Facilities Planning FAQs

How are schools in the Pleasant Ridge School District performing?
The Pleasant Ridge School District (PRSD) provides over 1,500 students with a high-quality education, preparing them for high school and beyond. Our success is rooted in our dedicated teachers, staff, and parents’ commitment to developing well-rounded, lifelong learners. High-achieving schools that nurture successful students improve the quality of life in our community and protect the property value of our homes.

What is the current state of PRSD classrooms and other school facilities?
We’re proud of the high-quality education in Pleasant Ridge schools, but our schools are over 60 years old and need repairs and upgrades to meet current academic and safety standards. Basic repairs, such as repairing and replacing leaky roofs and dry rot infrastructure, updating HVAC and electrical systems, and updating fire alarms and emergency communication systems, will allow the District to continue providing all students with access to rigorous and engaging instruction in high-quality facilities.

Additionally, traffic around our schools is not only inconvenient to local residents, but it is also unsafe for our students and our community. Reconfiguring the entrance and exit areas at our schools will help reduce traffic issues and improve student safety.

What are the options for repairing and upgrading aging local school facilities?
While no decisions have been made at this time, the Pleasant Ridge School District’s governing board is considering placing a $19.8 million school improvement bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to repair and upgrade our local schools. The potential measure is projected to cost taxpayers approximately $22.50 per $100,000, annually, assessed (not market) value while bonds are outstanding. If approved by local voters, funds from a bond measure could:

Are there other sources of funds for facilities projects?
No, the State does not provide dedicated funding for school facility improvements. The limited state funding for facility upgrades requires local matching funds, usually provided by a local school improvement measure. Locally controlled funding would provide Pleasant Ridge School District access to state matching funds that our district would otherwise not qualify for, maximizing the impact of the community’s investment in our schools.

Would fiscal accountability protections be included in a potential bond measure?
Yes, school improvement bond measures require mandatory fiscal accountability, including:

 

How much would a potential bond measure cost?
If passed by local voters, a potential measure is projected to cost taxpayers approximately $22.50 per $100,000 assessed (not market) value, annually, while bonds are outstanding.

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 generally based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, per Prop 13. Market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is typically 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 repayment cost of a bond measure is based.

Has PRSD already passed a school improvement bond measure?
No. In 2024, PRSD placed Measure D on the ballot, but only received 53+% support, slightly below the 55% required for approval. Another year has passed with little impact made to update our schools, and basic repairs will become more costly down the road. No decisions have been made at this time, but should the District’s board decide to place another bond measure on the ballot, it will only ask the community for the amount needed to maximize the state matching funds available to the District.

How can I be sure funds from a potential bond measure will be spent properly?
An independent citizens’ oversight committee, comprised of local residents, must review the use of all bond funds from a bond measure and report its findings to the public each year. Additionally, annual independent audits of all bond funds are mandatory.

May funds from a potential bond measure be used for administrator salaries and pensions?
No. By law, no funds from a school improvement bond measure can be used for operating expenses, including teacher and administrator salaries and pensions. These funds are restricted exclusively to the repair of Pleasant Ridge School District classrooms and facilities as outlined in the bond measure’s specific project list.

I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?
Even for residents without school-aged children, the quality of our local schools directly influences the community's overall quality of life and property values. Academic research consistently demonstrates that high-performing local schools drive housing demand and help maintain strong property values for all homeowners.

How can I find out more?
The District welcomes your feedback and questions as we consider our options to improve PRSD classrooms and school facilities. To share your opinions, priorities, or to ask questions, please contact Superintendent Gregg Motarjeme at [email protected].