Local Funding
We Want to Hear from You!
Fowler Unified School District welcomes your comments and questions as it evaluates the needs of our local schools. To voice your opinions and share your priorities for FUSD, please take this survey. Continue reading to learn more about FUSD’s funding needs.
Repairing Aging Schools to Meet Today’s Safety and Educational Standards
While FUSD strives to meet the needs of our community and students, most of our schools were built more than 60 years ago and don’t meet modern building and safety codes. Classrooms and science labs are outdated, and some contain hazardous materials including asbestos and lead pipes, while others need to be retrofitted for earthquake safety.
Locally Controlled Funding for School Upgrades
To ensure all students have access to safe and modern educational facilities, the FUSD Board of Education is considering placing a $44 million school improvement bond measure on the March 5, 2024 ballot. A potential measure would be limited to $60 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed (not market) value, or about $112 a year for a typical homeowner. Funds from the potential measure could be used to:
- Provide the classrooms, facilities and technology needed to support high quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology
- Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes from older school sites, where encountered
- Improve access for students with disabilities
- Upgrade labs and career technical facilities to prepare students for college and in-demand careers in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology, and skilled trades
- Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, and old plumbing, sewer, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems
Fiscal Accountability and Oversight Required
Any potential school bond measures would include strict fiscal accountability protections to ensure responsible management of locally controlled funds, including:
- A detailed project list indicating projects that could be funded with Board of Education approval
- Public disclosures of all spending would be required
- A citizens’ oversight committee and independent audits would be required
- All money raised by the measure would be controlled locally and could not be taken by the State
Learn More!
To learn more about steps FUSD is taking to plan for the future of our neighborhood schools, take a look at the links below. You may also share your thoughts and priorities by taking our survey.