Your Taxes in Action: Better Schools Help Build Stronger Communities and Support Local Property Values
Ilana Israel Samuels | Jan. 27, 2023
Ilana Israel Samuels | Jan. 27, 2023
Security cameras, modernization of buildings, state-of-the-art classrooms and buildings - thanks to the generosity of the community, SRVUSD has been making this happen! Measure D was passed by voters in 2012. It is a $260 million local school bond that helps provide students in SRVUSD with safe, 21st-century learning environments. SRVUSD has been using this funding to make facilities projects at sites across the district, and the work continues.
Stella Kemp, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, who started with SRVUSD in September 2022, shared that she is “so impressed with the commitment the San Ramon Valley community has made to make our schools better and as a result, ensure SRVUSD has the best learning environments possible for our students.” In her transition in the role, Dr. Kemp toured campuses across the district to see for herself some of the incredible enhancements and improvements at our schools.
In fall 2019, two of the largest projects funded by Measure D monies were completed and the district held ribbon-cutting ceremonies. One was a new classroom building at the District’s most historic high school, San Ramon Valley High. This $64 million project provided 52 new classrooms in a beautiful three-story building that has modern science labs and flexible spaces for learning. The other was the Stone Valley Middle School classroom and Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) replacement project. The project included additional classrooms, upgrading and modernizing existing facilities, reinforcing security, earthquake and fire systems and updating technology infrastructure to support 21st-century teaching and learning.
Public oversight and accountability is a requirement for any bond measure in California, and we currently have eight active members on SRVUSD’s Facilities Oversight and Advisory Committee (FOAC). As a member for the last year, Bridgit Pelley told us that one thing she has really enjoyed about serving on FOAC is that “these improvements ensure that our students have access to the very best.” Bridgit continued by saying “I have been able to see many of these improvements for myself at my kids’ schools over the years.” Each FOAC member is Board appointed and serves for a minimum of two years, and for no more than three consecutive terms. These volunteer community members meet regularly throughout the year to review projects and expenditures as well as provide input to the Board of Education on the design process of Measure D funded projects. We invite you to learn more about the responsibilities of FOAC members and to follow the progress of facilities projects in SRVUSD!