Frequently Asked Questions
How are PUHSD schools doing?
At the Perris Union High School District (PUHSD), we aim to create high-quality and relevant learning opportunities, in a safe and caring environment, for our local students in Menifee, Perris, Sun City, Lakeview, Romoland, and Nuevo. We ensure that students who plan to go to college are prepared to succeed, and those who don’t receive the job skills and career training they need to compete for good-paying jobs.
What is the state of PUHSD classrooms and school facilities?
While some of our schools are newer or have been updated, there are still many classrooms and facilities across the District that are aging and need updates. Last year alone, there were 35 classrooms with leaky roofs. All students deserve the same access to updated classrooms and facilities, and an equal opportunity for success.
How has student enrollment growth affected our schools?
Our area is growing fast. We need to build new schools and add classrooms at existing schools to keep up with growth and avoid overcrowding. For example, Liberty High School in Menifee was just opened in 2021 and is already at maximum capacity for students. Crowded schools reduce the amount of time teachers get to spend with students, making it more difficult to teach and learn effectively.
How is the PUHSD planning to address identified issues?
To ensure safe and up-to-date schools for local students, the PUHSD Board of Trustees is considering placing a local school improvement bond extension measure on the November 2026 ballot. This measure would NOT increase current tax rates.
Specifically, how would a potential bond measure extension be used to complete needed improvements?
If approved by local voters, the measure would provide $187 million in locally controlled funding without increasing tax rates to:
- Provide modern Career Technical Education (CTE) facilities and equipment to prepare students for good-paying jobs in construction, welding, auto mechanics, and skilled trades
- Provide the classrooms, facilities and technology needed to support high-quality instruction in math, science, engineering, and technology
- Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems where needed
- Improve student safety and campus security systems, including security fencing, security cameras, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers
How do I know funds from a potential measure would be used responsibly?
By law, any bond measure extension would have strict fiscal accountability protections, including:
- A project list describing how the money would be used, a Citizens' Oversight Committee, and public disclosure of how all funds are spent
- All funds would stay local to support our students and couldn’t be taken away by the State or used for other purposes
Would all funds benefit all schools in PUHSD?
Yes. Funds would be locally controlled and would benefit all local PUHSD schools. No funding could be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.
Is there any other way to maintain and update PUHSD classrooms, buildings, and facilities?
PUHSD has very few options when it comes to funding the necessary repairs and updates that our schools need. The State does not provide funding for school facility updates without local matching funds from a bond measure. Redirecting funds in the current budget would take resources out of our classrooms and away from our students. A potential school improvement bond measure could provide the funding needed to fix and improve school facilities to ensure we can continue to provide safe and high-quality education for all local students.
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 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 a bond measure is based.
Would my tax rate increase if this bond measure is passed?
No. This potential bond measure would simply extend the current rate previously approved by voters at $20 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed (not market) value annually for so long as bonds are outstanding.
Are senior exemptions available?
No. State law does not allow for exemptions to be applied to bond measures. However, because the cost of a bond measure is based on the original purchase price of a home, residents who have lived in their homes a long time have the lowest assessed values and will pay the least toward the cost of a bond measure.
What is the difference between a school bond measure and a school parcel tax?
Parcel taxes provide local funding to support teachers and academic programs. A school bond measure, by contrast, is entirely different and can only be used for school facility upgrades and improvements, such as repairing aging buildings and infrastructure. Bond funds cannot be used for operating costs, salaries, or programs.
I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?
Even if you do not have school-age children, studies show that funding quality education can help improve the quality of life in the community and protect the property value of local homes.
Didn’t we already pass a bond measure?
In 2018, voters in the PUHSD community passed Measure W, which authorized a $148 million school facilities bond measure. However, over the past years, critical school facility needs have been identified, including increasing student enrollment leading to overcrowding, and need to be addressed.
Has PUHSD used funds from previous bond measures responsibly?
Yes. The Measure W Citizens' Oversight Committee has found that PUHSD completed bond projects on time and aligned with voter-approved priorities, while saving taxpayers millions of dollars through refinancing. The oversight committee reports can be viewed here: www.puhsd.org/coc
What level of support does a potential bond measure need to pass?
A potential measure would need to be supported by 55% of local voters in order for it to pass. If placed on the November 2026 ballot, all registered voters living in Perris Union High School District would be eligible to vote on the measure.
How can I share my thoughts or learn more?
As PUHSD plans for the future of our neighborhood schools, we welcome your questions and input. For more information or any questions you may have, please contact Marguerite Williams, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, at (951) 943-6369 x80202.