Milpitas Unified School District's Bond Measure AA passes at 68.63 percent

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​The passage of general obligation bond Measure AA in Tuesday’s midterm election marks a feat of voter affirmation for the Milpitas Unified School District.

“The community's ‘Yes on AA’ has ignited the momentum towards realizing our Strategic Goals and reimagining school for our future MUSD graduates!” Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said.

It passed by a 68.63 percent margin (5,689 votes), with 31.37 percent (2,600 votes) opposed, according to the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters office. In Milpitas, 8,289 residents voted (27 percent) of 29,931 total registered voters.

“Thank you Milpitas for casting your vote in favor of Measure AA,” said Daniel Bobay, Board of Education President. “We appreciate your confidence in the school district and we appreciate our partners in the city."

Jordan and Bobay were one of approximately 20 people, including district officials, students, and family members, who joined for a pizza party at Mountain Mike’s on Tuesday to monitor Measure AA results online.

Just after 8 p.m., when 26 percent of precincts had been reported, 67.8 percent had voted in favor of the measure… A resounding YES for MUSD!

“It's a win win for the residents of Milpitas, the economic development, and, most importantly, the future of the education system in Milpitas,” Board Vice President Chris Norwood said. “We look forward to full participation of the city as well as community leaders and businesses as well.”

Board Member Robert Jung echoed similar sentiments.

“We now have opportunities that we can realize and full support from our community to make our schools the best in the county,” he said.

The election followed months of preparation including precinct walking and phone-banking by  an independent campaigning committee that included parents, staff members, a student, and a member of the TBWB consulting firm.

Before even knowing the final results, Joe Flatley, Director of Facilities Modernization, said staff is ready to get going. At each Board Meeting until all the sites were addressed, Flatley had been giving presentations about sites’ facilities needs and priorities, and how they would be impacted by Bond Measure AA.  The $284 million in collected bond monies will be spread across four categories: safety and security, modernization, overcrowding, and the second high school campus. The cost is a maximum of $60 per $100,000 of assessed value on a property (not market rate).

The Committee chaired by PTA President Silvia Dias worked with board members, high school students,  parents, teachers, support staff, principals, District leaders, and the community to review needs and develop a plan for Milpitas schools. Some of Milpitas’ schools are already overcrowded-and enrollment in the schools continues to increase with 832 additional elementary students projected by 2027.

Projects for safety and security include installing perimeter fencing and making structural upgrades; modernizations include technology upgrades and roofing and flooring; reducing overcrowding includes funding new classrooms, performing arts programs, and completing Mabel Mattos Elementary School; and adding a second high school campus to create a dynamic, science and career focused high school program.

“Thank you Milpitas leaders, parents, community, and MUSD staff and students for your commitment to providing our children with safe and secure schools, state of the heart learning facilities, and the future home of our second high school campus at Ayer Educational Park!” Jordan said.