The Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution at Tuesday night’s meeting to place a School Safety and Repair Measure on the November 2024 ballot.
Measure AS, as in Arcadia Schools, would improve school safety and security by upgrading emergency communications systems, lighting, door locks, cameras, and alarms on all school campuses so that students, teachers, and staff remain safe.
“The last couple of years have seen a record number of school shootings in the U.S.,” said Superintendent David Vannasdall. “Campus safety is more important than ever, and if approved by voters, funds from this measure will allow the District to maintain healthy, safe schools.”
Many of the District’s schools were built nearly 60 years ago. If enacted, measure funding will also address the most urgent repairs needed in local schools, such as repairing aging roofs, plumbing, restrooms, and gas and sewer lines.
“The District received feedback from hundreds of community members on local school needs,” continued Superintendent Vannasdall. “We are thankful for the community’s input and understand how important health and safety upgrades are to our families and students such as removing asbestos and lead paint, and continuing to provide clean, safe drinking water.”
Over two community surveys by FM3 Research, 74% of respondents also indicated how important it is for the District to continue its momentum in preparing students for colleges and careers. Arcadia Unified is ranked in the top 1% nationally and is one of the top performing school districts in California. The proposed $358,000,000 bond would cost voters $60 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) valuation.
For a full copy of the Arcadia Unified School District School Safety and Repair Measure, visit this link. For more information about AUSD's Facilities Master Plan, Community Input, and survey results, you can visit this page.