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Measure O will bring an estimated $80 million; district outlines project timeline and priorities
Summary
After voters approved Measure O, facilities staff told the board the district expects roughly $80 million over 5–6 years for modernizations and safety projects, described a timeline for bond issuance and state matching (Proposition 2), and outlined priority sites including Franklin, Stoll and Peterson.
Merced City School District facilities staff told trustees on Dec. 10 that Measure O — approved by voters this fall — will provide roughly $80 million for facility improvements over the next five to six years.
Director of Facilities Brian Behn said the bond passed with voter support above 65% (well over the 55% threshold) and described the near‑term timeline: at the Jan. 14 board meeting staff will ask the board to accept certified election results and to amend the existing bond oversight committee to include Measure O oversight. On March 11 the agenda will include resolutions to authorize bond sales for Measure O and to authorize refinancing of earlier Measure M bonds (the latter is projected to save about $3 million over the repayment period). Staff expects bond sale transactions in April with finalization and the first funds arriving in May or June; refinancing is expected to conclude in August.
Measure O funding is intended to be complemented by state matching funds available under Proposition 2, which district staff said is a $10 billion statewide bond with $8.5 billion targeted to K‑12 modernization that districts may apply to for reimbursements when projects are complete.
Project updates and priorities: staff reported approximately $30 million in current facility‑dedicated funds, with roughly $9.5 million already targeted to specific projects and about $20 million unobligated. Current work includes Franklin Elementary Phase 3 (in DSA review, hoping to break ground in spring for completion in early 2026), the operational services support center (offices and data rooms under construction) and consolidation of warehouse operations. The district plans to prioritize modernization funding for Stoll, Peterson, Gracie Reyes and Crookshank; several sites are near state modernization caps and were prioritized to avoid losing eligibility as costs rise.
Trustee questions focused on geographic equity and long‑term planning. Trustee Lacaretti asked how the plan aligns with growth in North Merced and where new school construction fits in the five‑ to ten‑year strategic planning horizon. Superintendent and facilities staff said the recently approved facilities master plan and enrollment projections will guide phased work and that planning for a new North Merced school is part of long‑range work.
No action was required on Dec. 10; staff said bond‑authorization and related resolutions will come to the board in January and March as described.
