Atascadero voters to decide on Measure B: $110 million bond to transform local schools

By Atascadero News · Wed Aug 28 2024

Proposed funding to enhance vocational training, STEM education, campus safety, and accessibility in AUSD

ATASCADERO — This November, voters will have the opportunity to vote for Measure B, a new General Obligation Bond proposal that promises to transform our local schools and provide significant benefits to students and the community. If approved, Measure B will generate $110 million for Atascadero Unified School District, funding a variety of essential projects designed to enhance educational opportunities and campus facilities.

Here is what Measure B could fund:

Renovating Vocational and Career Technical Facilities: Improvements will be made to classrooms and facilities that focus on vocational training, preparing students for successful careers with state-of-the-art resources.
Upgrading STEM Classrooms and Labs: The bond will provide modernized equipment and resources for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics classrooms, ensuring that students have access to the latest tools and technologies.
Expanding Classroom Workshops: New and enhanced workshops will be created for hands-on learning in robotics, coding, woodworking, and computer programming, encouraging students to explore and excel in these exciting fields.
Improving Campus Safety: Safety upgrades will be a priority, ensuring that students and staff are in healthy and secure environments.
Creating Greater Accessibility: The bond will also address accessibility needs, making sure all facilities are welcoming and usable for everyone.

In addition to these key areas, Measure B will support numerous other improvements that benefit both students and the community.

Measure B is the formation of an Independent Citizens Oversight Committee. This committee will be dedicated to reviewing and reporting on all expenditures related to the bond, ensuring that funds are used effectively and transparently. It's a commitment to accountability that gives taxpayers peace of mind.

Measure B funds cannot be diverted to the state, guaranteeing that every dollar stays within the local school district to benefit the schools directly. The bond is estimated to cost taxpayers less than $46 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.