Current District Bond Initiatives- November 2026 ballot
Exeter Unified School District
Frequently Asked Questions Handout
Although it appears that our schools are in good shape based on achievements by our students, our classrooms and facilities need repairs. Faced with aging schools across the District and the need to bring school facilities up to current standards, the Exeter Unified School District is considering placing a general obligation bond measure on the November 2026 ballot, which would modernize and renovate our aging schools.
The following information is provided to assist voters in understanding the facts behind the proposed measure and how its passage will affect the District and our community.
What is the proposed measure?
The proposed measure is a $23.0 million general obligation (G.O.) bond program. This measure is intended to address the needs of the student population through modernization projects at the District’s seven schools.
What is a G.O. bond?
G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new schools and classrooms. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over 25 to 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property - residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial - located within the District’s boundaries.
Why is the District considering placing a measure on the ballot?
Our school facilities are outdated, and upgrades and renovations need to be made. While facilities have been well maintained, old classrooms must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st-century educational and technological standards. A local school improvement measure would allow the District to improve the quality of the school facilities and education provided to local students.
Why can’t the District meet its facilities needs with its current budget?
Today, the scope of improvements needed in the Exeter Unified School District is far more than the current funding sources available. The per pupil funding which the District receives from the state is intended to be used for the day-to-day business of educating students and not the cost of upgrading, modernizing, and repairing facilities.
How did the District come up with the project list for the proposed measure?
Over the last several months, with input from staff, teachers, parents and community leaders, the District has prepared a School Facilities Needs Analysis. The analysis identifies the major repairs and upgrades that need to be made.
Specific projects identified include:
- Repairing or replacing leaky roofs
- Replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
- Modernizing/renovating outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities, including science labs
- Making health, safety and security improvements
- Improving the pool at Exeter High School, including installing a cover structure
What will the passage of the proposed measure mean for our students and the community?
The proposed measure will provide our students with a better learning environment by making repairs and upgrades to existing classrooms and school facilities, many of which are also used and available to the community.
What will happen if the proposed measure does not pass?
If the proposed measure does not pass, our classrooms and school facilities will continue to deteriorate. In addition, funds that would otherwise go to classroom instruction will be needed to make critical safety repairs and improvements at the schools. Major repairs will need to be postponed and, as a result, will likely be more expensive to make.
What will the proposed measure cost?
The tax rate per property owner is estimated to be $38.70 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The proposed measure will not increase the current annual tax rate. Instead, it will extend the tax rate that property owners are currently paying. (Do not confuse assessed valuation with market value. Assessed valuations are the value placed on property by the County and are almost always lower than market values.) Check your property tax statement for your current assessed valuation.
How can I be sure that funds will be spent on improving our local schools?
By law, all funds have to be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. Furthermore, an independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent. Also, by law, there must be annual audits and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries.