How are LVUSD schools doing?

Las Virgenes Unified School District serves approximately 10,500 students in preschool through high school in the cities of Agoura Hills, Bell Canyon, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, West Hills, and Westlake Village. Student achievement in LVUSD schools consistently ranks among the best in Southern California, and many LVUSD schools have been awarded US Blue Ribbon and CA Gold Ribbon school distinctions.

What is the condition of LVUSD school facilities?

Many of LVUSD’s 16 schools were built more than 50 years ago and require repairs and upgrades. Last year alone, there were more than 150 classrooms with leaky roofs. Some portable classrooms are more than 30 years old, falling apart, and several have been condemned due to structural damage and water leaks. Aging schools were built for a different era of education. Outdated classrooms, labs, job training facilities, and learning technology need updates to meet rising academic standards and support advanced classes in science, math, engineering, and technology.

Has LVUSD carefully assessed the needs at each school and developed a plan for repairs and upgrades?

Yes, in 2019 and 2020, LVUSD partnered with school facility architects and engineers to complete a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan that identified conditions and needs at every school campus in the district. The LVUSD Master Plan includes detailed plans and cost estimates for completing needed repairs and upgrades at all school campuses.

How is LVUSD planning to upgrade aging school facilities?

To ensure all local schools have safe and modern classrooms, labs, and school facilities, the LVUSD Board of Education has placed Measure S, a school facilities improvement bond measure on the November 2022 ballot. If approved, Measure S would provide locally controlled funding for school facility improvements—without increasing tax rates. It would simply extend the current tax rate of $36.77 per $100,000 of assessed value already paid. Measure S would not increase tax rates beyond what local property owners currently pay.

Would Measure S fund basic repairs and improvements to aging schools?

Yes, locally controlled funding from Measure S would be used to repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, sewer lines, gas lines, and electrical systems. It would repair or replace air conditioning in classrooms to improve air quality, and keep classrooms from reaching temperatures above 85 degrees. Measure S would also remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes from older school sites.

Would Measure S upgrade schools to current instructional standards?

Yes, Measure S would be used to provide modern classrooms, labs, career training facilities, technology, and equipment to support high-quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology. This will help ensure LVUSD graduates are prepared for college and in-demand careers in fields such as health sciences, engineering, technology, and skilled trades.

Would Measure S improve student safety and campus security?

Yes, local funding from Measure S would be used to upgrade older schools to meet current health codes, building safety codes, earthquake safety standards, and improve access for students with disabilities. It would also improve student safety and campus security systems including security fencing, security cameras, intruder-protection systems, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers.

How much would Measure S generate for local schools?

If approved by 55% of voters, Measure S would generate approximately $340 million in locally controlled funding for upgrades and improvements to schools in LVUSD. Measure S would not increase current tax rates.

Would Measure S increase the tax rates paid by local residents?

No. If approved, this measure would simply extend the current tax rate of $36.77 per $100,000 of assessed value already paid. Would not increase tax rates beyond the current rate local property owners already pay.

How can $340 million be generated without increasing tax rates?

In 1997, LVUSD voters approved Measure R to fund repairs and upgrades needed at that time. Measure R bonds will soon be paid off. Measure S simply extends the Measure R tax rate so that new funds can be generated for classroom and school improvements without increasing the tax rate already paid.

How can residents be sure funds will be spent as promised?

Measure S requires a clear system of fiscal accountability including a detailed project list indicating the only projects that may be funded by the measure, a Citizens’ Oversight Committee, and independent audits to review the use of funds and required public disclosure of all spending.

Could the State take away funding from this measure?

No. All funds generated from Measure S must be controlled locally and used to support LVUSD schools only. By law, funds from this measure may not be taken away by the State. Funds can only be used for facility improvements, and no funds can be used for salaries or pensions.

Would Measure S help LVUSD qualify for state matching funds?

Yes. Funds from Measure S could be used to help LVUSD compete for state matching funds that would otherwise go to other school districts.

Hasn’t LVUSD already passed bond measures?

Voters in LVUSD approved bond measures in 2006 and 1997. The 1997 bond measure (Measure R) is about to be paid off. This measure would extend the tax rate for Measure R to generate new funding to upgrade and repair local school facilities without increasing the tax rate beyond the amount already paid.

How were funds from prior measures used?

Funds from prior measures were used to address the most important needs at that time to upgrade and repair local school facilities, support quality education and keep students safe. In fact, an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee has confirmed that all funds were used as promised, and that those projects were completed on time and on budget. However, while much was accomplished with the prior measures, some schools haven’t been upgraded and many urgent projects need funding.

Don’t local residents already pay a school parcel tax?

Yes, local property owners pay a $98 per year parcel tax that funds quality teachers and academic programs in local schools. The parcel tax funds people and programs in our schools—but cannot be used for improvements to classrooms, labs, and school facilities. Funding from bond measures can only be used for school buildings, technology, and equipment—but cannot be used for teaching and academic programs.

Are senior exemptions available?

By state law, no exemptions may be provided for bond measures. However, Measure S does not increase tax rates beyond what we currently pay. Furthermore, the total cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of a home, not the market value. The longer a home has been owned, the lower the assessed value is because it is based on the original purchase price. Typically, older homeowners who have owned their homes the longest pay the least for bond measures.

When is Measure S on the ballot?

Measure S is on the November 8, 2022 ballot. All LVUSD voters will receive a ballot in the mail. Ballots must be returned by November 8th.

What level of support is required to pass?

At least 55% of those voters who cast a ballot on the measure must vote “Yes” in order for Measure S to be approved.

How can I share feedback and learn more about Measure S?

To share your input or ask questions, please contact superintendent@lvusd.org.