Residents for Excellent Schools

Frequently Asked Questions about Measure G

How do our great local schools in Los Alamitos Unified School District (Los Al) affect our community?

All of our local schools have been honored as California Distinguished Schools and Gold Ribbon Schools, and our elementary schools consistently rank in the top 5% in the County in academic achievement. Los Al schools have had over 100 National Merit Scholars and over 180 Division 1 Scholar Athletes in the last 5 years, and over 90% of our graduates enroll in post-secondary education.

Families move to our area to take advantage of the excellent education that Los Al provides. 94% of residents with children indicate that they live within Los Al boundaries because of our high-quality schools and Los Alamitos is ranked as one of 10 neighborhoods with the “Best Education Bang for Your Buck in the United States” by the Wall Street Journal. The strength of our schools is reflected in the strength of our community, improving local quality of life and helping protect property values.

What is the current state of school facilities?

Despite the success of our students, Los Al’s school facilities, including our 50-year-old high school, need updates to meet 21st-century standards in a safe, modern learning environment. The District has voted to place Measure G on the November 6, 2018 ballot, and we need to vote YES on G to ensure our schools receive the upgrades and repairs they need to continue providing a top-notch education to all local students. If local voters approve Measure G by 55%, it will provide $97 million for Los Al schools to continue quality instruction in core subjects like math, science, reading and writing by providing up-to-date classrooms, labs and facilities. Measure G will also allow our schools to keep up with 21st-century learning standards and ensure our students go on to great colleges and are ready to compete for high-demand jobs in science, engineering and skilled trades.

What are the most urgent needs facing our local schools?

Great teachers and quality academic programs provide an exceptional education for our local pre-school through high school students. However, some of our local schools need improvements to serve local students well for decades to come. Los Alamitos High School is 50 years old and has yet to be modernized. Voting YES on Measure G is critical to ensuring that all students have access to the 21st-century education they need to succeed in college and careers and have a solid background in science, technology, engineering and math. Our local schools need:

· Facilities and technology to support modern, high-quality instruction in science, technology, engineering and math so students are ready for college and good paying jobs

· Upgrades to classrooms and facilities that support student achievement in core academic subjects, music, the arts and athletics

· Modernized classrooms and school facilities at our 50-year-old high school, including repairs to deteriorating roofs and outdated plumbing, sewer and electrical systems

· Improved student safety and campus security systems at all schools

How could Measure G funding be used to upgrade local schools?

Measure G will provide locally-controlled funding to complete upgrades to aging schools. Voting YES on G will:

· Upgrade classrooms, science labs and career technical education facilities so all students are prepared for college and good paying jobs in fields like health sciences, engineering, and skilled trades

· Repair and upgrade aging high school classrooms and school facilities, including deteriorating roofs, plumbing, sewer and electrical systems

· Provide classrooms, science and computer labs, and technology needed to meet the growing demand for high quality courses in science, technology, engineering and math

· Improve and add safety and security measures at all schools

Does Measure G include fiscal accountability provisions?

Yes, Measure G includes mandatory fiscal accountability, including:

· All money raised by the measure will stay local to support Los Al students; nothing could be taken by the State or federal government

· Independent citizen oversight and annual audits are required

· The measure requires a detailed project list — based on the findings of the Facilities Master Plan — outlining how the money would be spent

· No money could be used for administrator salaries

· The local bond measure could make our schools eligible for millions in state matching funds that would not otherwise be available

Could the State or federal government take away funding from Measure G?

No. All funds generated from Measure G will be locally-controlled and can only be spent improving Los Al schools.

How much will Measure G cost?

The cost of Measure G is estimated to be between 3 cents and 3.4 cents per $100 of assessed valuation annually.

Could Measure G help our schools qualify for state matching funds?

Yes. If passed, Measure G could qualify our schools for millions of dollars in state matching funds that would otherwise go to other communities.

When will Measure G appear on the ballot?

The Los Al Board of Education has placed Measure G on the November 6, 2018 ballot.

What level of support does Measure G need to pass?

The measure needs to be supported by 55% of those who vote on it in order to pass.

Who is eligible to vote on Measure G?

All registered voters in the District — which includes Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach and portions of Cypress, Long Beach and Huntington Beach — are eligible to vote on the measure.

How can I register to vote YES on Measure G?

To register to vote YES on G to repair and upgrade our Los Al schools, visit www.registertovote.ca.gov or call (714) 567-7600

What if I have more questions?

To learn more about Measure G or to get involved with our campaign to improve Los Al schools, please visit www.residentsforexcellentschools.org .