Frequently Asked Questions
How are South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) schools doing?
South San Francisco Unified School District’s (SSFUSD) mission is to graduate responsible, productive, and environmentally aware citizens who have the academic and social skills necessary to contribute to a changing global society. We pride ourselves on our quality instructional program defined by our challenging and creative curriculum serving our diverse population.
What are the challenges facing our schools?
We are proud of the high-quality academic performance in our neighborhood schools, but the quality and condition of the school facilities has not kept pace. Many of SSFSD’s schools were built for a different era of education and require repairs and upgrades. The cost of necessary improvements is beyond the scope of the district’s annual operating budget.
What basic repairs and updates are needed?
Although some of our classrooms and facilities have been updated with the last bond measure, many of our facilities are decades old and in need of repairs or replacement. Necessary repairs include upgrades to restrooms, heating and cooling systems and school kitchens.
What improvements are needed to support 21st-century education?
Here in the Bay Area, we are keenly aware that the requirements for academic success are rapidly changing. Our classrooms, labs, and learning technology need to be modernized to meet today’s educational standards and support high-quality math, science, and art programs.
What safety and security improvements are needed?
Most of our school buildings are more than 50 years old, designed for an earlier era, when easy access, multiple entrances and out-of-view locations were standard. Student safety is our top priority, so improvements are needed to ensure student safety and security. Specifically, building security fencing, single point of entry, controlled access, security cameras, fields, and fire alarm systems need to be upgraded, and fields need to be improved.
Are SSFUSD schools well maintained?
Our district maintenance team works hard to take care of our aging classrooms and school facilities by keeping up with necessary repairs and maintenance. Despite this, buildings wear out. The significant upgrades and capital improvements needed at our aging schools are now beyond the capabilities of our maintenance team and regular maintenance budget. The very limited state funding which might be available for facility upgrades generally requires local matching funds, which can usually be secured through a local school improvement measure.
How do bond measures help the district qualify for state matching funds?
In order to obtain grants from the state to fund facility repairs, the district must be able to provide local matching funds. Bond measures help the district to qualify for state matching funds that would otherwise not be available to our schools. For example, SSFUSD was eligible to receive approximately $5 million worth of state matching funds from Measure J, the last bond measure that voters passed over a decade ago.
How is the district planning to address these issues?
School districts are limited in funding options when it comes to improving and repairing classrooms and facilities. In order to provide safe and updated learning environments to all students, the SSFUSD Board of Education voted to place Measure T, a local school improvement bond measure, on the November 2022 ballot that could generate up to $436 million to repair and improve local schools. This measure would cost no more than 6 cents per $100 of assessed value (not market value) per year, while bonds are outstanding.
Specifically, how could funds from Measure T be used?
If approved by 55% of local voters, funding from Measure T would:
- Repair or replace deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems and leaky roofs
- Equip schools with 21st-century learning technology
- Modernize classrooms, restrooms and school facilities
- Upgrade inadequate electrical systems and replace heating and ventilation systems
- Construct or renovate performing arts centers
- Construct local affordable rental housing for teachers and staff
- Make health, safety and security improvements, including fencing, additional security cameras and door locks
How would Measure T support student achievement?
The physical environment in which students learn makes a difference in their educational experience. Research links student achievement with the quality of the built environment – new and modernized buildings and grounds, lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustic quality – all important factors to student learning. Safe, secure, well-designed and maintained facilities have a positive impact on student performance, attendance, and reduced disciplinary problems.
Are there other sources of funds for facilities projects?
The state and federal government do not provide dedicated funding for school facility improvements. The very limited state funding which might be available for facility upgrades generally requires local matching funds, usually provided by a local school improvement measure. Our district has, and will continue to, apply for funding from the state if it becomes available.
Is this the right economic time for a bond measure?
It has been over a decade since South San Francisco Unified last passed a bond measure to improve local schools. Waiting to complete the repairs will likely cause our community to pay a higher price tag down the road. Not addressing the repairs will force local students to wait years for urgent upgrades for safety and improvements needed to support quality academic instruction. A bond measure will ensure a dedicated source of funding for facility improvements and not divert any money away from our exceptional classroom instruction.
Would fiscal accountability protections be included?
Yes, Measure T requires certain taxpayer protections and fiscal accountability provisions, including:- All funds would stay local to support SSFUSD students and could not be taken by the state.
- By law, no money could be used for administrators’ salaries or benefits.
- The measure requires citizens’ oversight, independent audits and a detailed project list to ensure funds are spent properly.
Could the state take away funding from Measure T?
No. All funds generated from Measure T would stay local to support South San Francisco schools. The state would not be able to take any funds.
How much would Measure T cost?
Measure T would provide an estimated $436 million in bond funds at a cost of approximately 6 cents per $100 of assessed value (not market value).
May funds from Measure T be used for administrator salaries and pensions?
No. By law, no funds from Measure T may be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions. Funds may only be used to repair and upgrade local school facilities.
I don’t have children attending local schools. How does Measure T impact me?
Whether or not you have school-age children, the quality of local schools impacts the quality of life in a community and also impacts local home values. Academic research has shown that good, local schools create demand for homes and help keep property values strong. Good, local schools also positively impact the local economy by helping to create a skilled workforce, which benefits local businesses and companies.
Are seniors eligible for an exemption?
By law, senior exemptions may not be offered for bond measures. However, since the cost of a bond measure is based on the assessed value of properties, those who have owned their homes the longest and have the lowest assessed values will pay the least for a bond measure. This helps ensure the cost is not a burden to those on fixed incomes.
When will Measure T appear on the ballot?
Measure T will be on the November 2022 ballot.
Who will get to vote on Measure T?
All registered voters living in the SSFUSD would be eligible to vote on this measure. To be approved, a bond measure requires “yes” votes from 55% of the votes cast on the measure.
What would happen if the bond does not pass?
If Measure T does not receive 55% of voter approval, it would be difficult to make the necessary curriculum and technology upgrades to provide a better learning environment for students. The district would also be unable to replace aging school facilities, improve security at schools, or complete other capital improvements. Without the bond funds, the district would have to use money from the general fund for repairs and maintenance, reducing the amount of money available for classroom education.
How can I learn more?
We welcome your feedback and questions as we consider our options to meet current facility needs. To share your opinions, priorities, or to ask questions, please contact:
Ted O
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
South San Francisco Unified School District
650-877-8702