The Visalia Chamber of Commerce and Visalia Unified School District invite the community to a Community Conversation on Measure Z on Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the El Diamante High School Theater. This informational meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about Measure Z, VUSD’s facilities bond measure on the November 3 General Election ballot, and the facility needs it is intended to address.

The VUSD Board of Trustees unanimously approved placing Measure Z on the ballot following several years of facilities planning and community feedback. Most VUSD schools are more than 50 years old, and facility assessments have identified more than $600 million in long-term repairs and upgrades, including approximately $180 million in needs within the next one to five years.

Proposed projects include repairing aging roofs and infrastructure, meeting modern health and safety codes, improving accessibility for students with disabilities, removing hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead pipes, replacing aging portable classrooms, and continuing to provide safe drinking water.

If approved, the $158 million bond would cost property owners $40 per $100,000 of assessed value. Funds would remain local and could only be used for voter-approved facility projects, with independent audits and a Citizens’ Oversight Committee providing additional accountability.

VUSD is grateful for the community’s previous investment through Measures E and A and remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and maximizing the community’s investment.

Join us to learn more, ask questions, and get the information you need to better understand Measure Z.