Questions about the Measure
» What is Measure G?
Measure G is a $349 million Proposition 39 bond measure approved on November 2, 2010, by registered voters living within the Ohlone Community College District. Bond funds can be used for the renovation of classrooms/science laboratories, acquiring up-to-date classroom technology, upgrading for earthquake/fire safety and improving disabled access. Bond funds cannot be used for faculty, staff, or administrator salaries.
» Why was Measure G needed?
State funding for community colleges is very low when compared to the funding California State University and University of California campuses receive. In addition, this funding is uncertain and can drop from one year to the next. In order to continue to meet student needs, modernize decades-old classrooms and buildings, and develop new programs and facilities, Ohlone needs a stable source of local funding. Measure G provides that funding, and allows the College to leverage those funds when alternative, state and federal funds are available.
» Who pays for Measure G?
Property owners living within incorporated and unincorporated areas of the District will see a separate tax on their property tax bills.
Questions about the Committee
» Who Appoints Members to the Committee?
The publicly elected Board of Trustees of Ohlone Community College District appoints members to the Committee. Members serve for two-year terms. While the Board selects members, the Committee is independent and is required by law to act in the best interests of the public and to issue annual reports to the Board and the community.
Questions about the Projects
» How will you decide what projects to include on your final plan?
The District Facilities Master Plan will be the guiding document. The plan includes input from faculty, staff, student, consultants and community input and is vetted through the collegial process. From the Master Plan a Board of Trustee approved Master Project List is defined and updated as needed. We will continue to refine our projects to best fit the needs of the communities we serve.
» Why would the college be renovated or undergo areas of new construction, rather than repaired “as is”?
Third-party evaluations were conducted and have indicated that issues exist with several of the current facilities. The Facilities Planning Committee also highlighted areas of concern. As there are a number of infrastructure issues (electrical, plumbing, heating, structural, etc.), replacement is more cost-effective than repair in certain areas.
» Why wouldn’t these facility renovations & repairs be addressed through the district’s operating budget?
Funding for capital construction, scheduled maintenance and equipment was limited prior to the California budget crisis and was part of a separate Capital Outlay program administered through the State Chancellor’s Office, Facilities Division. With the current crisis, the general operating budgets of the community colleges in California are even further constrained and the capital outlay program is virtually “on hold” until funding become available. Local bond funds are the primary available funding source to upgrade and improve community colleges at this time in California.
Questions about Expenditures
» Would any of the funding go towards teacher, staff or aide salaries?
No. The money would be used for facility construction costs only.
» What changes has the Ohlone District made that would improve the way that facility capital dollars are spent?
The district has retained a Program Manager to assist in the process of defining its long-range facility needs, as well as provide oversight and management of facilities construction. Additionally, the Board has established a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee to oversee and insure that all expenditures of bond funds are appropriate and in accordance with the ballot language for the bond program.
» Is there any other type of funding available?
No. Community colleges have historically been under funded in the State of California. All community colleges have faced ongoing cutbacks due to the state budget crisis, and funding to many of our essential programs has been cut. In tough economic times, our local community colleges become more important than ever as a resource for local residents who want to expand their job skills to compete in a tough job market.
» What is the fiscal track record of the school district?
- The $150M Measure A General Obligation Bond Program was approved by voters in 2002. This program provided a permanent facility in Newark, a new Student Services Center in Fremont and supported several renovation and infrastructure projects. This bond program will be complete in 2012/13.
- The 2002 bond measure leveraged state matching funds for additional construction funding and should state grants be available again, passing Measure G should provide benefits as well.
General Questions/Misc.
» I have a concern about a project/expenditure/other issue. Who can I contact?
Please use the contact page and fill out the form. Your message will be directed to the appropriate person and will be addressed accordingly.
» I do not know anyone who attends Ohlone Community College District. How would these improvements affect me?
Ensuring that Ohlone remains accessible to our area’s growing population, as well as meeting the needs of modern students, will benefit all members of our community. Ohlone’s job training and certificate programs are offered at a fraction of the cost of state systems, giving local residents the opportunity to receive affordable, quality education close to home and thus keeping a skilled trained workforce in our community and boosting our local economy.