Measure B, the facilities bond placed on the June 7 primary election ballot by the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), appears to have passed with 56.33% of the vote. Alameda Forward, which ran the campaign for Measure B, is delighted to announce that with all votes counted, Alameda voters approved this crucial funding for Alameda schools.

Measure B will provide $298 million to provide significant upgrades to Otis Elementary School; modernize classrooms and construct full-size gymnasiums at Lincoln and Wood Middle Schools; build a new pool at Alameda High School; improve athletic fields at both Alameda and Encinal high schools, and upgrade performance spaces across the district, among other things. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters certified the results on July 7.

“We are so grateful to the residents of Alameda for their support in making sure our students for generations to come will have safe and up-to-date schools,” said Ryan LaLonde, co-chair of Alameda Forward Yes on B. “This was always about building a stronger Alameda, and Alameda turned out strong to make it happen. I want to thank the many volunteers who phone-banked, texted, door knocked, and donated to make sure that everyone in Alameda knew the benefits that Measure B would bring. This was a community effort, and we are so thankful for the support of our local businesses, organizations, parents, and local leaders.”

Measure B will provide funding to continue the work of Measure I, a facilities bond that was passed in 2014 and funded the restoration of Historic Alameda High School, the transformation of Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School, fencing and security systems at AUSD’s elementary schools, a new music room at Lincoln Middle School, and many other upgrades.

“Until the California Legislature makes funding public education a priority, local jurisdictions will continue to be asked to bridge the funding gap in order to ensure that our students have access to 21st century learning,” said Jennifer Williams, AUSD school board president and co-chair of Alameda Forward. “The passage of Measure B reflects the Alameda community’s steadfast commitment to our public schools and to our kids. On behalf of the Measure B campaign, we are deeply grateful to the voters who supported this measure and who value learning environments where all of our students and staff can thrive.”

Editor’s note: The Alameda Unified School District officials also made statements on the passing of Measure B.

Modern Classrooms, Updated Infrastructure
Alameda Unified School District
“Research shows that the environments in which our students learn greatly influence their experiences and outcomes,” says Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi. “The 2014 Measure I bond program made it possible for us to provide modern classrooms at our high schools and updated infrastructure at our elementary schools. I am incredibly excited to see how Measure B will now allow us to transform our middle schools, athletic facilities, and performance spaces, too.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Alameda community for approving this measure,” said Williams. “The state currently provides no funding for facilities for school districts, which means districts have to turn to their local communities to fund even basic repairs and upgrades, never mind constructing new buildings. AUSD students and staff deserve safe, modern, effective learning environments. Our community’s continued support enables us to provide that.”

The full list of projects, as well as more background on AUSD’s Facilities Master Plan, was included in the January 25 presentation to the Board of Education. To read the presentation, visit https://tinyurl.com/5wr98m4e.