Newman-Crows Landing USD schools are among our most important publicly owned assets and are connected to the community’s prosperity. They teach our children critical skills, prepare students for success in college and the workplace and protect the value of local homes.

When there are school facilities capable of supporting modern programs serving all students, our community becomes a more desirable place to live and conduct business, benefitting property owners with increased demand in the real estate markets and generally higher property values.

As a resident of the district and serving as its Chief Business Official, I have a first-hand view of how improvements to school facilities benefit students and the greater community. I, along with the District Superintendent, the District Board of Trustees, and other members of the district executive cabinet, are each charged with the responsibility for ensuring that these publicly owned schools and classrooms are well-maintained, updated, protected and able to serve students for years into the future.

The District’s Board and administrators are required to plan for future facilities’ needs. In 2000, there were only 2,000 students in the district, but by 2020, District enrollment had grown to over 3,200—a 60% increase.

Adding to the challenge, school buildings, like homes, age with time and require constant maintenance. However, the cost of these repairs far exceeds what the state budget provides for the district or what the district can set aside for major repairs or new projects.

These two factors—increasing student enrollment and natural wear and tear—are often why school districts must turn to voters to approve local funding measures. These measures, known as general obligation or G.O. bonds, provide funding for capital improvements, rehabilitation, new construction and technology upgrades.

Within the last 20 years, District voters have approved bond measures which have successfully funded several important facilities projects in the district, including:

• A new middle school, elementary school (TK-5), and Adult Education Center

• Modernization of Bonita Elementary

• Completion of Barrington library

• District-wide classroom upgrades, including heating, air conditioning, and roofing

• A pool, tennis and pickleball complex at Orestimba High School, available for public use outside school hours at set times

• New classrooms at Yolo Middle School, a multi-purpose room at Von Renner, and restrooms at Hunt Elementary

Furthermore, the District has a track record of leveraging local bond funds to enable it to secure millions of dollars in state matching funds, helping the district to complete more critical projects.

Measures S and T were placed on the November 5, 2024, ballot by the District Board to provide District students with facilities conducive to high levels of academic achievement in safe, healthy environments. If approved by at least 55% of votes cast, Measure S will provide $30 million, and Measure T will provide $27 million in bond funds for critical repairs and improvement projects.

Bonds are secured by ad valorem levies which are projected to be less than $45 per measure, for the term bonds are outstanding. If approved, the bonds will help the district address needs not covered by previous bonds, such as the next phase of upgrades at Von Renner Elementary, a new classroom building at Orestimba High School and athletic facility improvements, among other projects.

Measures S and T both include transparency in spending. If voters approve the bonds, a Citizen’s Oversight Committee will ensure the funds are used as promised, and an independent audit firm will review the spending each year to ensure the money is spent correctly.

The District has a past record of managing bond funds responsibly by securing competitive bids, refinancing into lower interest rates, and completing projects on time.

Measures S and T will help the district continue this progress for its current and future students and the greater community.

Caralyn Mendoza

Assistant Superintendent-Chief Business Official

Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District