Frequently Asked Questions

What is Measure C?
Measure C is a $20 million general obligation bond measure that will raise local funds to fully complete all planned repair and renovation projects at the schools in the Walnut Creek School District.

Measure C funds will used to:

• Build a new library at the middle school.
• Improve school safety and security systems.
• Renovate and expand fields for school and community use.
• Upgrade technology at each school in the district.

How will I know these bond funds will be spent as planned?
In the November 2000 election, California voters approved changes in the laws governing school bonds. Among the changes was a provision requiring school districts to be much more accountable for how bond funds are spent. As a result, the Walnut Creek School District will be required to appoint an Independent Oversight Committee to monitor the use of the bond funds generated by Measure C, and this committee will be required to report its findings to the community. In addition, the bond funds must be audited on an annual basis.

How much will Measure C cost taxpayers?
Passage of Measure C will not increase current tax rates. Instead, Measure C allow the school district to extend the authorizatios for the district’s existing general obligation bonds, approved previously by local voters.

Will senior citizens be eligible for an exemption from Measure C?
No. State laws that define the structure of general obligation bonds do not provide for exemptions. However, low-income senior citizens may apply to have their taxes deferred, under the provisions of state property tax law.

Can bond funds be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries?
No. By law, a school district can only use bond funds to pay for school construction projects and school facility furnishings and equipment.

Won’t the State provide the districts with the money for these projects?
What about Proposition 1A – won’t these funds cover the projects?
Right now, the State has no money to spend on school renovation and construction. State funding for schools has been severely weakened during the recent economic downturn. In addition, all money raised from Proposition 1A has been allocated and spent. The Walnut Creek School District successfully applied for and received $7 million in Proposition 1A funds. The district used these funds for ongoing renovation projects.

What about Proposition 47, the state bond measure on the November ballot?
Will our local schools be eligible for any of these funds?
Under current State rules, the Walnut Creek School District will not be eligible to receive funds from the passage of the state bond measure. Only by passing Measure C on November 5th will the school district have the funds needed to complete all planned repair and renovation projects at the schools.

What is the difference between a bond and a parcel tax?
Bonds are used to raise funds for school construction and renovation projects. Bond funds cannot be used to pay for classroom programs. Parcel taxes, on the other hand, raise local funds to support classroom programs and to provide small classes for students.

What about State lottery funds?
State law expressly prohibits schools from using lottery funds for school construction projects (CA Government Code Section 8880.5).