League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
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Measure G School Bonds Alum Rock Union Elementary School District 55% approval required
See Also:
Index of all Measures |
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Pass:
6,901 /
79.09% Yes votes ......
1,824 /
20.91% No votes
| Results as of Jun 25 1:31pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (51/51) |
| Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement | Full Text | ||||
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"Alum Rock Schools Safety and Repair Measure: To improve neighborhood schools, fix leaky, deteriorated roofs, improve fire safety, repair and upgrade classrooms, improve student safety and security, renovate outdated restrooms, upgrade heating/ventilation/electrical systems for energy efficiency, and computer technology, shall Alum Rock Union Elementary School District issue $179 million of bonds at legal rates to renovate, acquire, construct, repair and equip schools, sites and facilities, with required independent financial audits, citizens' oversight and no money for administrators' salaries?" BONDS YES BONDS NO
Upon approval of 55% of the votes cast by voters in an election, California law permits school districts to issue bonds, secured by the levy of ad valorem taxes on property located within a district, for the purpose of acquiring or constructing school facilities and real property. The bond measure must meet certain requirements, such as stating proceeds from the sale of the bonds will only be used as specified in Article XIIIA, section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution, listing specific facilities projects to be funded, and specifying that annual audits are conducted. The Board of Trustees of the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District proposes issuing bonds in the amount of $179,000,000. Examples of proceeds will be used to undertake repair and construction projects at 24 schools and the District's central support office, and for the acquisition of land and facilities. Proposed projects include upgrading wiring, fire safety systems, and technology; repairing deteriorating roofs; upgrading heating, cooling and ventilations systems; enhancing student safety with improved security systems; and upgrading facilities. Approval of Measure G does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the District that are the subject of bonds under Measure G will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure G. The District's proposal for the projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure. Proceeds of the bonds will not be used for teacher and administrative salaries. The proposed projects are consistent with the permissible use of proceeds from school bonds. Additionally, the District will conduct annual audits and appoint an independent citizens' oversight committee to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the projects included in the ballot measure, meeting the requirements of Article XIIIA, section 1(b)(3). The District's best estimate of the tax required to be levied to fund the bonds during the first fiscal year after the sale of the first series of bonds is $25.00 per $100,000 of the assessed value of taxable property in the District for fiscal year 2009-2010. The District's best estimate of the tax required to fund the bonds during the first fiscal year after the sale of the last series of bonds, is $25.00 per $100,000 of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2020-2021. The District's best estimate of the highest tax required to fund this bond issue is $25.00 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. A "yes" vote is a vote to authorize the issuance and sale of the bonds in the amount of $179,000,000, to be secured by the levy of ad valorem taxes on property located within the District. A "no" vote is a vote not to authorize the issuance and sale of the bonds in the amount of $179,000,000, to be secured by the levy of ad valorem taxes on property located within the District.
Ann Miller Ravel Lead Deputy County Counsel
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Official Information
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| Arguments For Measure G | Arguments Against Measure G |
| [The following may contain errors from retyping. The official version may be obtained from the Registrar of Voters.]
Alum Rock Union Elementary School District is committed to ensuring every child's potential is achieved. Over the past five years District test scores have risen 15%. However, on average our schools are over 40 years old and need major upgrades and repairs to make safety and security improvements, and provide our children with modern classrooms and technology. Alum Rock children deserve the same opportunities as children in neighboring school districts. Good schools are the pathway to better opportunities and a better life. They also improve property values and the desirability of our community. We need to improve our schools so our children are not left behind. With the State's reduced funding for schools, local sources are now needed to provide our students with a quality education. MEASURE G MAKES IMPROVEMENTS TO EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL. IT WILL:
TAXPAYER SAFEGUARDS WILL BE IN PLACE. MEASURE G REQUIRES:
TUESDAY, JUNE 3rd, VOTE YES ON MEASURE G
/s/ Abelardo Morales
/s/ Bud LoMonaco
/s/ Sharon Fontaine
/s/ Leland Lowe
/s/ Darrell Cortez
| NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE G WAS SUBMITTED
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| Tax Rate Statement from the Superintendent of Schools |
| [The following may contain errors from retyping. The official version may be obtained from the Registrar of Voters.]
