FAQ

Measure G Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Measure G?

Measure G is a local school bond measure on the November 3, 2020 ballot seeking voter authorization for Greenfield Union School District funding to make needed facilities repairs, upgrades, and improvements to Greenfield Union School District school sites. Measure G requires 55% support to pass. A “YES vote” approves funding for the District’s plan; a “NO vote” rejects the plan. All Greenfield Union School District voters registered by October 19, 2020 will be eligible to vote on Measure G.

Why has the Greenfield Union School District (GFUSD) placed Measure G on the ballot?

At Greenfield Union School District (GFUSD), as the local provider of PreK-8th grade public education, we believe all students deserve to learn in quality classrooms and school facilities. We have two key priorities: first, to ensure academic success for every student attending our schools; and second, to make sure that school facilities and school grounds are safe, secure, modern, and equipped to provide the best educational environment possible.

However, student enrollment has increased as more young families with school-age children are moving into our school district each year. In 2008, the GFUSD student population was approximately 8,200 students who were served by 11 comprehensive school sites. Currently, there are more than 9,700 students who are served by the same 11 comprehensive school sites. As a result, all GFUSD schools are now operating at maximum capacity, utilizing all available classrooms, and shared spaces, such as the cafeteria, and playgrounds are overcrowded. Additional classrooms are needed to reduce classroom overcrowding and accommodate projected enrollment. Additionally, GFUSD Critical Facilities Needs Assessment completed in 2016 identified over a billion dollars in need to repair, modernize, and build new schools to accommodate our growing community and meet the needs of our existing local schools.

What is the actual question that voters will be asked to decide in November?

“In order to construct/upgrade classrooms, science labs, and school facilities to relieve overcrowding and support student achievement in math, science, engineering, reading, arts, and technology; improve student safety/security, install intruder protection systems; remove asbestos/lead pipes; repair roofs/plumbing/electrical, shall the Greenfield Union School District measure authorizing $21,000,000 in bonds at legal rates be adopted, levying 3 cents/$100 assessed value ($1,300,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with independent citizen oversight/all money staying local?”

How will Measure G funds be used?

Repair/replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems
Modernize science, technology, engineering, arts and math instructional spaces
Improve school safety – fencing, cameras, door locks, emergency fire and communication systems
Renovate classrooms and labs for hands-on 21st century learning
Replace aging portables with permanent classrooms
Upgrade computers and technology – for both classrooms and safe online/distance learning
Build additional classrooms and school facilities to reduce overcrowding

By law, all Measure funds stay local, dedicated to GFUSD K-8 schools and students ONLY.

Why now?

Half of Greenfield Union School District schools were built 50 years ago; they need significant repairs and modernization. Meanwhile, as more families have moved into our community, student enrollment continues to grow. Schools are at maximum capacity, using every possible space. Funding is needed for additional classrooms to reduce overcrowding and to repair and modernize our existing sites.

Does the District have a plan for school facility improvements?

We completed GFUSD Critical Facilities Needs Assessment in 2016. Over a billion dollars in need have been identified to repair, modernize, and build new schools to accommodate our growing community and meet the needs of existing local schools serving more than 9,700 students each day.

Will this effort improve instruction?

We are extremely proud of our 12 schools – 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, our Greenfield Community School, and the amazing teaching and learning that takes place in our schools every day. An important part of an excellent education is having great school facilities. Studies show that students and teachers perform better in safe, modern classrooms and school facilities. Additionally, modern classrooms and technology will help ensure that local PreK-8 students are prepared to function at the highest technological level so they can achieve success as they continue in high school, college, jobs and careers that will drive our future global economy.

What about ongoing school maintenance? Doesn’t the District have a facilities budget?

District facilities staff members work hard to maintain neighborhood schools and keep them in good working condition with limited resources. However, the reality is that the types of repairs and renovations that our current needs assessment has already identified go beyond the scope and means of regular school maintenance budgets.

What about the Lottery funding? Wasn’t it supposed to fix our schools?

Unfortunately, Lottery funds can only be used for instructional purposes, not facility upgrades or new construction. Moreover, the money our school district receives from the Lottery is $199 per student each year, and comprises less than 2% of our annual General Fund Budget. Lottery funds are not available or sufficient to fund the extensive upgrades that our schools need.

Doesn’t the STATE provide funding for facility upgrades?

Very little. In the past, State funding has been available to support local school upgrades but especially now, we cannot count on this uncertain source of funding. Moreover, in order to access State funding, school districts MUST generate local matching funds by passing a local school bond measure. Passing a local bond is the ONLY way to qualify for additional State funding if and when it becomes available. There are no other sources of funding for major facility upgrades.

How much will Measure G cost?

The $21 million bond translates to $30 per year for every $100,000 of assessed valuation. The assessed valuation refers to taxable value, not the market value of your home. The taxable value of your home or business will depend on when you purchased it. If Measure G is approved, the typical homeowner in our school district will pay about $43.30 a year OR about $3.61 a month.

How can we be assured that Measure G money will be spent properly?

Taxpayer protections are REQUIRED. All Measure G funds stay local — they cannot be taken away by the State or used for other purposes. ONLY facilities and equipment repairs and upgrades are allowed. NO funds can be spent on administrators’ salaries. Measure G requires the establishment of an independent Citizens Oversight Committee within 60 days after a successful election result is certified. The Committee is responsible for monitoring bond finances to ensure the public that the money is spent properly. Measure G also requires independent annual audits on use of bond proceeds to ensure accountability to the public.

Will businesses share in the cost of Measure G?

Yes, both commercial and residential property owners will be subject to the property tax assessment to pay back the bonds.

Who makes the final decision on a local school bond?

The locally elected Greenfield Union School District Board of Trustees is the legal entity that has called for the Measure G election. Ultimately, Greenfield Union School District REGISTERED VOTERS will have the final say when they vote for or against the measure.

No one in my household attends Greenfield Union School District K-8 schools? Why should I pay attention to this process?

Good schools are the foundation of any healthy, thriving community and are part of what makes our community a desirable place to live. Good schools also create continual demand for housing, which stimulates the local economy and keeps property values high in our area. Investing in local schools is a wise investment in the quality of life for everyone in the community.

Who is eligible to vote on Measure G?

All registered voters within Greenfield Union School District will be eligible to vote on Measure G on the November 3rd 2020 ballot.

What is required for Measure G to pass?

At least 55% of the voters who cast their ballots in the November 3rd Election must vote in favor of the bond for it to be approved. Measure G is being sought under the provisions of Proposition 39, which prohibits use of the funds for operations, administrator salaries, or pensions and also requires independent financial and performance audits on the use of bond proceeds.

If GFUSD voters approve Measure G, when will the work begin?

Once the measure is approved, the District will immediately focus on addressing the most critical needs. A schedule for funding projects will be developed so they can be completed on time and within budget.

Where can I get more information?

Visit our website at: gfusd.net or contact Vicki Norman, Assistant Superintendent of Business, via email: normanv@gfusd.net or by phone: (661) 837-6000.