Question 1

What is Measure E?

Accepted Answer

Measure E is a $7.0 million general obligation (GO) bond program to fund Career Technical Education (CTE) facilities at District schools.  This measure is intended to modernize and construct facilities to improve the District's CTE programs that prepare students for careers and college.  Our facilities are currently in disrepair and improvements are much needed to bring our schools and education into  the 21st century.  At the bottom of the page you will find some current pictures of our facilities.

Question 2

Why is the District considering placing a measure on the ballot?

Accepted Answer

As of today, the District is positioned to receive a $3 million Career Technical Education (CTE) Facilities Program grant from the State of California for the Agriculture CTE Pathway.To access these state funds, the District must provide a local dollar-for-dollar match. The primary use of the grant funding would be the construction of a new Agriculture Education building containing three classrooms designed to support agricultural science and related coursework.In addition, the District intends to apply for a second $3 million CTE Facilities Program grant next year to replace the existing shop building. If awarded, bond proceeds would also be used to provide the required local match for that project. Any remaining bond funds allocated to CTE facilities would be used to strengthen other student career pathways, including potential improvements for Sports Medicine, Culinary Arts, and other programs, helping Ferndale High School create comprehensive, high-quality career pathways for students.If the bond measure is not approved by voters, the District will likely be unable to provide the required matching funds and may be forced to decline the $3 million Agriculture CTE grant. This would result in the loss of significant state funding that would otherwise be invested directly in career education opportunities for Ferndale students.

Question 3

What is a G.O. bond?

Accepted Answer

A General Obligation (GO) bond is a municipal bond issued by state or local governments to fund public projects, such as schools, parks, and roads. Unlike revenue bonds, GO bonds are not backed by project earnings, but rather by the issuer's "full faith and credit," which includes its taxation power.

Question 4

How did the District come up with the project list for Measure E?

Accepted Answer

Over the last several months, with input from staff, teachers, parents and community leaders, the District has prepared a facilities needs analysis, specifically how it relates to its CTE and Agricultural facilities.  The analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made to its Career Technical Education and Agricultural facilities.
Specific projects identified include:

Replace aging career technical and agricultural facilities, including classrooms, labs, and shop space, allowing the District to secure state matching funds
Modernize outdated CTE classrooms and school facilities
Make health, safety, security, and ADA improvements on its CTE facilities
Replace unreliable heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, and update old bathrooms
CTE safety and security improvements at its schools.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The passage of Measure E will allow our students and our community to increase the funding stream from the State to enhance our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program.The proposed measure will provide our students with a better learning environment by making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities for CTE programs, many related to Agricultural programs.  By approving the CTE bond measure, the District will be able to provide the necessary local matching funds to receive $6 million in State funds for CTE programs.

Question 6

Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?

Accepted Answer

This is a one time opportunity to receive up to $6 million in state funding using a local match dollars through Measure E.

Question 7

What will happen if Measure E does not pass?

Accepted Answer

Ferndale and it’s student will lose millions of dollars in opportunities to improve our school’s infrastructure.  Those facilities will continue to deteriorate and limit what we can offer our students.  With a Yes on Measure E vote, you'll be improving these facilities.

Question 8

What will the proposed measure cost?

Accepted Answer

The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $49.75 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. Assessed valuation is not the same as market value.  Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are almost always lower than market values, or what a property can currently be sold for.  Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.The District has not had a voter-approved school facilities bond since 1999, which has since been paid off.

Question 9

How can I be sure that funds will be spent on improving our local schools?

Accepted Answer

The Ferndale Unified School District Board of Trustees will appoint an oversight committee to ensure both transparency and accountability for the spending of funds from Measure E.By law, all funds have to be spent locally and cannot be taken by the State.  Further, there must be independent annual audits and no bond money can be used for teacher salaries.

Question 10

How do I know if I can Vote on Measure E?

Accepted Answer

All eligible voters that are registered to vote within Ferndale Unified School District's boundaries can vote on Measure E.  Keep in mind that you may live outside the City of Ferndale but still within the District's boundaries.  One easy check - if you've voted for Ferndale USD board members in past elections, that confirms your address is within the District.  You can confirm your eligibility on your sample ballot when received or through the Humboldt County Elections Office (707-445-7481).  You can also check your address on this website.

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