FAQ | Vote YES on J to Repair and Upgrade Windsor Schools

Measure J FAQ

What is Measure J?

Measure J is a locally controlled funding measure to protect our Windsor Schools, providing the critical investment our students need to succeed — Without Raising Taxes.

Why do we need Measure J?

Last year alone, Windsor schools experienced more than 70 roof leaks. Aging pipes caused water leaks and sewage backups. Fifty-two portable classrooms are more than 20 years old — with structural damage, water intrusion, and mold. Measure J will provide a locally controlled source of funding to address these urgent repairs, without raising taxes.

What projects will Measure J fund?

Voting YES on J will:

Repair roofs, plumbing, sewer lines, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems.
Replace deteriorating portable classrooms with safe, modern classrooms.
Update science labs and career training facilities, to prepare them for college, careers, and skilled trades.

Measure J will do all of this, without increasing tax rates.

How can I be sure Measure J funds will be spent as promised?

Measure J would include strict fiscal accountability protections to ensure responsible management of funds, 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

Will all Measure J funds benefit Windsor schools only?

Yes. All Measure J funding can only be used to support Windsor schools. No funds can be taken by the State or used for any other purpose.

Will any Measure J funds be used for administrator salaries or pensions?

No. By law, funding from Measure J can only be used to repair and upgrade local school facilities. No funds can be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions.

How much would Measure J cost?

Measure J will generate $92 million for Windsor Schools—without raising taxes. If approved by voters, homeowners would pay the previously approved, current school repair bond tax rate of approximately $44 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value while bonds are outstanding.

Could a school facilities bond help WUSD qualify for state matching funds?

Yes. Funds from a measure could be used to help WUSD compete for State matching funds that would otherwise go to other school districts.

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 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 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 Measure J is based.

Haven’t we already passed a bond measure?

In 2016, voters in the WUSD community passed Measure F, which authorized a $62 million school facilities bond measure. However, over the past decade, those funds have been expended, and key infrastructural issues still need to be addressed.

Has WUSD used funds from previous bond measures responsibly?

Yes. Reports of the Measure F bond oversight committee confirm that all projects were completed on time and used for voter-approved priorities. A list of completed projects funded by Measure F can be viewed here on our website.

Didn’t we vote on a bond measure recently?

In November 2024, WUSD placed Measure V on the ballot to issue $122.5 million in bonds at a tax rate of $57 per $100,000 of assessed value. This measure failed to achieve the 55% support required for passage. Since then, WUSD has scaled down the bond proposal to $92 million and restructured the proposal so that it will only extend but not increase current tax rates.

Are Measure J and the Windsor Creek project related?

No, these two items are separate and unrelated. The bond extension is a measure to fund essential repairs and maintenance for existing school infrastructure, while the Windsor Creek project is a property sale intended to facilitate the development of state-mandated affordable housing. WUSD teachers and staff would have priority access to these affordable housing opportunities to help the district attract and retain excellent teachers and also provide an ongoing revenue source for WUSD to help support the budget for teaching and academic programs.

Will any Measure J funds be used to fund the Windsor Creek Property?

No. On August 17th the WUSD Board of Trustees voted to confirm that no proceeds of the Bond shall be expended on the Windsor Creek Property.

If the Windsor Creek project moves forward, does it eliminate the need for the bond extension?

No. WUSD’s need for repairs and upgrades to aging school facilities—such as roof replacements and HVAC system upgrades—is significantly greater than the revenue generated by the Windsor Creek sale. These school facility needs will exist regardless of the status or outcome of the Windsor Creek project.

Are senior exemptions available for Measure J?

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.

I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?

Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment. Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and protect the value of our homes.

I live in an unincorporated part of Windsor. Does Measure J apply to me?

All residents within the boundaries of Windsor Unified School district are eligible to vote on Measure J. WUSD includes the Town of Windsor and surrounding areas of unincorporated Sonoma County.

When can we vote on Measure J?

Measure J will be on the November 3 ballot. All registered voters within the Windsor Unified School District boundaries will receive a ballot by mail in early October. Your vote is critical to continue supporting our local schools. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote YES on Measure J and return it right away.

What level of support is required for Measure J to pass?

At least 55% of those voters who cast a ballot on Measure J must vote “Yes” in order for Measure J to be approved.

How can I ensure I’m registered to vote on this critical issue?

You can register to vote at registertovote.ca.gov. For more information more about voting in this election, please contact the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters at (707) 565-6800

How can I get involved or learn more about Measure J?

Our campaign is a grassroots organization of parents, teachers and other community leaders dedicated to passing Measure J for local students. Some ways you can help pass Measure J include donating to the campaign, displaying a YES on J lawn sign at your home and adding your name to our list of Measure J supporters!