FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Measure L

What is Measure L? 

Measure L will provide dedicated, locally controlled funding to repair and update North Monterey County Unified School District (NMCUSD) schools and facilities to meet current safety and academic standards. All funds generated by Measure L must be used in NMCUSD schools and cannot be taken by the state. 

Why do we need Measure L?

Many NMCUSD classrooms and school facilities are over 60 years old and require repairs and upgrades to meet current school safety and building codes. Schools built decades ago were designed for a different era of education and to outdated safety and instructional standards. 

Some buildings have hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead pipes, and others have extensive dry rot and termite damage. Some of our schools were built so long ago that underground clay and cast-iron pipes and infrastructure are failing, resulting in gas leaks, water leaks, drainage problems, flooding, and sewage backups. Additionally, some buildings aren’t accessible to students with disabilities. 62 portable classrooms at our schools are more than 20 years old and falling apart, many of which have structural damage and leaks that lead to mold. Last year alone, there were 32 roof leaks on our school campuses. 

Measure L is the first step towards upgrading our schools to support the education journey of local students.  

How will voting Yes on Measure L improve our local schools? 

Voting Yes on Measure L will:

• Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes, and replace wood and support beams that have extensive dry rot

• Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems 

• Upgrade and replace failing HVAC systems in classrooms and school buildings 

• Upgrade older schools to meet current health and safety codes and be accessible to all students 

How do we know Measure L funds will be spent wisely?

Measure L includes strict mandatory accountability requirements that ensure the funds are spent as promised, including:

• Local Control: All funds must be dedicated solely to NMCUSD classrooms 

• Transparency: A specific project list must be provided to show exactly how the funds will be used

• Public Oversight: An Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and annual independent financial audits are legally mandated. These meetings are open to the public and anyone can attend.  

• Protection of Funds: No funds can be spend on administrator salaries, benefits, or pensions 

Will Measure L funds be used for administrator salaries and pensions?

No. By law, no funds from Measure L may be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions. Funds may only be used to repair and upgrade NMCUSD schools and other facilities.  

Does NMCUSD have a detailed plan for the use of funds from Measure L? 

Over the past year, the District created a Facilities Master Plan (FMP) to provide a roadmap for upgrading classrooms and school campus facilities. This process included a thorough needs assessment of all our school classrooms and other school facilities, gathering community feedback, and developing a plan to address facilities needs throughout the District. Through several community meetings and with community input, the District has identified a project list for Measure L to address the most critical needs in our schools. 

How much will Measure L cost?

If passed by voters, Measure L will generate $40 million to upgrade local schools and would cost about $32 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value (not market value) annually while bonds are outstanding. 

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is generally based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% per year under Prop 13, while the market value tends to grow much faster, depending on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is typically lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it would cost today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the repayment cost of a bond measure is based.

Is Measure L the only way to update our schools? 

The District has limited options for making the necessary renovations and upgrades our schools need. The State has been an unreliable partner in funding and provides very limited funding for facilities improvements. 

If passed by local voters, the school improvement bond measure would provide local funding to address the facilities needs at our local schools. In addition, the measure would help our schools qualify for State-matching funds – funds that would otherwise go to other communities. Our District has, and will continue to, pursue State funding whenever we can.

I don’t have children attending local schools. How will Measure L impact me?

Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting local schools is a wise investment that improves our property values and local quality of life. 

Who gets to vote on Measure L? How many votes are needed to win?

All registered voters residing within the North Monterey County Unified School District are eligible to vote on Measure L. To be approved, a bond measure requires “YES” votes from 55% of the votes cast on the measure.

When can I vote YES on Measure L? 

Measure L will be on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Whether or not you normally vote at the polls, all registered voters living in Monterey County will be mailed a ballot the week of October 5th. Once you receive your ballot, vote YES on L, sign and seal the envelope, and mail it back right away. No postage is required. Mail ballots must be postmarked by November 3, 2026.

How can I register to vote or learn more about voting?

You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the Monterey County Elections Department at (831) 796-1499.

How can I get involved or learn more about Measure L?

Our campaign is a bipartisan, grassroots organization of parents and other community leaders dedicated to passing Measure L for local students and our community. Some ways you can help pass Measure L include volunteering some time to spread the word about Measure L, displaying a Yes on Measure L lawn sign at your home, or adding your name to our list of Measure L supporters!