Invest in Fallbrook's future

FALLBROOK – Did you know that Fallbrook High School, at 70+ years old, is the county’s second oldest high school? Along with that status comes aging infrastructure. Fallbrookians have the opportunity to invest in the future of Fallbrook this election by voting yes on the BB facility bond.

This bond will secure much needed funding to modernize the three local high schools, so that all students are able to reap all the benefits of a high-quality education.

Measure BB enables the district to modernize, repair or replace deteriorating roofs, gas, water and electrical systems for classrooms, the aquatic center, restrooms, library and other campus facilities to provide students with a healthy and safe environment, meet current building code and ADA requirements.

As education evolves and utilizes new technology, many new tools and lab systems require updated electrical systems and good internet access. This includes modern, multi-use classrooms which support hands-on science, agricultural science, and robotics along with skilled trade education.

If the school district is unable to provide the most current educational opportunities due to inadequate facilities, it is not able to provide equal access and equity compared to other high schools in the county. Because of these conditions, it may put Fallbrook High School students behind more modernized schools and may limit their ability to meet the current standards for college preparedness or provide important experience for in demand career readiness.

Measure BB projects will be guided by the Fallbrook Union School District Master Facility Plan, so the most urgent facility priorities are met. All funds are locally controlled and oversight provided by an independent bond committee, with parents, community members and staff; including annual audits, ensuring the budget is spent correctly.

To receive community feedback, there were a number of meetings, in addition to monthly school board meetings reviewing school facility needs and adjusting accordingly.

Based on feedback, a $24/$100,000 bond value of home was determined to be the most advantageous. This is approximately $120 per year for an average home in Fallbrook for the duration of 30 years. It is far below the cost of many similar bonds.

However, it still provides enough funding to meet the schools’ needs. Should California Prop 2 pass, as well, Fallbrook High School would be eligible for matching funds. As with all bonds, no money will be utilized for salaries or benefits.

As one can see, funds from 2016 measure AA have been put to good use. The performing arts center and other school rooms received new HVAC, parking lot covers have been installed with solar roofs, auto EV stations will be completed soon. Classrooms received new painting, roofing, electrical and flooring; while sports facilities and public restrooms were upgraded to meet ADA requirements, as well as repairing concrete in many areas on campus.

CTE (Continuing Technical Education) building 400 includes a digital/media room with many outlets and modernized internet access, a classroom for teaching medical sciences (both in collaboration with Palomar College). It also includes the Jr. ROTC room, which works closely with Camp Pendleton Marine Corps.

Buildings 200 & 500, currently under construction, are also part of the CTE program and ATP (Adult Transition Program). All funds are locally controlled and budgets overseen by an independent construction committee, a combination of parents, staff and community members and annual audits. Ensuring funds are properly spent is priority 1.

Measure BB is endorsed by local residents, organizations and the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. When schools have adequate facilities, staff can focus on higher quality education and increased student success bring recognition and awards for their achievements. Families look for these important markers when selecting where to live and raise their children.

Modernization of our high schools encourages families to move to Fallbrook, increasing home values, benefitting the community’s reputation and is crucial to the local economy, ensuring residents shop at local stores and eat at local restaurants.

For details or to see the Master Facility Plan, go to https://www.fuhsd.net/district/district-home. For more details on measure BB, go to: https://www.voteyesonbb.com/. Vote Yes on BB by Nov. 5 to benefit the local high schools, local students, our community at large and invest in the future of Fallbrook.

Submitted by the Yes on BB Committee.