Measure K

Measure K is a ballot initiative, approved by 71 percent of voters in November 2008, which makes available $1.2 billion from property taxes to build, renovate and improve schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. The funds come from issuance of a series of bonds to occur four to six times in about ten years.

Since the measure was approved, steady progress is being made to reconfigure and rehabilitate Long Beach Unified School District's aging schools. The funds made available by Measure K has been budgeted to address the most critical building needs of the district.

These needs, identified in the Facility Master Plan and Technology Master Plan, were prioritized through a weighing of numerous factors, including regulatory and building code compliance, technology needs, educational program enhancements, enrollment shifts, school site capacity and utilization, condition of existing structures, board recommendations and equity.

The first new school to be built with Measure K funds, Nelson Academy in Signal Hill, opened in fall 2012. McBride High School, the first of a number of small high schools being planned, opened in fall 2013. Since then, new construction at Newcomb Academy, Roosevelt Elementary School, Sato Academy, Browning High School and Jordan High School have been completed. In addition, modernization of Renaissance High is nearing completion, while Wilson and Polytechnic High Schools have renovated auditoriums opening in 2017. Dozens of other projects, such as the Cabrillo High School aquatic center and new all-weather fields at most high schools and middle schools are being funded by Measure K.

Districtwide projects, such as old portable removable, wi-fi, alarms, bells, security systems and boiler replacements are also being completed.

Measure K funds are subject to strict accountability requirements, including a public expenditure plan, independent annual audits and review of all spending by an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. No money can be spent on administrator salaries, and all funds must be used locally to improve neighborhood schools.