TUSD Board of Education Approves Two Bond Measures
Measures Y and Z to be placed on November 4, 2008 Ballot
August 20, 2008
Important Facts about Measures Y & Z for Torrance Schools
At the August 4, 2008 TUSD Board of Education meeting, Board Members unanimously approved the placement of two bond measures on the November 4, 2008 ballot. Both bond measures need 55% majority to pass.
- Measure Y- $265 million to be used for specific classroom and core academic facility renovations. The tax rate for this bond would be $35 per $100,000 of ASSESSED property value (not market value).
- Specifically, Measure Y would fund core academic school facility renovations, including:
-Repairing damaged walls, floors and foundations
-Replacing worn-out roofs, plumbing and lighting systems
-Repairing faulty drainage systems, hardscapes, and other safety hazards
-Removing asbestos and other hazardous materials from school sites
-Providing classroom technology needed to prepare students for the workforce
-Renovating outdated classrooms and science labs (including replacing Hull Middle School)
- Measure Z - $90 million to be used for special school facility projects that will protect and enhance student safety and wellness, and provide specialized programs. The tax rate for this bond would be $13 per $100,000 of ASSESSED property value (not market value).
- Specifically, Measure Z would fund the renovation of facilities that support learning, extra-curricular activities and ensure student safety, including:
-Renovating worn-out physical education facilities, playgrounds and fields that serve the entire Torrance community
-Constructing music and art classrooms and science labs at schools that do not have these facilities
- The Facilities and Assets Review Committee, comprised of parents, teachers, principals and community members, recommended the projects included in these bonds following a six (6) month comprehensive review of all district facilities. The recommendations were reviewed by school construction experts and detailed cost estimates were developed.
- Restricted Repair and Replacement Reserve – These measures require the district to establish a Restricted Repair and Replacement Reserve – in order to maintain facilities after they are upgraded and protect taxpayers investment.
- Measures Y&Z require an “Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee’ and mandatory independent annual audits to ensure funds are spent properly.
- By law, funds from Measures Y and Z must stay in Torrance and may only be used for the specific facility projects listed in the District’s detailed facility master plan. No funds can be used for administrator salaries.
Voters should note that estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County’s official tax rolls, not on the property’s market value. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property’s assessed value.
If you have questions or need additional information, please call 310-972-6500 or e-mail me at superintendent@tusd.org.
To view Dr. Mannon discuss the Nov '08 Bond Measures on Local Edition please click on the following link below:
