Measure J on Tuesday’s ballot is a $32 million bond measure that would go towards upgrading the aging facilities and classrooms throughout Ripon Unified.

Needed for passage would be at least 55 percent ‘yes’ votes from those who reside within the school district that accommodates some 3,300 students.

Included are Ripon High, Ripon Elementary, Ripona Elementary, Colony Oak Elementary, Park View Elementary, Weston Elementary, and Harvest High schools, with many being built 60 to 85 years ago.

The bond measure would involve independent oversight, audits, public spending disclosure being part of the process, if approved.

The projects on Measure J list include:

·         Construct, modernize, renovate, replace and / or expand classrooms, restrooms, labs, career technical facilities, multi-purpose rooms, and other school facilities.

·         Replace temporary portable with permanent classrooms.

·         Update parking and drop-off areas to improve campus traffic and safety.

·         Repair or replace leaky roofs, plumbing, electrical, and sewer systems.

·         Repair or replace outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

·         Improve and upgrade technology infrastructure, electrical systems and wiring for computers and internet access.

·         Make health, safety and security improvements.

·         Make accessibility upgrades including but not limited to ensuring site access, parking, staff and student restrooms, relocation of existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, and playground equipment, as necessary to ensure adequate accommodations are provided and all legal requirement are met.

·         Upgrade, repair and / or expand school site parking, roadways, grounds, tracks, fields, playgrounds, and other infrastructure such as utility systems, including exterior lighting, pathways, access ramps, shade structures and other outdoor areas, and landscaping improvements, including irrigation.

The hope for classroom improvements would be to “attract / retain quality teachers and maintain quality education,” according to the Notice of Election-Ballot Measure.