Frequently Asked Questions
Measure BB on the November 6, 2012 ballot is a $79 million general obligation (G.O.) bond measure that will provide funding for classroom and school facility improvements througout the Bellflower Unified School District. The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind Measure BB and how its passage will affect the District and the community.
Measure BB will improve our classrooms and school facilities in the District by:
- Expanding District vocational education programs and facilities including welding, automotive technology, medical and health technology, and construction trades
- Upgrading classroms with up-to-date computers and technology
- Repairing aging school classrooms and facilities throughout the District
- Replacing outdated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems
- Upgrading and improving physical education facilities and programs
- Making restrooms and classrooms handicap accessible
- Repairing and replacing leaky roofs
Why is Measure BB needed?
Many schools and facilities need to be repaired, updated, and expanded to provide students with better tools to compete in today's world. Computers and technology need to be upgraded, vocational education programs and facilities need to be expanded, and leaky roofs need to be replaced. Improved schools will give local children the best chance for success as well as maintain the quality of our community.
What is Measure BB?
Measure BB is a $79 million general obligation bond program intended to help the District repair, construct, update, improve, and expand classrooms and school facilities throughout the District.
What is a general obligation bond?
G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new classrooms and facilities. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over a period of time. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural - located in the District.
Who can vote on Measure BB?
All registered voters living within the Bellflower Unified School District boundaries will be able to vote on Measure BB as long as they are registered by October 22, 2012
How much will Measure BB cost?
The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $51.85 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year or less than $4.35 a month per $100,000 of assessed valuation. (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value. Assessed valuations are the value placed on the property by the County and are almost always lower than market values).
Can these bond funds be taken by the State?
No. By law, these bond funds must be spent entirely within the Bellflower Unified School District and cannot be taken by the state and spent elsewhere.
Why can't the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
The majority of the District's budget is dedicated to educational needs based on State mandated curriculum requirements. As a result, there has been a lack of funding for classroom and school facility improvements. The scope of needed projects far exceeds the District's general fund budget for facility improvements.
How can I be sure that Measure BB funds will be spent on improving our schools?
As required by law, and independent citizens' oversight committee will be established to ensure that the funds are properly spent. Also by law, there must be annual audits and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.