Measure Q is a general obligation bond measure that will provide funding for classroom and facility improvements in the Soquel Union Elementary School District. The following information is provided to help voters better understand Measure Q.

• What is a general obligation bond? General obligation ("G.O.") bonds fund projects such as school repair and new classrooms. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are repaid while the project is being used - typically 25 to 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all property - residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial - located in the district. Interest on the bonds will be set below the legal limit at the lowest rate possible.
• Why is the District proposing Measure Q? Four of the five schools of the Soquel Union Elementary School District were built before 1965. Most classrooms in the District are over 35 years old. These aging facilities are deteriorating and must be repaired and renovated before they create serious student safety problems. Classrooms can not accommodate the demands of modern technology and are in need of rewiring. Health and safety improvements need to be made at every school in the District.
  The District has sought to provide classroom space for its children and arrange for additional classrooms for class size reduction by installing portable classrooms. However, the installation of these portables has caused critical support facilities such as libraries, cafeterias and computer labs to be overcrowded.
• How would the passage of the bond impact Jade Street Park? The District plans to build a new elementary school at Jade Street Park on property already owned by the District. However, park facilities would remain open for community use when school is not in session. In addition, usage of the community center would remain unchanged.
• What would the passage of Measure Q mean to the District? Measure Q will repair, renovate and modernize schools and classrooms throughout the District including:
  • Upgrading 35 year old classroom electrical systems;
  • Replacing portable classrooms with permanent facilities;
  • Providing students with access to additional classroom computers;
  • Repairing and upgrading classroom heating and ventilation systems;
  • Expanding and upgrading libraries throughout the District;
  • Repairing and replacing deteriorating asphalt hard surfaces;
  • Replace deteriorating classroom windows;
  • Repair and upgrade classroom communication systems;
  • Renovate student restrooms to provide for handicapped access as required by law;
  • Building a new elementary school to reduce overcrowding; and
  • Building new classrooms in order to accommodate class size reduction in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
• What will Measure Q cost? It is estimated, on average, property owners will pay approximately $24.33 per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation.
• Will the District receive any State money? In order to qualify for money from the recently passed State school bond, school districts are required to provide local matching funds. Passage of Measure Q will provide the District with the local funds needed to qualify for money from the State bond.
• What assurances are there that Measure Q funds will be spent on improving our schools? By law, the payment of administrative salaries from bond funds is strictly prohibited. In addition, the expenditure of the bond funds will be annually reviewed by an independent accounting firm.