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Measure O – Scotts Valley Unified School District bond

Voters in Scotts Valley Unified School District in November will decide whether to approve $85 million in bonds for new playgrounds, infrastructure repairs, multipurpose rooms and sports facilities at the district’s four schools.

The school district needs about $78.6 million for future projects and another $6.5 million for air conditioners and solar panels, according to an April 2024 Facilities Master Plan. 

What would Measure O do?

If Measure O is adopted:

  • The district would issue up to $85 million in bonds. The money would be spent on school facilities repairs and upgrades, including to elementary school playgrounds and the high school track and field. The bond money only can be used for school facility projects and cannot legally be spent on teacher or administrative salaries. 
  • Property owners in Scotts Valley Unified School District would pay an annual tax of up to $49 per $100,000 of assessed property value for roughly 30 years. Assessed property value usually changes when a property is sold, and it is nearly always lower than the market value.
  • As required by law, the school district would create a citizens’ oversight committee for Measure O money and complete annual audits of bond expenditures.

The total debt to be repaid would be about $170 million over the course of the bond measure’s life, including interest, according to the county counsel’s impartial analysis. 

The school district serves more than 2,100 students and covers the city of Scotts Valley and some surrounding areas.

What are other recent ballot measures for Scotts Valley Unified School District? 

Voters in Scotts Valley Unified School District in 2023 adopted a $168 annual parcel tax for seven years to raise about $1 million annually for teacher and counselor salaries and student programming. Property owners age 65 and older and those receiving Social Security benefits are exempt from the 2023 tax.

Similar parcel taxes in the school district were approved in 2012 and 2018 and have expired.

In 2014, Scotts Valley voters approved a $35 million bond measure for a complete renovation of Scotts Valley Middle School. 

Scotts Valley voters narrowly rejected school bond measures in 2008 and 2020. Years ago, voters approved a bond measure that allowed for the construction of Scotts Valley High School. It is on track to be fully paid off by 2027.

What are the plans for Measure O money?

Specific commitments have not been made, but district leaders have pointed to the following projects as possible uses for the money:

  • Repairs of deteriorating roofs, gutters, pipes and electrical wiring.
  • Renovations of classrooms, locker rooms, restrooms, libraries and administrative support spaces.
  • Construction of an all-weather high school track and field. 
  • Replacement of inefficient heating and air conditioning systems.
  • Replacement of outdated windows and playground equipment.
  • Construction of elementary school multipurpose rooms, which would serve as cafeterias and indoor gathering sites.
  • Installation of solar panels.
  • Repaved and reconfigured parking areas.
  • Upgrades to fences, lights, intercoms, video surveillance equipment and other security features.
  • Removal of hazardous materials.
  • Landscaping and signage.
  • Accessibility upgrades for students with disabilities.
  • Increasing student access to computers and other modern technology.
  • Construction of a swimming pool and performing arts facility.

At the high school, the track and field is one of the main priority areas. Due to its poor condition, sports practices have sometimes been relocated to San Lorenzo Valley High School, said Cheryl Noble, co-chair of the “Yes on O” campaign and parent of two in Scotts Valley public schools. 

The desired improvements include a new stadium with permanent bleachers, a press box and restrooms, a new synthetic turf field, a new all-weather track and upgraded locker rooms, according to the facilities master plan.

Other schools in the county have an all-weather track, said Noble. Scotts Valley’s track surrounds a soccer and football field which is also outdated, Noble said. It lacks lights and drains so poorly that it sometimes floods even when it hasn’t been raining, she said.

The four schools in Scotts Valley Unified School District are:

  • Brook Knoll Elementary School.
  • Vine Hill Elementary School.
  • Scotts Valley Middle School.
  • Scotts Valley High School.

Repairs of roofs, floors, windows and restrooms are particularly needed at the more than 50-year-old elementary schools and the 25-year-old high school, according to the facilities master plan.

Playground equipment at the elementary schools needs to be replaced, Noble said. 

“Last year, one of the playgrounds at Brook Knoll had to be closed down because it was broken,” Noble said. None of the play structures are shaded and they lack rubber safety mats underneath them, she said.

Multipurpose rooms at the elementary schools are another priority. “Right now, there’s no big indoor gathering area at either of the elementary schools,” Noble said, explaining that the students have nowhere to eat during rainy, smoky or hot days, and that there’s no place to gather for assemblies, for indoor physical education or parent events.

Who will vote on Measure O? 

Voters who live in the Scotts Valley Unified School District boundary will consider the measure on the Nov. 5 ballot. Ballots are expected to be mailed the first week of October. 

The measure needs 55% of the vote to be adopted.

Unlike parcel taxes, bond measures like Measure O cannot legally include exemptions for seniors or people with disabilities.

What does a “yes” vote mean?

A “yes” vote would authorize an annual property tax of up to $49 per $100,000 of assessed value within Scotts Valley Unified School District to fund $85 million in bonds.

What would a “no” vote mean?

A “no” vote would not authorize a new property tax or bonds.

Things to consider about Measure O

“We’re not asking to be state-of-the-art fancy,” said Tanya Krause, superintendent of Scotts Valley Unified School District. “We are asking for basic foundational things that other school districts have for students and staff.” 

Although school district leaders want a swimming pool and a performing arts facility, these things were left off the facilities master plan. “That is a ‘nice to have,’” Krause said, “but it is not an essential need.”

Holes and other problems at Scotts Valley High School’s track helped spur Measure O. “We’re having students get injured a lot on our track and field, just because it’s in such poor condition,” Krause said. “It’s in need of repair, and we haven’t been able to afford to do that.”

In addition to other projects, the bond money could be used for the continued installation of solar panels and air conditioners at the schools. 

As of this summer, air conditioning had been installed in every classroom in the district that didn’t already have it, said Krause, the superintendent. 

Solar panels had been mounted at three of the four schools. The solar panels are not only good for the environment, she said, but are expected to pay for themselves within five to eight years and then start saving the district money. Measure O bonds would help cover the financing for those upgrades. 

The recently modernized middle school does not require much work, Krause said, though she would like to see air conditioning installed in the gymnasium.

Krause said she wished the state of California still provided regular funds for school facilities upgrades. However, she noted that if Proposition 2 and Measure O are adopted in the Nov. 5 election, Scotts Valley Unified School District would be well positioned to receive millions of dollars in matching state grants. That way, she said, “our dollars go a lot further and more projects can be completed.”

“I’m hoping, while nobody loves to be taxed, that there’s an acknowledgement that our kids deserve this,” Krause said. “Good schools only improve our community and people’s property values.”

Proponents and opponents of Measure O

No formal opposition to Measure O was filed with the Santa Cruz County Clerk. The measure is endorsed by all five members of the Scotts Valley City Council, state Senator John Laird and state Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, as well as by several school officials and parents.

What is the Measure O ballot language?

To improve education quality; repair leaky roofs; install energy-efficient HVAC; construct multi-purpose rooms and safer playgrounds at elementary schools; provide all-weather track and field at Scotts Valley High School; and make essential safety improvements; shall Scotts Valley Unified School District’s measure be adopted issuing $85,000,000 of bonds at legal rates, generating on average $5,000,000 annually while bonds are outstanding at a rate of approximately $49 per $100,000 assessed value, with annual audits, independent citizens’ oversight, money staying local and none for salaries?

More information on Measure O

Read about other races and measures in Scotts Valley

—Jesse Greenspan

Still have questions about Measure O? Let us know.

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