top of page
FAQs
What is MEASURE QS?
It is a general obligation bond on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot that will upgrade and modernize classrooms to meet 21st century safety and academic standards. Through the creation of School Facilities Improvement District No.1 by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, bond money will be used exclusively for Santa Monica schools. Malibu voters will be voting on a separate bond for their schools. By law, not one cent of QS funding can be taken away by the State.
​Why is it critical to pass MEASURE QS this November?
Many of Santa Monica’s schools are well over 70 years old and are in urgent need of attention. We cannot wait to make repairs and modernize learning environments for 21st century learning. We cannot wait until money becomes available from the State to address these critical needs. The longer the District waits to address these needs, the more costly those improvements will become.
​
Studies show that student achievement decreases by up to 9% when school buildings are not repaired and modernized on a regular basis. It is up to the residents of Santa Monica to protect our teachers and students, and our public schools. Measure QS is a wise investment, in our youth and in our community. When our schools are strong, communities are stronger.
What will MEASURE QS do?
-
Modernize and replace outdated learning centers in elementary and middle schools to support new ways of learning
-
Build new early childhood classrooms to accommodate an increase in young student enrollment
-
Upgrade and replace outdated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) labs to better prepare students for college and careers—especially our struggling and at-risk students
-
Upgrade and replace obsolete buildings to meet today’s academic needs
-
Improve school safety and security systems to protect our campuses
-
Replace aging heating and cooling systems to save energy and improve air quality
-
Address water damage, caused by record-setting rains, including repair of leaky roofs and removal of mold to ensure safe classrooms for students and teachers
​How will MEASURE QS funds be allocated?
Approximately 75% of Measure QS funds will be allocated to elementary and middle schools and 25% to Samohi. See PROJECT LIST page. This list represents the outcome of inspections by and evaluations from SMMUSD’s Facilities Department, as well as input from parents, teachers, principals and other school site staff, and Santa Monica residents. Over time, bond funds are allocated fairly among ALL schools in the district. Each school has an approved Campus Plan that has been developed pursuant to a process that has involved many stakeholders.
​
By law, every dollar raised by the bond must be spent solely on Santa Monica public schools. Not one cent can be taken away by the State.
​How will MEASURE QS benefit the entire community?
Santa Monica is known for its excellent public schools—they contribute to our extraordinary quality of life. Thanks to our exceptional teachers and staff, and our hard-working students, our schools are ranked among the best in the nation. They support our Santa Monica property values and help sustain our healthy local economy. We cannot afford to let our schools deteriorate. By making our schools better and safer, we are making our community better and safer. National studies show that improved academic opportunities and safer schools translate directly to safer neighborhoods, reduced vandalism and less crime throughout the community.
Are there taxpayer protections in MEASURE QS?
Yes. An independent citizens' oversight committee will meet regularly to review expenditures and ensure that funds are spent properly and effectively. In addition, a mandatory, independent third-party auditor will perform annual performance and financial audits, which are then presented to the citizen’s oversight committee and the school board.
No money can be used to pay administrators’ or teachers’ salaries.
Additionally, the District has demonstrated exemplary fiscal responsibility as evidenced by bond credit rating of Aa1 from Moody’s and AA+ from Standard and Poor’s (both just one notch lower than the highest possible), the equivalent personal credit score of 800.
​​Who supports MEASURE QS?
There is a broad coalition of supporters, including our classroom teachers, parents, the Santa Monica-Malibu PTA, the League of Women Voters, local small business owners, seniors, stakeholders, the Santa Monica City Council, and the Santa Monica-Malibu School Board, all say: YES on MEASURE QS.
For a complete list of endorsers, Click Here.
bottom of page