Frequently Asked Questions - Measure SOS – Bond Measure – Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District

Last updated: October 1, 2025

This page will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. If you have a question or concern that isn’t addressed below, please contact us at [email protected].

Measure SOS Fact Sheet - Published May 2025

1. Bond Basics

What is a bond?

School bonds are essentially loans that allow school districts to fund major capital projects, such as building renovations and facility upgrades. Bonds are issued and sold on the bond market, often providing tax-free gains to investors.

In return, the District levies property taxes to repay the principal and interest. Because this can increase taxes for local property owners, bonds must first be approved by local voters before they can be issued.

2. Bond Project Prioritization

Who is responsible for approving projects funded by Measure SOS?

The PVPUSD Board of Education is responsible for approving all projects funded by Measure SOS. District staff, working in collaboration with school and community stakeholders, developed draft project lists based on needs and priorities, outlined within the Facility Master Plan. These drafts were reviewed by the Board, which incorporated community input before making final decisions.

On May 14, 2025, following a comprehensive community engagement process—including Town Hall meetings, PTA meetings, and staff meetings—the Board of Education approved the Phase One project list for Measure SOS. This ensured that the projects reflect both modernization needs and community voices.

When was the detailed project list available for the Board and community to review?

The draft project list for Phase One was presented at the April 2, 2025, Board of Education meeting. Community engagement followed throughout April, including Town Hall meetings on April 24 and April 29 (virtual), as well as meetings with PTAs and school staff. Feedback was also accepted via email at [email protected].

The final Phase One project list was approved by the Board on May 14, 2025. In addition, on June 3, 2025, the Board approved the draft construction schedule for these projects. Both the list of projects and the schedule are available for review on the PVPUSD website.

How did the community provide input on which projects should be prioritized?

Community engagement has been central to the Measure SOS planning process. Prior to the May 14, 2025, Board approval of the Phase One project list, the District hosted two Town Hall meetings, gathered feedback at PTA and staff meetings across all school sites, and invited email feedback from community members.

Stakeholder input focused on modernization needs at each school site and was used to refine the final Phase One list. The prioritization process itself was guided by three key factors: safety, security, and modernization.

While the first phase list is now finalized, the District will continue to engage the community as Measure SOS implementation proceeds.

3. Project Timelines

When will projects begin?

When will Phase 1 projects start?

4. Bond Oversight Committee -- Purpose, Membership, & Operations

Who serves on the Bond Oversight Committee?

How are Bond Oversight Committee members selected?

Why does the Board have the authority to appoint members of the Measure SOS Citizens’ Oversight Committee? Will the committee truly be independent?

State law requires the Board of Education to appoint members of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC). As an elected body, the Board fulfills this legal responsibility through a public vote.

The COC operates independently, ensuring transparency and accountability in how Measure SOS bond funds are spent. Its role is limited to independent financial oversight, ensuring expenditures align with the language of the bond measure. The COC does not select or prioritize projects; those decisions are made by the Board of Education in public meetings with community input.

Does the Bond Oversight Committee publish reports?

Yes. While staff and construction management provide the reports to the committee for review and approval, the Bond Oversight Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with bond language. The Committee issues quarterly reports summarizing its activities and findings, as well as special reports as needed. Additionally, the Committee met three times in 2025 to receive onboarding and training, which supports its oversight responsibilities.

How can I contact the Bond Oversight Committee?

When and where does the Bond Oversight Committee meet?

Can I attend Citizens’ Oversight Committee meetings?

How much funding does the Committee oversee?

5. State Oversight

What is the Division of the State Architect (DSA), and why is its approval required?

The Division of the State Architect (DSA) is the state agency responsible for design and construction oversight of all California public TK–12 schools and community colleges. DSA reviews and approves all building plans and specifications to ensure compliance with safety, structural, accessibility, and fire/life safety codes. This process safeguards students, staff, and facilities by ensuring every project meets the state’s highest safety and quality standards.

6. Construction & Design Roles

What is the role of the Construction Manager?

The Construction Manager oversees all aspects of bond-funded construction—from planning through completion—to ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and compliant with all quality and safety standards. Responsibilities include coordinating architects, engineers, and contractors; managing budgets and schedules; and maintaining communication between the District and all project partners.

The Board of Education has approved Balfour Beatty as the Construction Manager for Measure SOS projects.

What is the role of the Architects?

Architects design and oversee each project from concept to completion, ensuring all facilities meet the stringent safety, accessibility, and functionality standards required for public schools by the Division of the State Architect. Their work typically includes schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and negotiation, and construction administration.

The Board of Education has approved four architectural firms for Phase 1 projects: Ruhnau Clarke Architecture, tBP Architecture, DLR Group, and PBWS Architecture.

Pre-Election Bond FAQ

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