Measure R Update/Timeline
MEASURE R BOND
As a conservative fiduciary, I can say my number one goal is to safeguard public tax dollars. Unfortunately, in California, school district budgets for facilities have been completely eliminated by former Governor of CA, Jerry Brown. Where does that leave local school districts to raise the money for repairs and rehabilitation of aging facilities? We at the local level are left to take matters into our own hands, to care of schools capital improvements. We just cannot rely on Sacramento until changes are made. None of us want to pay more taxes, but let's look at the facts as they stood in OVSD in 2016. Most Ocean View School District schools were built close to 60 years ago and were dire need of upgrading. When passed, Measure R aimed to fund repairs and improvements so that our schools would serve our students and community well for the decades to come. The tax rate is $30 per $100,000 of assessed value. This will cost the typical homeowner $110 per year. We have all tightened our belts, cut out buying one Starbucks coffee per week, we made this happen. It seemed overly simplistic, didn't it? However, it was a sacrifice to make for peace of mind, to know our children, grandchildren, and neighbors are safe and learning in upgraded and updated facilities. The best part, this tax is based on assessed value (not market value). The entire cost of the tax is deductible on state and federal income taxes. All funds from bonds that have been sold have stayed in Ocean View School District to support our local elementary and middle school students – Sacramento cannot take a single penny. Per California law, no Measure R money can be used for teachers' or administrators’ salaries or benefits. A Citizens’ Oversight Committee and annual independent audits ensure all funds are spent according to voter-approved priorities. Our schools can’t rely on the State alone to complete these repairs. Measure R has provided locally-controlled funds to complete prioritized projects and provide a safe and modern learning environment for our students. Thank you for passing Measure R. We have already modernized Westmont, College View, and Marine View. Vista View will be re-opened in September 2022 fully modernized. Star View is next, and the ground breaking for the project will be happening on June 29, 2022. Then in 2023-2024, Mesa View will be modernized as well. Our Board of Trustees voted to support an expedited fencing plan, and every school has received new security fencing, the Raptor system to screen so that criminals don't enter out campuses and more. This safety fencing was installed at all of Ocean View’s campuses by 2020-2021 school year, using an attractive tubular steel panel system at a height of eight feet, and supplemented by interior fencing, using two-inch chain link fencing. Perimeter fencing for our campuses located adjacent to “pocket” parks will also use a tubular steel panel system at a height of eight feet to enclose the school grounds. More security measures are to come to be installed for fall 2022. Hope View, Oak View, and Lake View have already been modernized as well, using a combination of 1-D Bond funds, COPS Bonds, and Measure R combined. OVSD facilities are second to none, and we are so proud and pleased that the voters of the District made this happen.
Measure R for Ocean View School District
Questions and Answers About Measure R
How are Ocean View School District schools doing?
Since 1874, the Ocean View School District has been providing students in Huntington Beach and portions of Fountain Valley, Westminster, and Midway City with an excellent education.
OVSD has multiple National Blue Ribbon and Distinguished Schools in the district. Three of our schools have received the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association and we are home to one NASA Explorer School. Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and protect the value of our homes.
What is Measure R? Why did the Board of Trustees vote to place it on the ballot?
Most Ocean View School District schools were built more than 50 years ago and need to be upgraded. Measure R will make repairs and improvements so that our schools can serve our students and community well for the decades to come.
Local schools also need updates to continue providing students with a 21st-century education, a solid background in science and math, and the skills they need to use today’s technologies and ensure their success in high school, college, and careers. The OVSD Board of Trustees placed Measure R on the November 2016 ballot to address these needs and improve local school facilities for the future.
Specifically, what would Measure R do?
OVSD developed a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan that outlines major facility needs at each school site. This plan can be viewed online at www.ovsd-fmp.org. Projects that Measure R would complete include:
• Improving student safety and campus security systems, including security fencing, security cameras, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers
• Repairing or replacing deteriorating roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and
electrical systems
• Providing the equipment and educational technology needed to support high-quality instruction in science, reading, music, arts, and math
• Improving access to school facilities for students with disabilities
• Ensuring that children’s playground equipment and play areas meet current health and safety standards
How do we know Measure R funds would be used responsibly?
Measure R includes strict fiscal accountability provisions to ensure funds would be spent wisely:
• All funds stay in Ocean View School District to support our local elementary students – Sacramento cannot take a single penny
• No Measure R money can be used for administrators’ salaries or benefits
• A Citizens’ Oversight Committee and annual independent audits are required to ensure all funds are spent according to voter-approved priorities
How much would Measure R cost?
Measure R will generate up to $169 million for school improvements. The cost of this measure would be limited to $30 per $100,000 or about $109 per year for the typical homeowner for as long as bonds are outstanding, in accordance with state law. This cost is based on assessed value (not market value). The entire cost is deductible on state and federal income taxes.
Can the State adequately fund upgrades to our schools?
No. The State is not currently funding school facility improvements. Until 2014, school districts could count on the State for approximately 40% of school improvement costs. However, today this burden has been passed on to local communities. This is why the Board of Trustees voted to place Measure R on the November 2016 ballot.
Is there a comprehensive list of the projects that could be funded by Measure R?
Yes. A detailed Facilities Master Plan and a full list of projects can be found online at www.ovsd-fmp.org.
Would Measure R help our district qualify for state matching funds?
Yes. Measure R will allow our school district to access these state dollars should they become available. Without passage of Measure R, state matching funds will go to other districts.
Is there any other way to repair, update, and improve our schools?
Like all public school districts, OVSD has very few options when it comes to funding the necessary renovations and upgrades to our local schools. Our schools can’t rely on the State to complete these repairs. Measure R will provide locally-controlled funds to complete prioritized projects and provide a safe and modern learning environment for our students.
When will Measure R appear on the ballot?
Measure R was on the November 8, 2016 ballot and passed by 58.9%. All registered voters in OVSD were be eligible to vote on the measure.
How many votes did Measure R need to pass?
In order to pass, Measure R needed to be supported by 55% of those who vote on it, that occurred on November 8, 2016.
How can I find out more information about voting or registering to vote?
You can register to vote by visiting www.RegisterToVote.ca.gov or by calling the Orange County Registrar of Voters at (714) 567-7600. Visit www.OCVote.com for more information about voting.
