The passage of school bond Measure S on Nov. 4 gives Moorpark Unified School District $39.5 million for school improvements. The measure, which required a 55 percent majority to pass, was approved with a 65.4 percent majority.

Now that the funding source is secured, school leaders are preparing to implement the capital improvements and technological upgrades that were promised during the campaign.

The work will begin as soon as the bonds are sold, said Larry Brown, assistant superintendent for the Moorpark school district. The bond money will be repaid over time with interest, he said.

More than half of the bond money, $22 million, will pay for technology infrastructure and upgrades at all schools. The projects should be completed within eight to 10 years.

Another $10 million will be used to renovate Moorpark High School, and the remainder, $7.5 million, will pay for roofing, playgrounds, parking lots and electrical upgrades on other campuses.

Members of the Measure S committee said last week they are thankful for the community's support.

"It would have been easy for residents to just say no in these challenging economic times, but they took the time to discover that a 'yes' vote would not increase their tax rate and the funds would provide much-needed upgrades to facilities and technology throughout the school district," said school trustee Ron LaGuardia.

Lou Langkusch, who chaired the campaign committee, echoed the sentiment.

"I was very proud of everybody in town; it shows that they ultimately support schools and are willing to invest in them," she said.

The new bond will extend the Measure R parcel tax, approved by voters in 2002, by about seven years. Bond money is one of the few major funding opportunities still available for schools to pay for facilities and upgrades, Langkusch said. "The district could not fund these without the help of residents," she added.

Measure R covered expenses for upgrades at most district schools except Moorpark High, a 20-year-old school that serves about 2,600 students. The work is much needed there, Langkusch said.

Measure S will make the Moorpark High campus safer for all students and will provide funds to increase accessibility for disabled people, Langkusch said.

Technology is imperative to prepare students for the future, LaGuardia said. With computer upgrades, teachers will be able to use recently released teaching software.

"Advances in technology have given us innovative teaching tools designed to engage all students in the learning process," LaGuardia said.

Classroom equipment such as the Smart Board and Student Response System can be used to project touch-sensitive displays that encourage interaction.

"Only yesterday I was able to observe a seventh-grade math class at Mesa Verde piloting a 'Student Response System,'" LaGuardia said.

The system incorporates PowerPoint lessons with a feedback system. At the end of the lesson, the teacher receives a summary of the students' performance and can determine how well the class understands the material, LaGuardia said.

Educators are also able to identify those students who may be struggling with the lesson and can provide immediate assistance.

Keeping students interested is also key.

"Anything that can capture the attention and engage students for a complete period translates into more efficient and effective learning in the classroom," LaGuardia said.

Measure S funds can also be used for training programs so teachers can learn to use the new technology effectively.

Improved technology, in conjunction with capital projects at Moorpark High and throughout the district, will help the district to provide a better learning environment for all students and prepare them for employment in the 21st century.

Work slated for MHS will include repairs and renovations inside and out, including restrooms, electrical systems and air conditioning units.

Improvements will comprise renovations at the high school library and older science labs, roof replacement, fresh paint inside and outside the classrooms, and the resurfacing of parking lots.