Frequently Asked Questions

What is Measure U?
Measure U will provide funds to improve our 60+ year old schools and provide a safe and enriched learning environment for our Truckee children. Measure U will also support an increase in Truckee’s student population projected in studies by the District and the Town of Truckee*. As Truckee continues to grow, Measure U will contribute to a sustainable, vital and stable, family-oriented community.

*See TTUSD Facilities Master Plan, August 2007 and Town of Truckee AB1600 Traffic Impact Study, February 2007

Why do we need Measure U?
Truckee is changing and growing. Our future is now. Ensuring our schools provide modernized facilities with 21st century learning opportunities for our children helps our community continue to thrive so that we do not become simply a trendy "resort community". Good schools attract permanent residents who want to raise their children in a safe and healthy community. Good schools increase property values and the desirability of the overall community.

Some of our Truckee schools were built in the 1950s – nearly 60 years ago! The buildings and grounds require significant revitalization to ensure our children are safe, receive a quality education and have up-to-date and appropriate facilities.

Schools are at the center of a thriving community and reach farther than just the children who attend them. Truckee Schools serve many local organizations, senior and religious groups, preschools, and they provide critical emergency shelters in the event of a natural disaster.

Why now?
The school district completed their updated master plan in 2007 identifying the needs for District schools over the next several years. The majority of those needs are at Truckee area school sites, and are a continuation of efforts made with Measure C to expand and renovate Truckee High and Truckee Elementary. The school bond the district seeks to pass can only go on the ballot during years with a general election in the bond area. If we are unable to pass a bond in 2008, it will have to wait until 2010 before we can try again. This will mean dealing with a significant loss of buying power due to inflation. We will either have to do less, or ask for more funding.

How much revenue will Measure U generate for Truckee schools?
When passed, Measure U will generate $93M. The original Measure C property tax assessment will not be exceeded. Measure U will not raise your tax rate above Measure C’s commitment of $48/$100,000 of assessed property value. It will extend the tax rate further into the future (from 2025 to 2051).

Remind me about Measure C…
Measure C was passed in 1999 and began the revitalization of our Truckee schools. Alder Creek Middle School was built entirely with Measure C funds. Improvements to Truckee High:

and Truckee Elementary:

were also funded by Measure C. Measure U funds additional work needed to bring our Truckee schools and campuses to 21st century learning standards while preparing us for future expected growth and alleviating some effects of past growth.

What will Measure U provide our Truckee schools?
Measure U will fund improvements to both Truckee High and Truckee Elementary in three vital areas:

Creating safe and modernized facilities at Truckee High School that includes a 21st century learning environment with multimedia enabled classrooms and an expanded vocational education for students who desire training for living wage jobs; new sports facilities (running track, synthetic turf fields).

Expanded play area and parking and circulation improvements at Truckee Elementary to reduce current overcrowded conditions; centralize the pick-up/drop off area and relieve the parking issues to provide a safe environment for all children arriving and departing the school sites.

Preparing for increasing capacity in our schools to meet Truckee’s projected growth. Our Truckee schools are at capacity today and, contrary to popular belief, Truckee’s enrollment is not expected to decline in the future. Sierra Mountain Middle School will need to serve as an elementary school site and Truckee High cannot accommodate many more students.

Can you tell me more about the specific improvements at each school site?
Yes. Please go to the projects page at www.UforSchools.org which has details on the improvements Measure U will fund at each school site.

How will I know my Measure U funds will be well spent?
School bond oversight is mandatory by law, and a Citizen Oversight Committee will be formed to ensure fiscal responsibility. California State law requires Citizen Oversight Committees to have balanced representation from the community. Measure C has been very successful managing its project expenses with positive feedback from its Citizen Oversight Committee.

When will I see Measure U on my property tax statement?
Once passed, we anticipate Measure U will appear on the 2009 property tax bills. Combined with Measure C it will not exceed the rate voters approved in 1999. While you will have a line item added to your statement, the overall combined financial commitment for voters remains the same as then, at $48/$100,000 of assessed value.

How can I learn more or participate in Measure U’s success?
VOTE on November 4, 2008! Every vote will count. Ensure that your family, friends and colleagues take the time to cast an absentee or in-person ballot in support of Measure U. To learn more or participate in the Measure U campaign:

    • Stop by Sierra Mountain Middle School and view the site plans; contact John Britto, TTUSD Director of Facilities, at 530.582.2540
    • Email your questions to Info@UforSchools.org and we will respond promptly.

    On behalf of the Measure U Campaign committee, we respectfully thank you for your consideration.