What is Measure R?
Measure R is a local $45,000,000 Education Bond placed on the November 8, 2022, ballot by the Plumas Lake Elementary School District Board of Trustees.
Why was Measure R placed on the ballot?
The District operates three schools that were designed as elementary schools. One of the elementary schools, Riverside Meadows Intermediate school serves as a middle school.
The number of students attending Plumas Lake’s local schools has increased nearly 40% in the past 10 years, filling up existing schools, and is projected to keep growing. This has created school and classroom overcrowding that will continue into the foreseeable future.
The District has determined that the construction of a new middle school will provide the best solution to address overcrowding while creating dedicated middle school facilities to best prepare students for high school, college, and future careers.
What are the priorities Measure R will address?
Prior to placing Measure R on the ballot, the District conducted a district-wide survey to solicit parent and community input. If approved, Measure R will address the community’s desire to provide quality learning environments, including spaces for science, technology, engineering, arts and math; and install up-to-date fire alarms and sprinklers.
Health and education experts say kids need physical education programs to stay out of trouble, focus, perform well in school, and prevent obesity. Middle school students need room for physical activity and education, which Riverside Meadows does not adequately provide as its original design was as an elementary school
Say more about teacher retention.
By constructing up-to-date classrooms that include access to current technology, the District will be better able to recruit and retain teachers during a time where we are suffering from a national teacher shortage, which disproportionately affects districts the size of ours.
Does Measure R include fiscal accountability requirements?
Yes. Measure R includes accountability requirements, including public disclosure of all spending, and independent annual financial and performance audits. All funds must be used for Plumas Lake
Elementary District school projects and not for other purposes. No funds can be used for administrator salaries and pensions, or taken by state or federal government.
Where would the new middle school be located and how would it be funded?
In 2012, PLESD purchased 25 acres of land on River Oaks Boulevard across from the fire station. Passage of Measure R would help secure state matching funds that would otherwise go to other school districts. Funding would come from the following sources:
- Measure R Education Bond: 60%
- New Development Funding: 20%
- State Matching Grant: 20%
Doesn’t the STATE provide funding for school facilities?
Changes to the state funding formula mean districts like Plumas Lake Elementary District are still getting less money than neighboring school districts from the state on an annual basis. If the District is able to secure local funding through Measure R, it would then be eligible for future matching funds from the State. Measure R was placed on the ballot because the District cannot count on anyone else to address these educational needs and all of the challenges of overcrowding and lack of specialized facilities for middle school students
How much will Measure R cost to homeowners?
If approved, Measure R will levy an amount equal to approximately $60 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) valuation per year.