The USD School at Newman Crows Landing is one of our most important public assets and helps our community thrive. They teach children important skills, prepare students for success in college and the workplace, and protect local home values.
School facilities that can support state-of-the-art programs that serve all students make our communities more desirable places to live and do business, increase demand in the real estate market, and generally increase property values. This increase will benefit property owners.
As a resident of the school district and the school district’s chief operating officer, I have seen firsthand how improved school facilities benefit our students and communities. I, along with the District Superintendent, the District Board of Trustees, and other members of the District Executive, are responsible for ensuring that these public schools and classrooms are properly maintained, updated, protected, and adequately serviced. is owed. Supporting students for years to come.
District boards and administrators must plan for future facility needs. In 2000, the district had just 2,000 students, but by 2020, the district’s enrollment had increased by 60% to more than 3,200 students.
Adding to the challenges, school buildings, like homes, age over time and require regular maintenance. But the cost of these repairs far exceeds what school districts have in the state budget or what they can set aside for major repairs or new projects.
These two factors—student population growth and natural attrition—are often the reason school districts must rely on voters to approve local funding measures. These measures, known as general obligation or GO bonds, provide funding for capital improvements, renovations, new construction and technology upgrades.
Over the past 20 years, district voters have successfully approved bond measures to fund several significant facility projects within the district, including:
• New middle school, elementary school (TK-5) and adult education center.
• Modernization of Bonita Elementary School.
• Completion of Barrington Library
• Classroom upgrades (heating, air conditioning, roofing, etc.) throughout the district.
• Orestimba High School pool, tennis and pickleball complex. Available for public use at designated times outside of class hours
• New classrooms at Yolo Middle School, multipurpose room at Von Renner, and restrooms at Hunt Elementary School.
Additionally, the district has a track record of leveraging municipal bond funds to secure millions of dollars in state matching funds to help districts complete more significant projects.
Measures S and T were voted by the District Board on November 5, 2024 to provide the District’s students with facilities that will help them achieve high levels of academic performance in a safe and healthy environment. Ta. If approved by at least 55% of the vote, Measure S would provide $30 million and Measure T would provide $27 million in bond funding for critical repair and improvement projects.
The bonds are secured by ad valorem taxes, which are expected to be less than $45 per bond over the remaining term of the bonds. If approved, the bond would address needs the district could not cover with previous bonds, including projects such as the next phase of renovations at Von Renner Elementary School, a new classroom building at Orestimba High School, and athletic facility improvements. It will be helpful.
Measures S and T include spending transparency. If voters approve the bond, a citizen oversight committee will ensure the funds are used as promised, and an independent auditor will review spending annually to ensure the funds are being spent correctly.
The District has a history of managing bond funds responsibly by securing competitive bids, refinancing to lower interest rates, and completing projects on time.
Measures S and T will help the district continue this progress for the benefit of current and future students and the greater community.
caralyn mendoza
Assistant Superintendent of Police and Chief Executive Officer
Newman Crows Landing Unified School District
