At Modesto City Schools (MCS), we strive for every student to graduate ready for success in college and careers. We know that we aren’t just educating learners, but also future citizens who will need the knowledge, abilities and character traits needed to thrive in the future.

Modesto City Schools have been educating local students since 1871. Thanks to the generosity of local voters, MCS has completed important repairs and upgrades at some of our local elementary and middle schools. However, other schools were built between 50 to 90 years ago and still need repairs and safety upgrades to meet modern academic, health, and safety standards.

Many of the cafeterias and multi-purpose rooms at local elementary and middle schools are located in aging portable buildings that do not meet current health and safety codes. Some of these buildings have leaking roofs, deteriorating plumbing and limited access for students with disabilities. Many school cafeterias and multipurpose rooms lack the necessary indoor space for students to eat and gather safely on rainy or smoky days.

While no final decision has been made, the Board of Education is considering placing an $85 million bond on the November 2024 ballot to complete needed upgrades at local elementary and middle schools. This measure would cost $29 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value and would provide locally controlled funding to:

• Upgrade school cafeterias and multi-purpose rooms to address leaking roofs and deteriorating plumbing

• Improve access for students with disabilities

• Renovate or replace aging and deteriorating student restrooms

• Improve fire and emergency alarm systems and protect student safety

• Provide space for instruction in subjects like music, art, science, technology, and engineering

Any potential local funding measure would include strict fiscal accountability requirements, including:

• All funds would be controlled locally and could not be taken away by the State

• Independent citizens’ oversight and annual audits would ensure all funds are used for voter-approved projects

• None of the money raised could be used for administrators’ salaries or pensions

We want to hear from you as Modesto City Schools plans to upgrade aging local schools! Please share your thoughts by completing this short survey. If you have any questions, please contact the Communications Department at [email protected] or (209) 492-2977.

One Page Fact Sheet: (English) / (Spanish)

To Take the Survey: Click here!

Informational Mailer: (English) / (Spanish)