Dear Parent/Guardian,
The Wright Elementary School District has been providing dedicated and excellent educational services to local students since its formation in 1865. Currently, the District educates approximately 1,200 students at the District’s three schools. It is through the hard work and dedication of teachers and staff that directly contribute to the education and success of our students.
While our facilities have been well-maintained over the years, our schools are old and need repairs. Many classrooms no longer meet current building, safety, or educational standards. Faced with this growing need, the Board of Trustees decided to place Measure X, a school improvement General Obligation (G.O.) bond measure, on the November 5, 2024, ballot to fund the modernization of our aging schools.
Over the last several months, with input from staff, parents, and community leaders, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis. The Needs Analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made.
Specific types of projects identified include:
Improving student access to computers and modern technology
Modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities
Making handicapped accessibility improvements
Replacing deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems
Making health and safety improvements throughout the District
The attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) handout is provided to assist teachers, staff, and voters in understanding the facts behind Measure X and how its passage will affect the District, our students, and the community. Please take a moment to review the FAQ, and feel free to reach out to us should you have any questions on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Lisa Saxon
District Superintendent
Karen Irwin Magee
Board President
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Frequently Asked Questions Handout
Faced with aging classrooms and the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the Board of Trustees of the Wright Elementary School District has placed General Obligation Bond Measure X on the November 2024 ballot. The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind Measure X and how its passage will affect the District and our community.
What is Measure X?
Measure X is a $29.2 million General Obligation (G.O.) bond program. The measure is intended to address the needs of the student population through modernization and renovation projects at all the District’s schools and other properties.
Why is Measure X needed?
Our schools are outdated, and upgrades and renovations need to be made. While facilities have been well maintained, old classrooms must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st-century educational and technological standards. A local school improvement measure would allow the District to improve the quality of the school facilities and education provided to local students.
What is a General Obligation (G.O.) bond?
G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new classrooms. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property - residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial - located within the District’s boundaries.
Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
Today, the scope of improvements needed at the Wright Elementary School District is far more than the current funding sources available. The per-pupil funding which the District receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating children and not for major upgrades, renovations, modernization projects, or new classrooms and facilities.
How did the District come up with the project list for Measure X?
Over the last several months, with input from staff, parents, community leaders, and an architect, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis. The Needs Analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made. Additionally, a community survey was conducted to obtain voter opinions on specific projects and to gauge support for a school improvement measure.
Specific projects identified include:
Improving student access to computers and modern technology
Modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities
Making handicapped accessibility improvements
Replacing deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems
Making health and safety improvements throughout the District
What will the passage of Measure X mean for our students and the community?
Measure X will provide our students and staff with a better teaching and learning environment by making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities; many of which are also used by and available to the community, such as the libraries and playing fields.
What will happen if Measure X does not pass?
If Measure X does not pass, our classrooms and school facilities will continue to deteriorate. In addition, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction will be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at each school. Consequently, major repairs will need to be postponed, and as a result, will potentially be more expensive to make.
Has the District ever passed a school improvement measure?
Yes, in 2012 a school improvement measure was passed to support school facilities. Funds from that measure were used to construct new classrooms, repair and renovate aging classrooms, modernize facilities, and improve classroom technology. This Measure would finish the work we started and bring the rest of our schools up to 21st-century standards.
What will Measure X cost?
The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $29 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value. Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are almost always lower than market values). Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.
How can I be sure funds will be spent on improving our local schools?
By law, all bond funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. In addition, a local independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent. Also, by law, there must be annual audits of expenditures and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.
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