Vote Yes on G!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Measure G? Measure G allows Fowler schools to keep pace with today’s safety and educational standards. Fowler classrooms and science labs are outdated, and some contain hazardous materials including asbestos and lead pipes, while others need to be retrofitted for earthquake safety. Measure G ensures students have access to safe and modern learning facilities to prepare them for the future. 

Why do we need Measure G? While FUSD strives to meet the needs of our community and students, most of our schools were built more than 60 years ago and don’t meet modern building and safety codes. Classrooms and science labs are outdated, and some contain hazardous materials including asbestos and lead pipes, while others need to be retrofitted for earthquake safety. We need Measure G so our students can learn in safe and modern classrooms.

Are FUSD schools well maintained? Our District maintenance team works hard to take care of our aging classrooms and school facilities by keeping up with minor repairs and maintenance. Unfortunately, the significant upgrades and improvements needed at our older schools are beyond what can be accomplished by our maintenance team and funded by our regular maintenance budget. The State of California provides very limited funding for school improvements, and most state funding requires local matching funds. Measure G fills this gap so students are learning in updated classrooms.

Specifically, what projects will Measure G fund? Voting Yes on G will provide the funding needed to:

• Provide the classrooms, facilities and technology needed to support high-quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology
• Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes from older school sites, where encountered
• Improve access for students with disabilities
• Upgrade labs and career technical facilities to prepare students for college and in-demand careers in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology, and skilled trades
• Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, and old plumbing, sewer, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems

How can I be sure funds from Measure G would be spent as promised? Measure G includes strict fiscal accountability requirements, including:

• A detailed project list indicating projects that could be funded with Board of Education approval
• Public disclosures of all spending would be required
• A citizens’ oversight committee and independent annual audits would be required
• All money raised by the measure would be controlled locally and could not be taken by the State

Will funds from Measure G be used for administrator salaries and pensions? No. By law, no funds from Measure G can be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions.

Will all Measure G funds benefit Fowler schools only? Yes. All funds generated by Measure G will stay local for FUSD schools only and cannot be taken away by the State.

I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me? Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting local education improves the quality of life in our community and protects the value of our homes.

Could Measure G funding be taken by the State?  No funds could be taken by the State or used for purposes other than those specified in the bond measure. All funds from the bond measure would benefit FUSD schools only.

How much would this measure cost?  Measure G will raise $44 million for school improvements and is estimated to cost $50 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed (not market) value, or about $112 a year for a typical homeowner for as long as bonds are outstanding. 

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?  The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of property is generally based on the last purchase price and may not increase to reflect inflation by more than 2% a year. Market value, on the other hand, is based on market conditions and tends to grow at a much faster rate. 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 upon which the cost of a bond measure is based.

How many votes does Measure G need to pass? In order to pass, Measure G must be supported by 55% of those who cast a vote on the measure in the March election. It is critical we all take the time to vote Yes in this election to maintain high-quality local schools.

Who can vote on Measure G? All registered voters living within the Fowler School District boundaries can vote on Measure G.

When can I vote Yes on Measure G? Measure G will be on the March 5, 2024 ballot. All registered voters in Fowler Unified School District will receive a ballot in the mail in early February. You may cast your ballot by mail in this election, place it in a drop box, or vote in-person at a designated vote center. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote Yes on G, follow the instructions to sign and date the outer envelope and place it in the mail or deliver your ballot right away.

How can I register to vote or learn more about voting? You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting, please contact the Fresno County Registrar of Voters at 559-600-5956 or visit the Fresno County ROV website.