Measure J

vote by mail

WHAT PROJECTS WILL BE FUNDED BY MEASURE J?

  • Renovating and expanding schools and classrooms

  • Updating vocational and career technical education classrooms and programs to prepare students for college and future careers

  • Creating greater accessibility to classrooms, restrooms and walkways in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  • Increasing student safety and school security

  • Transforming existing classrooms into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) labs

  • Rehabilitating deteriorating portable classrooms

  • Replacing aging play structures and perimeter fencing to increase student safety

  • Improving student access to the internet, computers and current classroom technology

  • Renovating aging restrooms and plumbing

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 8TH

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT IS MEASURE J?

Measure J is a general obligation (GO) bond measure on the November 8, 2022, general election ballot. If approved by 55% of district votes cast, it will result in an extension of the current tax rate to authorize $5.57 million to make needed renovations and improve schools and classrooms throughout the Waterford Unified School District. In addition, voter approval of Measure J will allow the district to qualify for state matching funds.

WHAT TAXPAYER PROTECTIONS ARE IN PLACE?

Measure J ensures that an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee must review and report on all GO bond expenditures, and a third-party auditor must audit all GO bond expenditures. Measure J includes a specific list of projects that GO bond funds may be spent on. Laws prohibit GO bond funds from being used for administrators’ salaries, pensions, or benefits. Laws also prohibit the state from taking Waterford Unified School District GO bond funds to spend in other districts.

WHAT IS A GO BOND?

California school districts commonly use GO bonds to fund improvement projects, such as constructing and renovating classrooms. Similar to a home loan, GO bonds are repaid over time. Funds to repay the GO bonds come from a tax on all taxable property—residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural—located within the district.

WILL MEASURE J INCREASE MY TAXES?

No, it is projected that Measure J will not increase your taxes. Measure J is designed to extend a previously authorized tax rate with an estimated average annual tax rate of less than 3¢ per $100 of assessed value until the GO bonds are repaid. Assessed value should not be confused with market value. While GO bonds are outstanding, the assessed value is the value placed on the property by Stanislaus County and is typically lower than market value.

HOW DO I VOTE BY MAIL?

All registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. If you need to register to vote, you can register online at www.registertovote.ca.gov. Once you complete your ballot, sign your ballot envelope and simply drop your ballot in the mail—postage is prepaid—by November 8, 2022. If you need additional assistance or would like to drop off your ballot in person at a vote center or drop box, please visit www.stanvote.com for more information.