated and implemented based on feasibility and community input.

Question 15

Will portable classrooms be removed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the removal of portable classrooms is a key goal of Measure M beginning in Summer 2026. Portables often represent temporary solutions that have become long-term due to funding limitations. Replacing them with permanent facilities improves safety, durability, and educational quality. This initiative also enhances campus aesthetics and functionality. In many cases, continued investment in aging portables is more costly over time than replacing them with facilities.

Question 16

Will sustainability be included?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability is a major priority within Measure M projects. The District aims to incorporate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and environmentally responsible design practices. These efforts reduce long-term operational costs and environmental impact. Projects may also include renewable energy solutions where feasible.

Question 17

How can the community stay involved?

Accepted Answer

Community involvement is encouraged throughout the lifecycle of Measure M projects. Stakeholders can attend public meetings, review updates on the District website, and participate in community oversight meetings. Feedback is considered in project planning and prioritization. Ongoing engagement helps ensure alignment with community expectations.

Question 18

Can Measure M funds be used for salaries?

Accepted Answer

No, Measure M funds are legally restricted to capital improvements only. This means they cannot be used for teacher salaries, administrative costs, or general operations. All expenditures must directly relate to facilities and infrastructure. This restriction is a key safeguard for taxpayer accountability.

Question 19

How will updates be shared?

Accepted Answer

Updates will be shared through the District’s website, public meetings, and regular reports. Transparency is a priority, and the community will have access to progress updates and financial information. Communication channels will be maintained consistently throughout the program. This ensures stakeholders remain informed and engaged.

Question 20

What happens if costs increase?

Accepted Answer

If construction costs increase, the District may adjust project scopes, phase projects differently, or seek supplemental funding sources. Cost management strategies will be implemented to maintain fiscal responsibility. Projects will be evaluated to ensure they remain aligned with available funding. Flexibility is built into the program to adapt to market conditions.

Question 21

What impact will Measure M have?

Accepted Answer

Measure M will significantly improve learning environments, enhance safety, and modernize facilities across the district. Students will benefit from updated classrooms, better infrastructure, and improved support spaces. Staff will have improved working conditions, contributing to retention and performance. Overall, the program represents a major investment in the community's future.

Question 22

Are schools being closed as part of Measure M?

Accepted Answer

Measure M itself does not mandate the closure of any schools; however, the District is currently evaluating how best to utilize its facilities in alignment with enrollment trends, long-term financial sustainability, and educational program needs. As outlined in the Facilities Master Plan, some schools are operating below capacity while others require significant investment to remain viable. These realities may lead to discussions around consolidation, restructuring, or repurposing of certain campuses.

Any decisions regarding school closures would follow a separate, transparent process that includes community engagement, Board review, and careful consideration of the impact on students. The goal is not to reduce access, but to ensure students are supported in safe, modern, and fully resourced learning environments. The District is committed to keeping families informed and involved throughout any such process. No immediate closures are being implemented without a formal evaluation and Board-approved process.

Question 23

Why is the District considering consolidation or restructuring of schools?

Accepted Answer

The District has experienced declining enrollment over recent years, resulting in some campuses being underutilized relative to their capacity. Maintaining and operating under-enrolled schools can strain financial resources and limit the ability to invest meaningfully in facilities and programs.

Consolidation or restructuring allows the District to better align its facilities with current student populations while reinvesting resources into fewer, stronger campuses. This approach supports improved educational offerings, better facility conditions, and more efficient use of public funding. Ultimately, the focus is on enhancing student experience and long-term sustainability.

Question 24

What happens to students if their school is consolidated or restructured?

Accepted Answer

If a school is affected by consolidation or restructuring, the District will develop a transition plan to minimize disruption and support students and families. This includes identifying receiving schools, ensuring capacity, and maintaining access to academic programs and services. Transportation, scheduling, and support services will also be carefully considered.

The District’s priority is to ensure that every student transitions into a learning environment that is equal to or better than in terms of safety, resources, and educational opportunity. Staff and families will be engaged throughout the process to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. The District will prioritize continuity of education, peer groups, and support services throughout any transition.

Question 25

Why are portable classrooms being removed?

Accepted Answer

Portable classrooms were originally intended as temporary solutions, but have remained in use for many years across the district. Over time, these structures have become less efficient, more costly to maintain, and do not provide the same level of quality as permanent facilities. The Facilities Master Plan identifies many of these portables as aging and in need of replacement.

Measure M prioritizes removing these outdated structures and replacing them with permanent, adequate learning spaces that better support teaching and instruction. This transition improves safety, energy efficiency, and overall campus functionality. It also reduces long-term maintenance costs and liability.

Question 26

How will the District ensure decisions are fair and not target specific communities?

Accepted Answer

All decisions related to Measure M projects and potential facility changes are guided by objective, data-driven criteria, including facility condition, student enrollment trends, health and safety needs, accessibility requirements, community impact, and long-term operational sustainability. The District’s Planning and Facilities team works closely with architects, engineers, and cost professionals to develop and prioritize project lists that address the most critical needs and provide the greatest overall benefit to students. Consideration is also given to opportunities that maximize available funding, including eligibility for State matching funds, to ensure responsible use of public resources.

While technical analysis and professional recommendations inform the process, all final decisions are made by the PVUSD Board of Trustees in a public and transparent setting. This ensures that elected leadership—accountable to the community—reviews, deliberates, and approves projects and any potential site changes.

The District is committed to transparency and equity throughout this process, with opportunities for community engagement, public input, and Board discussion at key milestones. These safeguards ensure that decisions are not based on individual preference, but on a structured, consistent approach focused on delivering safe, modern, and equitable learning environments for all students across the district.

Question 27

What is Measure L and how does it relate to Measure M?

Accepted Answer

Measure L is Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s voter-approved general obligation bond from November 2012. The measure authorized up to $150 million in local bond funding to support school facility improvements throughout the District.Measure L helped fund important work across PVUSD schools, including modernization, technology upgrades, safety improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and other capital facility needs.Measure L and Measure M are separate funding sources, but they are connected through PVUSD’s long-term facilities strategy.As of June 2026, approximately $2.9 million in Measure L bond proceeds remain available. These funds must continue to be used for eligible Measure L facility purposes and will be coordinated with current facility priorities where appropriate.Measure L reflects the community’s previous investment in school facilities. Measure M continues that work by providing a new major funding source to address current and future needs, including safety, modernization, infrastructure, accessibility, and long-term campus improvements.

Question 28

Will Measure L funds be reported separately from Measure M funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Measure L and Measure M funds must be tracked separately and used according to the requirements of each voter-approved measure.The District will continue to maintain accountability for each bond program while also providing the community with a broader view of how bond funds are supporting school facility improvements across PVUSD.

Comprehensive Q&A