School Improvements

San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the State, serving more than 44,000 students across its 74 school sites. The District is committed to providing a rigorous, standards-based educational program that nurtures academic success in a safe, modern learning environment.

Our District maintenance team works hard to keep schools in good condition, yet most schools were built so long ago that underground pipes and infrastructure are failing, resulting in gas leaks, water leaks, and sewage backups. Last year we faced 734 roof leaks, and with temperatures regularly hitting 90+ degrees, our 25-year-old AC units are failing and need urgent upgrades. Additionally, 700 portable classrooms are over 25 years old and falling apart with structural damage and mold, making it expensive to keep repairing them.

To ensure that our local schools are safe and meet modern classroom standards, the SBCUSD Board of Education is considering placing a school improvement bond measure on the November 2026 ballot.

If approved by local voters, the measure would provide $382 million in locally controlled funding that could be used to:

• Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems
• Repair or replace failing heating, AC, and ventilation units that are at least 25 years old
• Upgrade classrooms, labs, and technology where needed to support high quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology
• Provide modern labs, career technical education facilities and equipment so students are prepared for college and in-demand careers in fields like health sciences, engineering, public safety, and skilled trades
• Upgrade older schools so they meet current health codes, building safety codes, and provide proper access for students with disabilities

Any potential school bond measure would include strict fiscal accountability protections to ensure responsible management of funds, including:

• By law, all money raised by a potential measure would be spent locally to support students and could not be taken away by State or used for other purposes
• Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and public disclosures of how funds are spent
• A detailed project list describing how bond funds could be used

Yes. Funds would be locally controlled and would benefit all local SBCUSD schools. No funding could be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.

In 2012 the District asked voters for assistance in funding needed repairs and upgrades to school facilities by passing a general obligation bond, Measure N. In addition to the $250 million raised by the measure, the District has been able to leverage State matching funds and make use of other district resources to make priority repairs and improvements at local schools over the past 15 years. However, substantial maintenance needs and upgrades remain at many schools for which the District does not have a funding source.

The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually 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.

If approved by voters, homeowners would pay approximately $50 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value while bonds are outstanding.

No. State law does not allow for exemptions to be applied to bond measures. However, because the cost of a bond measure is based on the original purchase price of a home, residents who have lived in their homes a long time have the lowest assessed values and will pay the least toward the cost of a bond measure.

Even if you do not have school-age children, studies show that funding quality education can help improve the quality of life in the community and protect the property value of local homes.

In 2012, voters in the SBCSD community passed Measure N, which authorized a $250 million school facilities bond measure. However, over the past decade, critical school facility needs have been identified, and need to be addressed.

Yes. The Measure N Citizens' Oversight Committee has found that SBCUSD completed bond projects on time and aligned with voter-approved priorities. The oversight committee reports can be viewed here: https://sbcusdfacilities.com/bonds-at-work/citizens-oversight-committee/

A potential measure would need to be supported by 55% of local voters for it to pass. If placed on the November 2026 ballot, all registered voters living in San Bernadino City Unified School District would be eligible to vote on the measure.

As SBCUSD looks to update school facilities, we value your input. For more information or to ask questions, please contact Thomas Pace at thomas.pace@sbcusd.k12.ca.us.