Local Funding

Local Funding Under Local Control for VUSD Schools

Local funding is needed to fix or replace decaying schools and classrooms with safe, modern classrooms that support quality academics and student success in college and careers. VUSD is considering a potential school bond measure for the November 2026 ballot, which would raise over $500 million for school upgrades, without increasing current tax rates.

If approved by local voters, the potential local school bond measure would:

• Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes from older school sites, where found;
• Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems where needed;
• Upgrade older schools so they meet current health codes, building safety codes, and provide proper access for students with disabilities;
• Provide modern labs and career technical facilities needed to support high-quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology, and prepare students for college and careers in these in-demand industries.

Mandatory Fiscal Accountability & Local Control

• A detailed project list indicating projects that could be funded 
• All money would stay local to support our students and could not be taken by the State
• Mandatory citizens’ oversight and public audits/disclosure of spending
• Qualifying for up to $50 million in state funds that will otherwise go to other Districts

Background
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We have made following information items available to the public for quick access:

• Community Information and Resources: Information sheets and community presentation links in English and Spanish
• Board Presentations: Information links to presentations to the Board of Education regarding local funding in 2024.
• Overview of the Long-Range Facility Master Plan: A general overview and link to detailed information about our long-range facility master plan.

How is Vista School Unified District (VUSD) doing?
Every student graduates from Vista Unified as a resilient, agile learner and creative problem solver who navigates the world with confidence and kindness and eagerly embraces local and global challenges. With a graduation rate over 85% and reading proficiency scores that exceed state averages, VUSD’s mission is to uphold and advance its innovative, collaborative, and high-achieving community in order to provide exceptional educational experiences for all students.

What challenges do our local schools face?
Unfortunately, many of our local neighborhood schools were built more than 60 years ago and don’t meet modern building safety codes. 458 portable classrooms at our schools are more than 25 years old and falling apart. Most have structural damage including failing underground pipes that result in gas leaks, water leaks, and sewage backups. Older buildings may have hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead pipes.

Are our local schools well maintained?
Yes. Our hard-working maintenance team works hard to take care of our aging classrooms and school facilities by keeping up with minor repairs and maintenance. Unfortunately, the significant upgrades and improvements needed at our older schools are beyond what can be accomplished by our talented but few personnel, and funded by our regular budget. The State of California provides no dedicated funding for school facilities.

How will VUSD overcome the lack of state funding?
Local funding is needed to fix or replace decaying schools and classrooms with safe, modern classrooms that support quality academics and student success in college and careers. VUSD is considering a potential school bond measure for the November 2024 ballot, which would raise $364 million for school upgrades, by levying 4 cents per $100 in assessed (not market) value.

What projects could a bond measure fund?
If approved by local voters, the potential local school bond measure would:

• Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes from older school sites, where encountered
• Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems where needed
• Upgrade older schools so they meet current health codes, building safety codes, and provide proper access for students with disabilities
• Provide modern labs and career technical facilities needed to support high-quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology, and prepare students for college and careers in these in-demand industries.

What accountability provisions would be built into a bond measure?
Any potential school bond measure would include strict fiscal accountability protections to ensure
responsible management of funds, including:

• A detailed project list indicating projects that could be funded
• All money would stay local to support our students and could not be taken by the State
• Required citizens’ oversight and independent audits to ensure funds are spent properly
• Qualifying for up to $30 million in state funds that will otherwise go to other Districts

Could this funding be taken by the State?
No funds could be taken by the State or used for purposes other than those specified in the bond measure. All funds from the bond measure would stay local and only benefit VUSD schools.

Hasn’t Vista USD passed a bond before?
Yes, Measure LL in 2018, made notable improvements to VUSD schools. Independent citizen oversight and
annual audits confirm funds were spent as promised. Unfortunately, since the State provides no dedicated
local facilities repair funding to school districts, there’s still much more work to be done.

How much would a bond measure cost?
$364 million in local funds could be generated for our schools by levying about 4 cents per $100 in assessed (not market) value. For the typical homeowner, this amounts to about $170 per year.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?
The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of property is generally based on the last purchase price and may not increase to reflect inflation by more than 2% a year. Market value, on the other hand, is based on market conditions and tends to grow at a much faster rate. The assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago, at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the cost of a bond measure is based.

I don't have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?
Even if you do not have school-age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment. By maintaining high-quality public schools in our neighborhoods, we continue to attract new families to our community and protect our local property values.

When would a measure appear on the ballot?
The Governing Board is considering placing a measure on the November 2024 ballot. What level of support is required to pass a bond measure? At least 55% of those voters who cast a ballot on the measure must vote "Yes" on the measure for it to pass.

How can I share feedback and learn more about the potential measure?
As VUSD considers a potential school bond measure, we value your input. For more information or to ask
questions, please reach out to: Facilities Department at: localfunding@vistausd.org

The Local Funding initiative is under the oversight of the Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations Support Services. All general inquires about Local Funding can be sent directly to the following contacts.

Shawn T. Loescher, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations Support Services
(760) 726-2170 ext. 92302
Email: shawnloescher@vistausd.org

Danica Reed
Administrative Secretary I
(760) 726-2170 ext. 92702
Email: localfunding@VistaUSD

The following are contacts for committees that are working with the Chief Operations Officer on topics closely related, or directly tied, to Local Funding.