Frequently Asked Questions

Measure H, the Shasta College Job Training/Veteran Support Measure, is a $139 million bond to be used for improving college classrooms and facilities in support of education and job training opportunities for veterans, students and local residents.  The bond funds will pay for a variety of projects that are described on the Measure H Projects - Overview web page.  Registered voters in the Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District approved this bond in the November 8, 2016 general election.

Measure H is focused on projects that bring needed educational facilities to our students which in turn will positively impact the communities served by Shasta College.  For example, the planned Regional Public Safety Training Center will provide the facilities needed to educate our fire academy, law enforcement, and EMT students while also providing a training center for firefighters, police and EMT to obtain required continuing education credits.  The building of a new Career Technical Education (CTE) building for Welding, Automotive/Diesel and Advanced Manufacturing training will support local businesses by providing well-trained graduates from these programs to fill local jobs.  And, the overall renovation of 50-year old buildings and facilities at the main campus will support up-to-date education throughout the district, serving generations to come.

Measure H is to fund Shasta College projects only, although our school partners—in particular area high schools--may benefit from our technology improvements, especially as they impact dual enrolled classes.

Proposition 51 is a statewide initiative called the California Public School Facility Bonds Initiative.  Of the $9 billion proposed, $2 billion (or 22%) would be slated for acquiring, constructing, renovating and equipping community colleges.  While Proposition 51 was approved by California voters, there is no guarantee that any funds would make their way to Shasta College.

Bond measures require that 55% of those voting must vote yes in order for a bond to pass.  Measure H passed with a vote of 56.25%.

Shasta College looked at many factors in identifying which projects should be funded with Measure H dollars, and solicited input from our students and the communities we serve.  Economic conditions, the job market, specific areas of need—such as more support for Veterans and the safety of our communities—were just some of the factors considered.  A major consideration was meeting the needs of our current student population.  As our region’s economy has changed, so has the needs of our students.

Although our best estimate places the total amount needed to complete identified projects at $147 million, we are asking for $139 million from voters.  Because the bonds are not issued all at once, but instead will be issued over an approximate 12-year time period, we are confident that we will be able to cover the gap through seeking additional funding.

No, Measure H bond funds are anticipated to be issued in 4 installments over a 12-year period.  This is necessary because by law, the majority of funds have to be spent within 3 years after the bonds are issued.    We will be completing projects in phases as the bonds are issued over time.

Because Shasta College is a public institution, we by law must follow the public bidding process which allows any bona fide construction company to submit a bid on an advertised job.  However, our past history shows that mostly local companies were used for prior projects.

Yes, the college has actually had 2 bond measures passed since becoming a joint district, with the first one in 1964 for construction of the main campus (which incidentally is the age of most of our main campus buildings).  The second bond measure, which voters approved for $34 million, had two issuances:  one in 2002 for $11 million and the second in 2006 for $23 million.  The majority of these funds were used to build extension sites throughout our 10,000 square mile district.  These included the Tehama Campus, the Health Sciences and University Center, and the Trinity Campus.  The current cost of the 2002 bond measure is just over $5.00 annually per $100,000 assessed (not market) value of properties. 

Some, but not all, of the science labs were upgraded in 2004.  The labs that were not upgraded have outdated equipment and deteriorating infrastructure, such as disintegrating countertops.

Property owners in the Shasta College district—which includes Shasta, Tehama, and Trinity Counties, as well as small portions of Humboldt, Lassen and Modoc Counties—will pay for Measure H through a property tax assessment.  The cost will be approximately $19 annually per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value of properties.

The structure of the bond issue is set for $19 annually per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value of properties even though the bonds will be issued in installments.  This keeps the cost level over time. 

The current plan is for the tax assessment for Measure H to run no more than 30 years from the date of each issuance. 

Built into the bond requirements are that the college must appoint a Citizens Bond Oversight Committee which will have members from the community, and must include representation of a bona fide taxpayers association, a business organization and a senior citizens organization.  Employees, vendors, contractors and consultants of Shasta College are not allowed to serve on the committee.  There is also a requirement for annual performance and financial audits by an independent Certified Public Accounting firm.   Finally, no money is allowed to be spent on teacher or administrative salaries or benefits.