A Letter from Superintendent Kirsten Vital
Dear CUSD Community:
For more than 50 years, Capistrano Unified School District students have been prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world because of the high-caliber education they receive. CUSD is committed to the success of our students, building and strengthening their skills to excel in 21st century careers.
It is essential that we maintain safe and healthy learning environments for our students in order for them to continue to learn and grow. Many of our schools were built nearly 80 years ago and are in urgent need of modernization and upgrades. Following the recommendation of the Community Committee on School Classrooms and Campus Facilities, on August 10, 2016, during their regularly scheduled public meeting, the Board of Trustees will consider placing an SFID bond measure on the November 8, 2016 ballot that would provide up to $889 million to fund necessary improvements and investments in District schools.
The potential bond would cost property owners approximately $43 per each $100,000 of a property’s assessed value (not market value), per year, and would address the following five key priorities:
- Fund Necessary Repairs and Upgrades: This includes removing asbestos, fire safety upgrades, replacing leaky roofs, making schools clean and safe, and ensuring drinking water safety for our students and faculty well into the future.
- Upgrade Classroom Technology: These investments in our computer systems, science labs, maker spaces and career technical training rooms will enable our students to compete in a twenty-first century economy.
- Prioritize Funding: All schools throughout the District will receive funding for repairs and upgrades, and the schools with the greatest need will be addressed first. Our School Facility and Finance Advisory Committee, with representation from all areas of the District, will assist the Board of Trustees in making these important decisions.
- Ensure Student Safety: Funds will allow our schools to make basic security upgrades that will help to keep our children safe.
- Include Strong Accountability and Transparency: Any potential bond measure must include an annual independent financial and performance audit, as well as an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee to review and report how funds are being used.
A sound education will impact students’ lives well beyond their time at CUSD, and we
remain committed to providing each student with the groundwork they need to become successful leaders in our communities.
We appreciate your voice and participation in this discussion. For more information, please visit our website.
Sincerely,
Kirsten Vital
Superintendent
