How are our schools doing?

For over 120 years, our safe, diverse, and inclusive schools at Red Bluff Joint Union High School District (RBJUHSD) have improved the community by educating and empowering our students, and by serving as a social and cultural hub for students and non-students alike. Today, a socially, economically, and ethnically diverse student body enjoys our “Spartan Experience”: strong academics, including highly practical Career Technical Education (CTE) with immediate real-world applications; athletics, with an emphasis on teamwork; and successful arts programs.

What challenges do our schools face?

All our students deserve safe and clean classrooms to help them learn and be prepared for the future. However, many of our school buildings are decades old and need repair. While some classrooms and school buildings have been updated over the past few years, additional classroom upgrades are required to successfully train students for good-paying jobs our community needs, in fields like emergency response, healthcare, firefighting, and manufacturing.

How does RBJUHSD plan to address these challenges?

The State does not provide funding for facilities, so local schools cannot maintain quality educational programs without locally controlled, voter-approved funding. In order to complete identified repairs and improvements, the RBJUHSD Board of Trustees is considering placing a $33.6 million school improvement bond on the November 2024 ballot.

What projects would a potential bond measure fund?

Funds from this potential measure would allow RBJUHSD to:

• Provide modern classrooms, career technical facilities, and equipment so students receive a high-quality education and are prepared for in-demand careers in healthcare, firefighting, and emergency response

• Replace or repair leaky roofs, outdated plumbing and electrical systems, and improve access for students with disabilities

• Improve campus safety and security systems

• Upgrade education technology to keep up with changing standards

How can we make sure the funds are spent responsibly?

Any potential school bond measure would include strict fiscal accountability protections to ensure responsible use of funds.

• By law, all funds from a bond remain under local control and could not be taken by the State

• Mandatory citizens’ oversight committee, independent audits, and public reports of all spending

• No funds will be used for administrators’ salaries or pensions

• The measure would qualify our schools for matching state and federal funds which would otherwise go to other districts

How much would this measure cost?

Although the exact amount has not yet been determined, the recommended local funding measure to repair and update local schools would be limited to no more than $30 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed (not market) value.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

The assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago. Assessed value is based on the original purchase price, and may not increase by more than 2% a year. Market value, on the other hand, is based on market conditions and tends to grow at a much faster rate. The cost of a bond is based on the lower assessed value.

I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?

By maintaining high-quality public schools in our neighbourhoods we attract new families to our community and protect the value of our homes.

When will I be able to vote on the measure?

The RBJUHSD Board of Trustees is considering placing a measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot.

What level of support is required to pass the measure?

For the bond measure to be approved, 55% of voters must vote “Yes.”

How can I learn more?

To share your feedback, please scan the QR code below or visit this link: Bond Survey