A bond to drastically overhaul the Glendora Unified School District campuses and overall technology will go in front of voters in this November 7th election.
The bond, known as Measure GG, will be a 30 year 98 million dollar bond implemented through property taxes of those living in the district. A similar bond was passed by Charter Oak residents a couple years ago. Other local districts that have successfully passed school bonds within the last few years include West Covina, Arcadia, Claremont, Pomona and Walnut Valley.
While most would agree that Californians are overtaxed already, this 98 million dollar local bond is a way to overcome the politics of Sacramento affecting our district. As of now, districts with English learners, low income students and foster students get more state financing. Glendora Unified does not have a lot of students in those categories so our district consistently gets less funding each year.
The money from this bond will be locally controlled, by the district only, and can not be redistributed or reallocated away from our students and schools.
Yes on GG for Glendora Schools is an independent campaign committee formed to pass the measure. According to the groups written statement, “It is important to remain cutting edge in our programs, facilities, strategies and materials. To best serve our students, Glendora schools need modern equipment and materials, and facilities that ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.”
Glendora Teachers and Staff working call banks on their off time
Many Glendora teachers, staff and administrators have been spending their evenings and off hours helping to get the word out. Many have been working the phone banks in the evenings to open communication with district voters about the importance that they believe Measure GG and the needed funds will bring to their schools.
With state facility funding scarce and unable to provide many public schools enough money to adequately maintain education facilities, yet alone bring them fully into the next generation of technology, this bond is the best hope.
Measure GG will:
-Provide the facilities and technology needed to support high quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology, as well as music and art.
-Upgrade and modernize classrooms, science labs, career-training facilities, computer systems and instructional technology.
-Repair aging plumbing, electrical, heating and ventilation systems.
-Improve student safety and campus security systems, including security lighting, security cameras, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers.
Opponents of the measure want to know how the spending will be accountable. Measure GG requires a clear system of accountability, including a project list detailing how money will be allocated.
How much will Measure GG cost? The total bond cost translates to $49 per year for every $100,000 of assessed value on your property. It is not based on the market value, which is typically higher. The cost to the median Glendora homeowner will be less than $180 per year.
One other objection aside from cost, from opponents, are regarding those who don’t have school age kids. Yes on GG for Glendora Schools suggest that Measure GG is a wise investment either way. Good schools improve our quality of life in Glendora and protect the value of our homes. The majority of families or younger couples choosing to buy homes in Glendora, attribute their decision to the high quality of schools.
For a full Measure GG project list by school site, click HERE.
To register to vote, click HERE.
