About Measure J
Windsor Unified School District (WUSD) serves approximately 4,600 students in preschool through 12th grade across Windsor and nearby northern Sonoma County communities. Our local Windsor schools provide an excellent education that prepares our students for success in college and the workforce.
Yet, with most classrooms, science labs, and other school facilities over 30 years old, repairs and upgrades are needed to keep local schools safe, up-to-date, and functioning. For example, there are 52 portable classrooms at our schools that are more than 20 years old and falling apart. Many have structural damage and water leaks that lead to mold. Some schools were built so long ago that underground pipes and infrastructure are failing, resulting in water leaks and sewage backups. Last year alone there were more than 70 school roof leaks.
Measure J would generate $92 million in locally controlled funding for local school repairs and upgrades by extending but not increasing the current $44 per $100,000 of assessed value tax rate.
Measure J will:
Upgrade older schools so they meet current health codes, building safety codes, and improve access for students with disabilities
Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas lines, sewer lines, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems
Upgrade classrooms, labs, and technology to support high quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology
Keep computer systems and instructional technology up-to-date
Update labs and career training facilities and equipment so students are prepared for college and in-demand careers in healthcare, biotech, automotive technology, welding, and skilled trades
Improve student safety and campus security systems including security fencing, security cameras, intruder protection systems, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers
Mandatory Fiscal Accountability
The school improvement bond extension measure would require strict fiscal accountability, oversight, and transparency protections, including:
A detailed project list describing how funds must be spent and required public disclosure of all spending
An independent oversight committee and annual audits
All funds would be locally controlled and cannot be taken by the state or federal government
No funds could be used for employee salaries or benefits
Voting Yes on J allows our schools to qualify for millions in state matching funds that will otherwise go to other school districts.