School and District Facilities Bond Program

Over the years, Redlands Unified School District voters have demonstrated a strong commitment to public education by approving a series of bond measures aimed at improving school facilities, enhancing student safety, and supporting 21st-century learning environments.

Past and Current Bond Measures

Measure M (1993), Measure R (2002), Measure J (2008), and Measure D (2024) have provided critical funding to upgrade and modernize school facilities across the District. Collectively, these measures have supported:

Replacement of outdated portable classrooms with permanent buildings
Seismic retrofitting to improve earthquake resilience
Accessibility improvements in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Renovation of classrooms, restrooms, libraries, and science labs
Upgrades to fire alarm systems, emergency communication, and campus security
Expansion of green schoolyards and energy-efficient infrastructure

Measure D (2024) – $500 Million Bond Program

The most recent voter-approved initiative, Measure D, was passed in 2024 with a $500 million authorization. This bond measure represents a significant investment in the future of Redlands USD and was designed to address aging facilities, support enrollment growth, and prepare students for college and careers. Key priorities include:

Modern Learning Environments: Renovating classrooms and learning spaces to support project-based learning, STEM instruction, and digital integration
Technology Infrastructure: Enhancing network speed and connectivity, classroom technology, and cybersecurity systems
Health & Safety Enhancements: Improving HVAC systems, ventilation, fencing, lighting, and emergency preparedness tools
Student Wellness & Nutrition: Upgrading kitchen facilities and dining areas to better support student meal programs and health standards
Sustainability & Efficiency: Expanding solar energy usage, green building practices, and water conservation efforts
Future Growth & Staffing: Preparing sites for future enrollment demands and exploring solutions for affordable teacher and staff housing

Fiscal Transparency & Oversight

To ensure public trust and accountability, RUSD maintains a Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee. The committee monitors expenditures, verifies compliance with bond objectives, and reviews annual audits and progress reports—all of which are made publicly available on the District’s bond website.

FAQs

What is a General Obligation bond and why do school districts need to issue bonds?

General obligation (G.O.) bonds fund facilities improvement projects, such as the renovation of existing school facilities and classrooms, as well as new school and classroom construction. Voters must approve a ballot measure to authorize the school district to sell bonds to pay for necessary renovations and upgrades. Bonds are sold and then repaid over a multi-year period. Voters agree to property based taxes to fund the bond repayment.

Local general obligation bonds are the primary financing tool used by California school districts to construct and improve school facilities. Most California school district general operating budgets – including RUSD – do not have sufficient funds to pay for major facilities improvements, which include everything from seismic upgrades, ADA accessibility, and technology infrastructure, to core building functions like bathrooms, heating and cooling systems, and school kitchens.

Many of RUSD's schools are very old. They require extensive repairs and upgrades and were built in a different era of education. Although some classrooms and facilities were updated with past bond measures, many more need repairs.

What level of support is required to pass a school bond measure?

What is the typical process for a bond project?

Modernization projects occur in phases. The following are the phases that typically make up the the process.

1. Assembling the project team: Select RUSD project manager, Architect, and others to help facilitate the process

2. Assessment phase: Gather information and feedback from many stakeholders, assess the existing conditions to develop a scope of work, and estimate the cost. Refine scope and budget as needed.

3. Design phase: The architect leads a team to develop the design for the school based on the scope of work and submits the plan to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for approval. There are 3 sub-phases:

Schematic Design: create a concept design from the scope of work
Design Development: refine the design with more details and drawings
Construction Documents: prepare complete package, including all details and documents for permit approval

4. Bidding + Construction phase: The District advertises a bid package and a construction company is hired to perform the work.

5. Build the project!

How does a school bond get paid off? How do school bonds impact local tax payments?

How will a bond measure support student achievement?

The physical environments in which students learn significantly impacts their educational experiences. Safe, comfortable, and well-designed facilities have a positive effect on student performance, attendance, and reduced disciplinary problems.

Bond measures allow RUSD to continue to invest in repairs to address student comfort and to learn in safe and modern spaces.

RUSD is also committed to learning environments that support a 21st century education and high-quality math, science, and art programs. School classrooms, labs, and learning technology need to be modernized so that we can meet today’s standards for academic success.

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