Why do we need a new school?
Our community is growing and we are projected to add around 500 students in the next 5-6 years. Several of our schools are already experiencing overcrowding. (Alamo, Callison, Padan). We are close to capacity with several others (Cooper, Markham, Fairmont, Sierra Vista, Orchard, Jepson). We are also adding Transitional Kindergarten programs to our schools per the state mandate. Because of this we are going to need a new school. The board has committed to building a new school to accommodate these needs.
Where would we build a new school and what type would it be
The board is leaning toward a new middle school on the north/east side of town. We already own 20 acres in this area at Rice-Mcmurtry, we also are discussing property aquisition in the North Village and East of Leisure Town development areas, all three could be options. The board is considering a change to a grade 6-8 middle school model across the district (Jepson, Vaca Pena and the new school). This would free up space at all our elementary schools (1-3 rooms). This would ideally create 3, 6-8 middle schools with an average size of 800. This one school would benefit overcrowding at every Vacaville Elementary campus!
What do you mean by "school safety" upgrades?
The safety and security of our students is our top priority. VUSD has made strides in improving safety with new security camera systems, improved gates, and alarm systems to name a few. There is more work to be done including upgrades to offices and points of entry, improved lock systems, and strategic fencing. The board has identified continued safety and security improvements as a priority for our campuses.
Why do our schools need modernization, what does that mean?
Many of our campuses are aging and were originally built in the 1950’s. Many have not been modernized in 30+ years. We must modernize our campuses and replace aging portables to ensure that we are providing safe and high quality learning environments for our students. This includes roofing, HVAC, flooring, windows, paint, electrical, and plumbing upgrades. The board has identified modernization as a priority for our aging schools.
How can I be sure that funds will be spent on improving our local schools?
By law, all bond 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 bond funds are properly spent. By law, we also conduct independent annual audits, and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries. Finally, the district has established a 20+ year track record of quality school facilities improvements and responsible financial stewardship with both of our previous bond programs (Measure V - 2000, Measure A - 2014). You can learn more about Measure A and this district's performance with past bonds here.
Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
Today, the improvements needed in the District far exceed funding sources. The per pupil funding, which the District receives from the state, is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating students, not the cost of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities. If the measure does not pass, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction will be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at the schools. There is no funding provided from the State or Federal Government to build new schools or perform major upgrades outside of basic maintenance. If a community needs new schools, unfortunately local funding is the only option.
Has the District ever passed a school improvement bond measure?
Yes. District voters have approved two school improvement measures since 2000. Funds from those measures were used to construct new classrooms, repair and renovate aging classrooms and modernize facilities and improve classroom technology. Some examples include:
Vacaville High School - new classroom buildings, parking lots, gym, tennis courts, stadium upgrades.
Wood High School - Wildcat stadium, Science classroom building
Markham Elementary - multipurpose room, kitchen, classrooms, playgrounds
Willis Jepson Middle - kitchen, classroom modernizations
Buckingham Charter - relocate & modernize campus, kitchen and multipurpose, science labs.
Sierra Vista - kitchen, multipurpose room, science labs and campus modernization
This Measure would add much needed capacity to our district, improve safety, and help bring more of our schools up to 21st century standards.
The district promised to build a new high school with Measure V close to 15 years ago. That never happened. Why didn't it happen and why should we trust the district to build a new school with Measure E?
Yes, in 2001 Vacaville Voters approved Measure V. This School Bond, among many other items included the possibility of a third high school. Simply put, at the time the bond was put to voters, attendance in Vacaville's two high schools was nearing full capacity. Demographic shifts over the next few years and the continued expansion of Buckingham Charter Magnet High School eliminated the need for an additional campus. Funds from the bond were spent on other projects that were also included in the bond language on the ballot.
Vacaville's Elementary Schools are bursting at the seems and unlike many other surrounding districts, our student population continues to grow. This comes in advance of the city building thousands of new homes in the East of Leisure Town, Lagoon Valley and North Village parts of town - the city projects this will be another 2,1110 homes! As of 23/24 VUSD enrollment was 12,701 Students. By 2029/2030 it is projected to grow to 13,181. Our elementary schools are near capacity now and several are already over capacity. The district needs a new school campus as soon as possible.
Enrollment Data:
How did the District Come up with the list of improvements and projects?
District Staff have done an extremely thorough assessment of current facilities, maintenance needs, student growth and amenities. Don't take our word for it, take a look at the Summary VUSD Master Facilities Plan by clicking the image below.
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EMAIL: admin@yesonevacaville.com
© Paid for By Friends of Vacaville Schools - Yes on Measure E FPPC#1470832.
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