Frequently Asked Questions
How are Modesto City high schools doing?
Local high school graduation rates are rising and are well above the state average. Local high schools offer Career Technical Education pathways tied to high-demand regional industries including agriculture, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, business and skilled trades.
What is Measure K?
In 2022, local voters approved the first phase of repairs and upgrades at our local high schools. Projects have been completed on time and on budget, but many urgent repairs and upgrades are still needed. With Measure K, Modesto City Schools has an opportunity to continue repairing and upgrading local high schools WITHOUT INCREASING TAX RATES by extending an old bond now set to expire. In fact, voting Yes on K will result in a lower tax rate than we currently pay.
What is the condition of local high school facilities?
Many of our local high schools were built between the 1940s and 1960s and require urgent repairs to meet modern academic and safety standards. To maintain high-quality education and job training for local students, updates are needed to classrooms, science labs, learning technology, and job training facilities so students graduate with the skills needed for college and good jobs.
Would Measure K increase tax rates?
No. Measure K will not increase tax rates. In fact, it will lower the tax rate to $24 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed (not market) value while providing $250 million in locally controlled funding to repair and upgrade aging local high schools.
If I vote YES on Measure K, what will the funding be used for?
If Measure K is successful, funding would be used to:
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Update career training classrooms, labs and equipment
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Update classrooms and science labs for quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology
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Improve access for students with disabilities
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Replace outdated heating and cooling systems
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Repair leaky roofs and deteriorating plumbing systems
How can $250 million be generated without increasing tax rates?
A prior bond approved by voters is set to expire soon. Measure K would simply extend the tax rate previously approved by voters at a lower $24 per $100,000 of assessed value rate to fund additional school repairs and upgrades without a tax rate increase.
What is the difference between assessed value and market value?
The cost of a bond measure is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year. The market value of a property tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value on which the cost of a bond measure is based.
How do I know Measure K funds would be used responsibly?
If approved by voters, Measure K would require strict fiscal accountability and transparency protections, including:
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All funds must be spent on local Modesto City High Schools and cannot be taken by the State
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No money could be used for administrator salaries or pensions
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Annual audits, public spending disclosures, and a citizens’ oversight committee are required
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The measure will not increase taxes, and will reduce the existing tax rate
Would the funding stay local?
Yes. By law, all funds must be spent on Modesto City Schools’ high schools and cannot be taken by the state, federal government, or other school districts.
Would Measure K help MCS qualify for state matching funds?
Yes. Measure K will help local high schools qualify for millions in state matching funds that will otherwise go to improve schools in other communities.
Why do these repairs and upgrades need to be made now?
State and federal funding for school facilities is limited, unpredictable, and often requires local matching dollars. That’s why local bond measures are needed to fund needed repairs and upgrades. Without the renewal of funding, our schools face costly deferred maintenance expenses and safety concerns. Voting YES on K protects our existing assets before minor issues turn into costly crises.
When will I be able to vote on Measure K?
Measure K will appear on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
What level of support would Measure K need to pass?
Measure K would need to be supported by 55% of those who vote on it to pass.
