Measure G School Bond

The Ackerman Charter School District has been providing excellent educational services to local students since its formation in 1895. Currently there are 608 students at Bowman Charter School and the hard work and dedication of teachers and staff is a key element of our collective success. However, to continue this legacy of quality education in the Bowman area, our school needs major renovations and upgrades.

While our facilities have been well maintained over the years, our school needs repairs and renovations. Bowman Charter School has many portable classrooms that are more than 25 years old and are in continuous need of repairs. These buildings struggle to meet the educational learning environment the Bowman community is accustomed to. Faced with this growing need, the ACSD Board of Trustees decided to place Measure G, a school improvement general obligation (G.O.) bond measure, on the November 5, 2024 ballot to fund the modernization of our aging school.

The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind the measure and how its passage will affect the district and our community. Please take a moment to review the FAQ, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Kristin Wells

Superintendent/Principal

What is Measure G?

Measure G is a $4.0 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program. This measure is intended to address the needs of the student population through modernization and renovation projects at Bowman Charter School.

What is a General Obligation (G.O.) bond?

G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new schools and classrooms. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over 25 to 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property - residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial - located within the district’s boundaries.

Why did the district place Measure G on the ballot?

Some of our school facilities are outdated, and upgrades and renovations need to be made. While facilities have been well maintained, old classrooms must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st century educational and technological standards. A local school improvement measure would allow the district to improve the quality of the school facilities and education provided to local children by building new permanent classrooms and replacing aging portable buildings.

What other bond measures has the district attempted in the past?

Ackerman Charter School District has never attempted to pass a bond in its 129 year history. Our facilities have been built because our Board of Trustees has been fiscally responsible over the years and made sure there are resources available to take on these large projects.

Why can’t the district meet its facilities needs with its current budget?

Today, the scope of improvements needed in the Ackerman Charter School District is far more than the current funding sources available. The per-pupil funding the district receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating children, not the costs of upgrading and modernizing facilities.

How did the district come up with the project list for Measure G?

In 2015-16 the Bowman community completed a facilities master plan, “Bowman 2025”. That plan included several projects and phases to continue to provide our students with a first-class learning environment, as well as providing spaces for our community to hold events. More recently surveys completed by staff, and in-district and out-of-district parents as well as input from architects provided a more focused list of priorities. The plan identifies the major projects that need to be completed.

Specific projects identified include:

• Modernizing/constructing classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities – in the projected plan is another two-story building, however with our growing population and needs this may include a second building as well.

• Continued upgrades, and replacement of outdated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. These upgrades happen continuously with multiple HVAC systems being replaced, the replacement of roofs on the small MP, first and second grade wings in the summer of 2023.

• Upgrading playgrounds and playfields for school and community use

• Improving energy-efficiency, including installing solar panels

What will the passage of Measure G mean for our students and the community?

Measure G will provide our students with a better learning environment by building new facilities and making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities; many of which are also used by and available to the community, such as the gymnasium and playing fields.

What will happen if Measure G does not pass?

If the measure does not pass, our classrooms and school facilities will continue to deteriorate. In addition, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction and the needs of the students, will be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at the school. Consequently, major repairs will need to be postponed, and as a result, will likely be more expensive to make.

What will Measure G cost?

The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $26.85 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value. Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are lower than market values). Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.

How can I be sure that funds will be spent on improving our school?

By law, all funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. Furthermore, an independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent. Also, by law, there must be annual audits, and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.