Measure B Passes, Giving New Funds to Alameda Schools

On July 6th, 2022, Measure B passed in Alameda, giving schools the funds for vital repairs and upgrades. The measure passed by an extremely tight margin, with just over 56% of voters agreeing with the bond. This means that while the measures victory was much celebrated by its proponents, almost half of the Alameda community was left unhappy.

The measure will fund a series of improvements and upgrades to schools in Alameda, such as building new classrooms, auditoriums, and gyms, as well as improving athletic facilities, modernizing science labs, and even replacing outdated plumbing and heating systems to save water and energy.

“AUSD students and staff deserve safe, modern, effective learning environments.” says Board of Education President Jennifer Williams. “Our community’s continued support enables us to provide that.”

Just Encinal Jr & Sr High school in itself will have the funds to build a new cafeteria, a new performing arts theater, and a new gym and track, all of which are much anticipated by the student body.

Reanna Soltero, rising Encinal senior, reacts to the measure being passed, saying “I am very excited for these new and improved areas to be built at our school. I think we deserve a better track and gym for our athletes.”

However, controversy over the measure arose due to the fact that taxpayers will pay a total of $515 million, but only $291 million will go directly into the schools, the other half going to banks in order to pay off AUSD’s debts. People opposing the bill argue that parcel taxes would raise just as much money for schools as well as save taxpayers money by avoiding paying the banks.

“[Measure B’s] proponents are not being honest with the voters.” stated an anti measure B op-ed in the Alameda Sun. “100% of your taxes should go to our schools.”

Financial complexities aside, most would agree that these funds are much needed by Alameda schools, and will go far in making facilities nicer, safer, and better able to aid Alameda’s student population as they learn and grow.

“The environments in which our students learn greatly influence their experiences and outcomes,” says Board of Education Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi. “I am incredibly excited to see how Measure B will now allow us to transform our middle schools, athletic facilities, and performance spaces.”