FAQ | Vote Yes on D for Santa Ynez Valley Union High School

Measure D FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Measure D?

Measure D, on the November 3, 2026, ballot, will provide funding to repair aging classrooms at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. Voting YES on D will provide the locally controlled funding to help prepare students for college and careers

Why do we need Measure D?

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School is known for its high quality education that prepares students for college and careers. However, our high school was built 90 years ago in 1937. Aging classrooms, science labs, career training facilities, and infrastructure need repairs and upgrades.

Upgrades are needed to keep pace with current academic standards in science, math, engineering, and technology. That is why we need Measure D to invest in Santa Ynez Valley Union High School so our children receive a safe, high quality education that prepares them for their future.

What projects will Measure D fund?

YES on D will:

Upgrade career training classrooms to prepare students for careers in welding, automotive technology, agricultural science and mechanics, and skilled trades
Upgrade classrooms, labs and technology to support quality instruction in math, science, and engineering
Fix deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas and sewer lines, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems
Upgrade classrooms to current health and building safety codes, and improve access for students with disabilities
Improve student safety and security systems, lighting, cameras, emergency communications, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers
Qualify SYVHS for $50,000,000 in state matching funds that otherwise go to improve schools in other communities

Does Measure D include fiscal accountability protections?

Yes, Measure D requires strict fiscal accountability, transparency, and local control:

All funds must be used for SYVHS and no funds can be taken by the state or federal governments
Funds cannot be used for administrator salaries or pensions
An independent oversight committee, annual audits and public spending disclosure ensure proper spending

Haven’t we already passed bond measures?

Yes. Voters approved Measure K in 2016 to fund an initial round of school facility repairs and improvements. Voting YES on D this year will continue that investment and provide locally controlled funding to address many urgent projects to repair and upgrade our High School.

Will funds from Measure D be used for administrator salaries or pensions?

No. By law, no funds from Measure D can be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions.

How much will Measure D cost?

Measure D will provide $80 million in locally controlled funding for repairs and upgrades to SYVHS. The cost of Measure D would be limited to $22 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value. The measure will cost the typical homeowner in SYVUHS approximately $167 per year.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

The cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of properties. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, especially if a property was purchased long ago at a much lower price than it could be purchased for today. It is this lower assessed value upon which the cost of Measure D is based.

Would all Measure D funds benefit Santa Ynez Valley Union High School?

Yes. All funds from Measure D will only benefit Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. No funds can be taken by the state or federal government or used for other purposes.

Are senior exemptions available?

By state law, no exemptions may be provided for bond measures. However, the cost of bond measures is based on the assessed value of a home, not the market value. The longer a home has been owned, the lower the assessed value is compared to the market value. Typically, the older homeowners who have owned their homes the longest pay the least for bond measures.

I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?

Whether or not you have school-age children, supporting quality education is a wise investment. Good schools improve the quality of life in our community and protect the value of our homes.

When can we vote on Measure D?

You can vote YES on Measure on the November 3 ballot. All registered voters within the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District will receive a ballot by mail in early October. You can vote by mail, drop your ballot in a drop box, or vote in person at a designated vote center. As soon as you receive your ballot, please vote YES on Measure D and return it right away.

What level of support is required for Measure D pass?

At least 55% of those voters who cast a ballot on Measure D must vote “YES” in order for Measure D to be approved.

How can I ensure I’m registered to vote on this critical issue?

You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. To find out more about voting in this election, please contact the Santa Barbara County Registrar of voters at https://www.countyofsb.org/voter-registration

How can I get involved or learn more about Measure D?

Our campaign is a grassroots organization dedicated to passing Measure D for our local schools. Get involved in the effort to pass Measure D by donating to the campaign, displaying a YES on D lawn sign at your home and adding your name to our list of Measure D supporters!