District Passes Bond Measure to Provide 21st Century Education

Orange, CA – November 18, 2016 - Orange Unified School District wishes to thank the community for their support of Measure S: Safe Schools, Successful Students. This is the first bond to pass in OUSD, which is the last unified District in Orange County to have a bond approved by voters.

Measure S will provide locally-controlled funds to repair and upgrade the District’s four comprehensive high schools, which are 45-64 years old. In addition to the $288 million in General Obligation Bond funds authorized by voters, the District is now eligible for up to $60 million in state matching funds that would have otherwise gone to other eligible school districts.

Specific projects authorized in Measure S include the addition of classrooms to replace old portables and labs for advanced science courses required for college and university admission, enhancement of instructional technology throughout campus, retrofitting of buildings for earthquake safety, and upgrades to core infrastructure, campus security and emergency systems.

“The passage of Measure S is an outstanding outcome for OUSD students and teachers! These new 21st century learning spaces and modernized science labs will increase educational innovation, creativity and critical thinking, as well as prepare students for the global economy,” commented Deputy Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D.

At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board Facilities Subcommittee recommended Cumming Corporation as the Measure S Program Manager. Cumming will work in collaboration with the architects, construction managers and staff to coordinate and implement Measure S projects, as approved by the Board.

The Board of Education also voted to hire architects to work with staff to develop recommendations for the first phase of work at each campus.

“Measure S will be a game changer in both the educational programs and community pride in our schools,” said Superintendent Michael Christensen.

Orange Unified School District Trustees voted unanimously at the July 21, 2016 Board of Education meeting to place the “District Classroom & Facility Safety, Modernization and Renovation Measure” (Measure S) on the November ballot.