FAQ | Vote Yes on AA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Measure AA?

Measure AA is a bond extension measure which will fund local school repairs and upgrades by extending, but not increasing, the current $22 per $100,000 of assessed value tax rate. It will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

How will Measure AA upgrade aging classrooms and schools?

Measure AA will provide $131 million in locally controlled school funding to:

Repair deteriorating roofs, plumbing, sewer, electrical, and HVAC systems
Improve air conditioning and shade structures for students
Improve campus security with locks, cameras, emergency communications, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers
Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes and improve access for students with disabilities
Upgrade classrooms, labs, technology, and multipurpose rooms for math, science, reading, writing, arts, and music

How do we know funds from Measure AA will be spent wisely?

By law, Measure AA will have fiscal accountability protections required by Proposition 39, including:

All funds remain under local control for LMSVSD schools, and can not be taken by the County, State, or Federal government
No funds could be used for employee salaries other than those directly related to the implementation of the District’s bond program
Citizens’ oversight committee, independent audits, and annual public reports of all spending to ensure funds are spent as promised

Can Measure AA funding be taken by the County, State or Federal government?

No funds can be taken by the County, State or Federal government, or used for other purposes. All funds from the potential bond measure will benefit LMSVSD schools only.

Is there any other way to maintain and update LMSVSD classrooms, buildings, and facilities?

The District has very few options when it comes to funding the necessary repairs and updates that our schools need. The State does not provide funding for school facility updates without local matching funds. Redirecting funds in the current budget takes resources out of classrooms and away from students. Measure AA will provide the funding needed to fix and improve school facilities to ensure we can continue to provide safe and high-quality education for all local students. Passing Measure AA will also allow the District to qualify for tens of millions in state matching funds that will otherwise go to other school districts.

Which local schools will benefit from funding from Measure AA?

Measure AA will provide funding to complete repairs and updates at all school sites in the La Mesa - Spring Valley School District, based on urgency of need.

How can school improvements be funded without increasing tax rates?

A bond measure approved by voters in 2002 is set to expire soon. Measure AA will simply extend the tax rate previously approved by voters to fund additional school repairs and upgrades without increasing tax rates beyond the amount we currently pay.

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 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 a bond measure is based.

I don’t have children attending local schools, how will this impact me?

Even if you do not have school-age children, funding quality education can help improve the quality of life in the community and protect the property value of our homes.

Didn’t we recently pass a bond measure?

In 2020, local voters approved Measure V, a $136 million school improvement bond to address critical facility upgrades needed at schools across the District. While LMSVSD has accomplished a lot with Measure V, most schools are more than 60 years old and need additional repairs and upgrades to support student safety and learning. While Measure V is addressing the most urgent and high priority needs, it was always known that Measure V was just the first phase of upgrades for our aging schools.

What level of support is required to pass Measure AA?

At least 55% of those voters who cast a ballot on Measure AA in the November 3, 2026 election must vote “Yes” in order for it to be approved.

Who is eligible to vote on Measure AA?

All registered voters in the La Mesa - Spring Valley School District are eligible to vote on the bond measure.

How can I get involved or learn more about Measure AA?

Our campaign is a grassroots organization of parents, teachers and other community leaders dedicated to protecting the quality of our local schools. Some ways you can help pass Measure AA include donating to the campaign, displaying a YES on AA lawn sign at your home, and adding your name to our list of Measure AA supporters!