Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Measure H
What is Measure H?
Measure H, on the November 5, 2024 ballot, will provide funding to complete urgent repairs and upgrades at Colfax High School to maintain high quality education for all students. Voting Yes on H would provide locally controlled funding to repair our schools so all students learn in safe and up-to-date classrooms.
Why do we need Measure H?
Colfax High School proudly provides a high-quality education for over 600 students, however, the school was constructed over 60 years ago and requires substantial repairs and upgrades. Many school facilities are deteriorating. Decaying gas and sewage systems and hazardous materials like asbestos have created health and safety issues. Fire safety improvements are needed to keep students safe as wildfires continue to impact our region. Because the State does not provide funding for facilities, Colfax High School cannot update classrooms and facilities to support quality education or improve campus safety without local funding.
What projects will Measure H Fund?
Voting Yes on H will provide the funding for Colfax High School to:
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Maintaining safe drinking water
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Repairing leaky roofs, aging electrical systems, gas and sewer lines, plumbing, and bathrooms
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Ensuring every student learns in classrooms that are clean and safe
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Upgrading science, math, computer, and engineering labs
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Reducing wildfire risk
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Replacing aging and deteriorating portable classrooms
How was Measure H developed and how were classroom needs accessed?
To identify facility improvements needed at Colfax High School, a thorough assessment of all facilities by architects and school construction experts was conducted with input from parents, students, teachers, staff, and the community. This is the basis of our Facilities Master Plan (FMP). If Measure H passes, bond funds will be used to finance the most urgent upgrades and repairs identified in the FMP.
How can I be sure funds from Measure H would be spent as promised?
Measure H includes strict fiscal accountability requirements, including:
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All funds must be used for Colfax High School only and cannot be used for other schools
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Measure H will help Colfax High School qualify for state matching funds that would otherwise go to schools in other communities
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A detailed project list and public disclosure of all spending is required
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An independent citizens' oversight committee and mandatory annual audits ensure all funds are spent as promised
How much does Measure H cost?
Measure H will provide $21 million for repairs and upgrades to Colfax High School and is estimated to cost $30 per each $100,000 of assessed value (not market) annually.
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 based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the cost of Measure H is based.
Would all Measure H funds benefit Colfax High School only?
All funds from this measure will benefit Colfax High School only. Only voters in the Colfax High School attendance area will vote on the measure. Only taxpayers within this area would pay for the measure. No funds could be taken by the State or used for other purposes.
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Will funds from Measure H be used for administrator salaries and pensions?
No. By law, no funds from Measure H can be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions.
I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?
Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment. Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and protect the value of our homes. Additionally, the new facilities will be available to every member of the community for after-school use.
How many votes does Measure H need to pass?
In order to pass, Measure H must be supported by 55% of those who cast a vote on the measure in the November election. It is critical we all take the time to vote YES in this election to maintain high-quality education at Colfax High School.
Who can vote on Measure H?
All registered voters living within the Colfax High School attendance area boundaries can vote on Measure H.
When can I vote Yes on Measure H?
Measure H will be on the November 5, 2024 ballot. All registered voters in the Colfax High School attendance area will receive a ballot in the mail in early October. You may cast your ballot by mail in this election, place it in a drop box, or vote in-person at a designated vote center. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote YES on H, follow the instructions to sign and date the outer envelope, and place it in the mail or deliver your ballot right away.
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 Placer County Registrar of Voters at (530) 886-5650 or visit https://www.placercountyelections.gov/current-elections/.
How can I get involved or learn more about Measure H?
Our campaign is a grassroots organization of parents, teachers, and other community leaders dedicated to passing Measure H for local students. Some ways you can help pass Measure H include donating to the campaign, displaying a YES on H lawn sign at your home, and adding your name to our list of Measure H supporters!
