Frequently Asked Questions

What is Measure U?

Measure U is a school facilities bond measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot seeking voter authorization for Escalon Unified School District funding to make needed facility repairs, replace failing infrastructure, and upgrade career technical facilities. Measure U requires 55% support to pass.

Why was Measure U placed on the ballot?

Measure U was placed on the ballot for one simple reason: our schools desperately needs capital upgrades. Most EUSD schools were built more than 70 years ago and don't meet modern health and safety codes. Aging school infrastructure is breaking down, resulting in gas leaks, water leaks, and sewage backups. Last year alone there were 25 roof leaks, and there is over $47 million in unmet facility needs. Without Measure U, there is no other funding for us to even begin to address these needs.

There is a direct relationship between quality school facilities and student achievement, and research shows that students and teachers perform best in safe, modern classrooms and schools with up-to-date technology. Measure U is about ensuring our school facilities can give students the education they deserve. Vote YES on Measure U.

What would funds raised by Measure U go towards?

Measure U is essential to make sure EUSD schools can:

  • Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas lines, sewer lines, HVAC and electrical systems
  • Provide modern labs and career technical facilities and equipment so students are prepared for college and careers in fire science, health science/EMT, agricultural mechanics, and other skilled trades
  • Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes, where encountered
  • Replace aging portable classrooms at El Portal Middle School that are expensive to repair and maintain with permanent classrooms
  • Upgrade older schools so they meet current health codes, building safety codes, and provide proper access for students with disabilities
  • Improve student safety and campus security

What is the actual question that voters will be asked to decide in November?

“To provide safe, modern schools by upgrading and repairing aging classrooms, science labs, career technology and school facilities to support college/career readiness in math, science, technology, arts, engineering, and skilled trades; and fixing deteriorating roofs, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems; shall Escalon Unified School District's measure authorizing $26,000,000 in bonds at legal rates be adopted, levying approximately $18 per $100,000 assessed value ($1,700,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with independent audits, citizen oversight and all money locally controlled?”

Will Measure U help replace the end-of-life/expiring portables still currently in use at EUSD schools?

Yes. There are 37 portable classrooms at EUSD schools that are more than 25 years old. They are deteriorating and past their useful life, and it is more expensive to keep repairing these units than to replace them. Measure U would provide the funding needed to replace these portables with modern, permanent classrooms.

How are EUSD facilities improvements funded?

With limited resources, EUSD staff continually work hard to maintain school facilities and keep them in good working condition for thousands of students and staff members. However, the reality is that the types of repairs, renovations, and upgrades we need go far beyond the scope and means of regular school budgets. Passing a local school bond like Measure U is the most common way California communities fund the upgrades we need. Without a local bond measure passing, the District is not eligible to apply for matching State school facility funding, leaving potential dollars on the table.

Isn't there a facilities budget for ongoing school maintenance?

EUSD facilities staff work hard to maintain our neighborhood schools and keep them in good working condition with limited resources. However, the types of repairs and renovations that the District’s current needs assessment has identified go beyond the scope and means of regular school maintenance budgets. It has been over 14 years since the last community-supported school facilities bond, and an ongoing investment in infrastructure is critical to help ensure academic success for every student attending our local schools.

Are EUSD schools really that old?

Most of our local schools were built more than 70 years ago and don't meet modern building safety codes. Some buildings aren't accessible for students with disabilities, and others have hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead pipes. We need to remove these hazards from our schools, and Measure U will provide the funding needed to do so. All students deserve to learn in quality classrooms and school facilities. There's a direct relationship between quality school facilities and student achievement — studies show that students and teachers perform best in safe, modern classrooms and schools with up-to-date technology.

What is a Proposition 39 school facilities bond and what can it pay for?

A Proposition 39 school facilities bond can ONLY be used to fund public school facility and technology improvements (capital projects — not maintenance or regular operations). It requires 55% voter approval to pass, and it prohibits the use of funds for operations, administrator salaries, or pensions. It also requires independent financial and performance audits on the use of bond proceeds. No revenue generated by a local bond can be taken away by the State.

How much will Measure U cost?

If approved by voters, a $26 million bond translates to tax levies of approximately $18 a year for every $100,000 of assessed valuation. The assessed valuation refers to taxable value, not the market value of your home. The typical homeowner in our school district will pay about $66 a year, or $5.50 a month.

What about Lottery funding? Wasn't it supposed to fix our schools?

Unfortunately, restricted Lottery funds can only be used for classroom instruction, not technology or facility upgrades. Moreover, the money our school district receives from the Lottery each year comprises less than 3% of our annual General Fund Budget.

When will the work begin?

If approved by voters, the District will immediately focus on the most critical facilities needs across all school sites. A schedule for funding projects will be developed so they can be completed on time and within budget.

How can we be assured that Measure U funds would be spent properly?

Measure U REQUIRES an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee, mandatory independent financial audits, and annual reports to the community to ensure the funds are spent as promised. None of the money from this measure can be used to increase salaries, benefits, or pensions for administrators or any other school employees. Measure U is a responsible, and accountable way to fund needed improvements.

Doesn't the State provide funding for facility upgrades?

Very little. While State funding has at times been available to support TK-12 school upgrades, it is unreliable and insufficient to meet the District's identified needs. To access a share of State funding, school districts must generate local matching funds by passing a local facilities bond — passing a local bond is typically the best way to qualify for additional State funding if and when it becomes available. There are no other adequate sources of funding for major facility upgrades of this scope.

Will Measure U support student health and safety?

Yes. The measure would support students' health and safety by upgrading utility systems and deteriorating infrastructure, removing hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes where encountered, and repairing roofs, HVAC, and electrical systems. By funding these upgrades, we can help ensure the school environment is safer both on a day-to-day basis and in case of an emergency.

How do improved facilities result in improved instruction?

Safe, modern school facilities are essential to improving the quality of EUSD schools. ALL students deserve to learn in quality classrooms and school facilities. There’s a direct relationship between quality school facilities and student achievement. Studies show that students and teachers perform best in safe, modern classrooms and schools with up-to-date technology. Unfortunately, we do not believe our facilities currently match the exceptional teaching and learning happening at our local EUSD schools. Without needed facilities and education technology upgrades, the local quality of education will deteriorate over time. For students to succeed in college and careers, they must be skilled in the use of today’s technology and have a solid background in science, math, and engineering. Updated classrooms and school facilities will make this possible.

Will businesses share in the cost of Measure U?

Yes, commercial, industrial, and residential property owners will be subject to the same property tax levy.

I don't have children, or they are grown and gone. Why should I pay attention to this process?

Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and help protect the value of our homes. Home resale values benefit as our neighborhood schools are improved. The longer we wait to complete needed repairs, the more expensive they become.

Who is eligible to vote on Measure U?

All registered voters within the Escalon Unified School District boundaries are eligible to vote on Measure U on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

How do I vote by mail?

All registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. If you need to register to vote, you can register online at registertovote.ca.gov. If you need additional assistance or would like to drop off your ballot in person at a polling place or drop box, please visit sjgov.org/rov/ for more information.

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