West County residents will have an opportunity to vote on Tuesday September 16, on Measure C, which will authorize bonds to pay for additional construction and modernization of schools throughout the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), including many in Richmond. 

The bonds to be financed by Measure C will continue critical upgrading programs that have been previously supported by an average of 75% of Richmond voters. Many of these school upgrade projects are underway or have been completed, and detailed progress reports with graphics can be found at http://www.wccusdbondprogram.com/interactive_map/default.asp.

It is important to keep up the momentum of the ambitious program. The WCCUSD has already qualified for $30 of matching state funds and is in a position to receive $50 million more, but the funds are running out and will go to other districts if the WCCUSD is not prepared to obligate them on the remaining projects.

Measure C will allow completion of the elementary school modernization and construction program for all Richmond elementary schools as well as Richmond’s high schools. These schools are unsafe and do not have the necessary infrastructure, such as electrical systems, lighting, data systems, and heating and ventilating systems needed to function in the 21^st Century. For example, an electrical fire at Pinole Middle School last year caused $1 million in damage.

Measure D has wide support, including teachers, parents, businesses and community leaders.