FAQ | Vote Yes on R

Yes on R

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need Measure R?

Many of the Burlingame classrooms and schools are over 100 years old. Classrooms contain dry rot, leaking roofs, and inefficient plumbing and electrical systems that require urgent repairs to prevent escalating costs and ensure student safety.

What specific projects will Measure R fund?

Measure R funds critical facility improvements, including:

Making classroom and school repairs to help protect the quality of academic instruction in core subjects like math, science, reading, and writing
Removing dry rot, lead, and asbestos
Updating science, technology, engineering, and math labs
Fixing leaky roofs
Replacing aging and inefficient plumbing and electrical systems
Providing teachers with the tools to prepare students for high school and college

How do we know funds will be spent responsibly?

By law, Measure R requires accountability protections:

By law, all funds remain under local control and may only be used in Burlingame schools
No funds can be taken by the State or Federal government

An independent citizens’ oversight committee and mandatory annual audits are required

I don’t have children attending local schools. How does this impact me?

Even if you do not have school-age children, funding quality education can help improve the quality of life in the community and protect the value of our homes. Strong schools mean strong property values and a stronger community.

May funds from Measure R be used for administrator salaries and pensions?

No. By law, no funds from Measure R may be used for operating expenses, including administrator salaries and pensions.

Would all funds benefit our neighborhood schools only?

All funds from Measure R would benefit local schools only. No funds could be taken by the State or used for other purposes.

How are Burlingame School District schools doing?

Burlingame School District has some of the top schools in the Bay Area. Our District aims to build curious, compassionate problem-solvers who are prepared for the future.

What is the state of Burlingame classrooms and school facilities?

Our District maintenance team works hard to keep schools in good condition, yet many of our school facilities at our campuses – some of which are over 100 years old – need repairs and upgrades. While many improvements have been made to our schools in recent years, some classrooms contain dry rot, leaky roofs and outdated plumbing and electrical systems. Addressing these issues would help provide teachers with the tools they need to support student success and ensure access to safe, modern classrooms for every student.

How would the District fund these repairs?

While many improvements have been made to our schools in recent years, there is not sufficient funding to complete the next phase of projects. To ensure our schools keep pace, the Burlingame School District Board unanimously voted to place Measure R, a $100 million school facilities bond on the ballot. Measure R will cost $16 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed (not market) value per year, 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 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 much 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.

Didn’t we just pass a measure to fund our schools?

In November 2024 with the passage of Measure GG, local voters passed a parcel tax measure funding for our schools. Parcel tax revenues invest in ongoing expenditures like teachers and academic programs and are not used to fund facility improvements. If approved by voters, Measure R on the November 2026 ballot would provide dedicated one-time funding for updating our classrooms and facilities for teachers and students.

When can I vote on Measure R?

Measure R will be on the November 3 ballot. All registered voters within the Burlingame School District boundaries will receive a ballot by mail in early October. Your vote is critical to continue supporting our local schools.

What level of support is required for Measure R to pass?

At least 55% of those voters who cast a ballot on Measure R must vote “Yes” in order for Measure R to be approved.

How can I check my voter registration status or find voting information?

To register to vote, visit the California Secretary of State Online Voter Registration Portal. For local election information and ballot drop-off locations, check out the San Mateo County Registration & Elections.

Why doesn't the State pay for school repairs and improvements?

The State does not provide funding for major repairs and updates. To access funds for major repairs from the State, school districts need to provide local funding to matching funds. Major repairs require more than the District’s general fund operating budget. Bonds provide more capital upfront and unlock more money for districts to make the repairs needed at schools

Why does the Burlingame District have to keep seeking bond measures for our facilities?

Our District maintenance team works hard to keep schools in good condition, yet many of our school facilities at our campuses — some of which are over 100 years old — need repairs and upgrades. While many improvements have been made to our schools in recent years, some classrooms contain dry rot, leaky roofs, and outdated plumbing and electrical systems. Previous bond measures were not enough to complete all the required repairs and upgrades.

What have previous bond measures funded in the Burlingame School District?

Some of the projects past bonds have gone towards repairs and upgrades across the district, including:

Measure A: Classroom and restroom repairs, roof replacements, exterior painting, upgraded facilities at BIS Franklin, McKinley, and Lincoln, and re-acquisition of the Hoover site.
Measure D: Reconstruction at Hoover, upgrading a BIS classroom building, BIS library and science upgrades, new fencing and gates, paving repairs at all sites, and a realigned BIS roadway.
Measure M: Facility upgrades Roosevelt and Washington, playground repairs, outdoor shade structures, solar Phase 1, and modernized BIS classrooms.
Measure O: New heating, ventilation and air conditioning at all schools, solar Phase 2, new TK classrooms at McKinley, landscaping and irrigation.

What still needs to be done?

Remaining needs include:

Repairing leaky roofs and HVAC replacements
Aging underground sewer and water lines
Removal of old portables
Removing dry rot, lead, and asbestos
Upgrading school libraries
Modernizing BIS science classrooms
Remaining landscaping and irrigation repairs

Can’t other funds cover facility improvements?

No, developer fees are limited and depend on local housing growth. State grants require local matching funds, which require local bonds. The General Fund covers teachers, classroom supplies and books, and daily operations. Local general obligation bonds are the only viable option. They can only be spent on facilities, require community oversight, and fund only the projects promised to voters in the bond language.