About Measure Q

Measure Q

District Overview and Accomplishments

Overview of the Redondo Beach Unified School District

The Redondo Beach Unified School District consists of eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, one continuation school, and one adult school.
In the past four years alone, seven of our schools have earned California Distinguished School recognition (Beryl, Birney, Jefferson, Madison, Tulita, Washington, and Parras).
RBUSD's Academic Performance Index has shown strong growth each year since 2006, with a district-wide score of 875 (up from 828). Not only has every school met the statewide goal of achieving a score of 800 or more on the API, over half of the schools have scores well above the 900 mark.
In 2010, Redondo Union High School received recognition from the College Board by being placed on its prestigious "AP Achievement List" for opening Advanced Placement classroom doors to a significantly broader pool of students, while maintaining or improving the success of student scores.
Redondo Union High School is consistently recognized in U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek and other national publications as a "nationally ranked" and "among of the best" of the nation's high schools.

What is Measure Q?

Measure Q is a local $63.0 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program. It will complete the investment in our classrooms, infrastructure, and facilities by improving student access to computers and modern technology, making energy efficiency improvements throughout the District, and renovating classrooms, facilities, and grounds. By making our schools more energy efficient, the District can use the money saved on utility costs to put back in the classrooms.

Why did the District place Measure Q on the ballot?

To withstand continued education cuts from the State and to improve the quality of education provided to students, Measure Q was placed on the ballot. Measure Q expenditures will relieve the pressures felt by five straight years of reductions from Sacramento. In addition, technology improvements and other classroom upgrades will enhance our students' learning environment.

What types of projects are included in Measure Q?

Specific types of projects identified include:

Improving student access to computers and modern technology
Upgrading inadequate electrical, network, and data systems
Making energy efficiency improvements to providerelief to the District budget
Constructing new up-to-date classrooms
Making health, safety, and security improvements

What will the passage of Measure Q mean for our students and the community?

Measure Q will provide our students with a better learning environment by improving student access to technology, a key to 21st century learning. It will also make energy efficiency upgrades, improving the District's budget and the environment. Measure Q will also make health and safety improvements to existing classrooms and school facilities,many of which are also used and available to the community.

What will happen if Measure Q does not pass?

If Measure Q does not pass, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction will be needed to make utility payments, technology purchases, or critical safety repairs. In addition, the longer we wait, the more expensive these improvements will become.

What will Measure Q cost?

Measure Q is estimated to cost property owners $24.00 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per month in property taxes. (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value. Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are almost always lower than market values).

What is a general obligation (G.O.) bond?

G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new schools and classrooms. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property - residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial - located within the District's boundaries.

Has the District ever passed a school improvement measure?

Yes. In November of 2000 and in February of 2008 over 65% of voters in the District approved Measures E & C. Funds from these measures were used to modernize classrooms, upgrade our 100- year-old high school, and renovate student support facilities like libraries, science and computer labs, cafeterias, and multipurpose rooms at the K-8 schools. In order for the District to complete these improvements and to provide 21st century technology learning, Measure Q is needed.

How can I be sure that Measure Q funds will be spent on improving our Local schools?

By law, all Measure Q funds have to be spent locally and cannot be taken by the State. Furthermore, an independent citizens' oversight committee will be established to ensure that funds are properly spent. Also, by law, there must be annual audits and no Measure Q funds can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.

Dear Community Member,

The Redondo Beach Unified School District has been providing a quality education to the students of Redondo for over 100 years. Currently, the District educates an estimated 8,510 students at the District's 13 schools. Approximately 395 certified employees contribute to the education and success of our students.

Although our schools have been well maintained over the years, with major capital improvements throughout the District, our work is not done. Measure Q will complete the investment in our classrooms, infrastructure, and facilities. The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place Measure Q,a school improvement general obligation (G.O.) bond measure, on the November 6, 2012 ballot.

If approved by voters, Measure Q will make the District more efficient and better able to withstand the State budget fluctuations. It will improve student access to educational technology, a key to 21st century learning. With Measure Q, we can meet today's safety, technological, and educational standards. Inside are answers to frequently asked questions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Steven Keller
Superintendent