School Board Votes to Put 'School Improvement Funding Measure' on June Ballot

Facing aging facilities in need of repair, the Fremont Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to place a local school improvement funding measure on the June 2014 ballot.

The Board’s action followed an extensive two-year facilities needs assessment process engaging hundreds of community members, parents, students, teachers, and District staff to prioritize projects to improve the education, health and safety of local students. A community survey conducted by an independent research firm shows strong support among Fremont residents for such a measure.

“Protecting the quality of our schools and supporting Fremont’s excellent teachers is a community priority. All 42 of our FUSD elementary, junior high and high schools are aging, out-of-date and need significant repairs,” stated Board President Lara Calvert-York. “Upgrading our schools and classrooms will protect the quality of academic instruction in core subjects such as math, science, reading and writing.”

The funds will update technology infrastructure and aging classrooms, math, science and computer labs for 21st century learning. The funds would also be used to remove toxic materials such as asbestos, upgrade electrical wiring to meet current safety codes, and fix or replace leaking roofs.

“Every penny from a bond measure will be controlled locally and cannot be taken away by the State,” stated Superintendent Jim Morris.

The measure would also create an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee to ensure that bond funds are spent on schools and classrooms as promised. Independent annual audits will also be conducted and published and no money will go to pensions or administrators’ salaries.

For more information, please visit: www.fremont.k12.ca.us.