14651 / 67.8% Yes votes ...... 6938 / 32.1% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

If the measure is passed, the money will be used "to repair middle schools in Salinas and to improve safety and relieve overcrowding by

• refurbishing deteriorated walls, classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, and restrooms
• improving campus security
• upgrading technology access
• replacing decayed portable classrooms, removing asbestos, completing construction at Harden and La Paz Middle Schools by building a new middle school."

HOW MUCH WILL EACH MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEIVE?

The plan is to allot the money as follows:

El Sausal $4.3 million
Washington MS $4.5 million
La Paz $7.1 million
A new Middle School $14.6 million
Harden 6.3 million

WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM?

The bonds will be paid for by a tax on property owners who live in the District. Property includes houses, apartment complexes, and commercial property. The amount of money each owner pays depends on the value of the property, or what is known as assessed valuation. The amount has been estimated from $27.22 to $28.93 (for an average of $28.15) for each $100,000 of assessed valuation, for a period of time not to exceed forty years.

Summary of Arguments FOR Measure M:

• Measure M addresses real and urgent safety, health, growth, and modernization needs
• Our investment in good schools through Measure M means higher property values.
• Delay will result in more overcrowding, and affect students' access to new technologies.
• The total school environment will be enhanced by expanded libraries, additional classrooms, removal of hazardous materials, improved security,

Summary of Arguments AGAINST Measure M:

• Measure M is really about more taxes for things that will be obsolete in a few years.
• Repairs and upgrades have already been done and new classrooms have been added.
• We should teach our children not to borrow. Improvements should be paid for with current revenue.
• But if necessary the district can borrow money without a tax increase or voter approval.

The Californian

• 10/28/02-District Banks on Measure M
• 9/10/02-Measure M Backers Going Door-to-Door

• 11/3/02-Salinas, Spreckels Schools Appeal to Voters