Measure AS Passes Allotting $358 Million to Arcadia Unified Schools
New classroom building constructed at Holly Avenue in 2024 thanks to Measure I passed in 2006
In a pivotal decision that will impact the Arcadia Unified School District for generations to come, Arcadia voters have overwhelmingly approved Measure AS, a $358 million school facilities bond aimed at enhancing the safety, security, and educational environment for students and staff.
The bond, which needed a 55% majority, received 13,052 yes votes and passed with 61.33% of voters in favor of the bond. The historic measure reflects the district's commitment to ensuring that Arcadia’s local schools continue to provide a top-tier education while meeting the evolving needs of the community. Arcadia Unified is one of the few school districts in the area that has seen enrollment growth, not decline.
Of the 26 school districts in Los Angeles County that placed facilities bonds on the November 2024 ballot, all but three passed. The state passage rate in California was much lower, with 70% of school districts passing their bond measures.
“I’m very appreciative of the voters who supported this critical investment in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall. “The funding formula in California forces schools to ask their communities for support to complete any significant facilities upgrades to campuses, and our community has high expectations for an excellent education and schools for their children as they should.”
The bond, which can fund facility improvements, will allocate money to a wide range of critical improvements, from upgrading classrooms and building structures to enhancing safety measures. These upgrades are designed to address both immediate and long-term needs, making the district's facilities more efficient, secure, and conducive to 21st-century learning.
Measure AS will renovate outdated classrooms, integrate modern technology, and create flexible, collaborative spaces. New classrooms and specialized learning areas will also be built to accommodate growing enrollment numbers and the demand for specialized instruction, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs, which have become increasingly essential in preparing students for the future.
The Arcadia Unified School District created a Facilities Master Plan during the entire 2023-2024 school year. It was a lengthy and rigorous process that allowed input from students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members including local police and fire officials. In addition to a Facilities Master Plan Committee that held meetings throughout the year, each school had meetings to provide input, and a community-wide survey was conducted allowing for further input into the future design of Arcadia Unified schools.
As with its most recent voter-approved measures, Measure I, a $218 million facilities bond passed in 2006, and Measure A, a $77 million parcel tax approved in 2017, a citizens’ oversight committee will oversee Measure AS expenditures and ensure transparency.
For more information on Measure AS, you can visit www.ausd.net.