An election will be held in the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District (the "District") on June 3, 2008, to authorize the sale of up to $179,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the measure. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California. 1. The best estimate of the tax which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the first series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 2.5 cents per $100 ($25.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2009-10. 2. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the last series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 2.5 cents per $100 ($25.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2020-21. 3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 2.5 cents per $100 ($25.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The tax rate is expected to remain the same in each year. Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions. Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those presently estimated, due to variations from these estimates in the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold and market interest rates at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on the need for construction funds and other factors, including the legal limitations on bonds approved by a 55% vote. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on the bond market at the time of each sale. Actual future assessed valuation will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process. Dated: March 7, 2008
/s/ Norma Martinez |
| Full Text of Measure G |
| [The following may contain errors from retyping. The official version may be obtained from the Registrar of Voters.]
FULL TEXT BALLOT PROPOSITION "Alum Rock Schools Safety and Repair Measure: To improve neighborhood schools, fix leaky, deteriorated roofs, improve fire safety, repair and upgrade classrooms, improve student safety and security, renovate outdated restrooms, upgrade heating/ventilation/electrical systems for energy efficiency, and computer technology, shall Alum Rock Union Elementary School District issue $179 million of bonds at legal rates to renovate, acquire, construct, repair and equip schools, sites and facilities, with required independent financial audits, citizens' oversight and no money for administrators' salaries?"
The Board of Trustees of the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, energy efficiency and computer technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. In developing the scope of projects, teachers, staff and community members have prioritized the key health and safety needs so that the most critical facility needs are addressed. The Board conducted a facilities evaluation and received public input and review in developing the scope of facility projects to be funded. This input concluded that if these needs were not addressed now, the problem would only get worse. In approving this Priority School Projects List, the Board of Trustees makes six important policy determinations: (i) The District must install and upgrade fire prevention, security and emergency response systems, including safety locks and fencing at school sites so that all students are safe; and (ii) In repairing aging schools, priority must be given to basic repairs, such as leaky roofs and installing and upgrading heating, cooling and ventilation systems to make them more energy efficient; and (iii) If essential repairs are not made now they will be more expensive to repair in the future; and (iv) The District must maximize its resources through efficient facility and financial management, seek energy and utility cost savings, must aggressively apply for State matching funds, and must spend any local bond money on projects within the District and shall not allow bond monies to be transferred to the State or any other agency; and (v) The District must improve technology in classrooms; and (vi) The District must insist that all of its schools be healthy and safe from fire dangers, earthquake risks, hazardous materials such as asbestos and mold. The Bond Project List is on file at the District Office of the Superintendent and include the following projects:
Project costs for repair and renovation of all existing schools and facilities include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following: renovate student restrooms; install, repair and/or replace plumbing, heating and ventilation systems; repair and replace worn-out roofs, windows, flooring materials, walls and doors; improve signage; install electrical system wiring to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices; improve school site parking; upgrade drainage systems, landscaping, eliminate harmful ponding; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems (including security locks in classrooms, security cameras, outdoor lighting and perimeter fencing); upgrade gas and water shut-off valves; interior and exterior painting; repair and improve portable classrooms; repair or replace unsafe play structures; demolition; inspect for and abate any hazardous materials, including asbestos and mold; improve access for people with disabilities; and, construct and upgrade classrooms, facilities, and various forms of storage and support space; repair unsafe asphalt, walkways, play surfaces, drinking fountains and covered areas. Arbuckle Elementary School (Constructed in 1961)
FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY. IN ACCORDANCE WITH EDUCATION CODE SECTION 15272, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL APPOINT A CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND CONDUCT ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDITS TO ASSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT ONLY ON DISTRICT PROJECTS AND FOR NO OTHER PURPOSE. THE EXPENDITURE OF BOND MONEY ON THESE PROJECTS IS SUBJECT TO STRINGENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS. BY LAW, PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL AUDITS WILL BE PERFORMED ANNUALLY, AND ALL BOND EXPENDITURES WILL BE MONITORED BY AN INDEPENDENT CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT AS PROMISED AND SPECIFIED. THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MUST INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, REPRESENTATION OF A BONA FIDE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION, A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND A SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION. NO DISTRICT EMPLOYEES OR VENDORS ARE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. NO ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES. PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE BONDS AUTHORIZED BY THIS PROPOSITION SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION, OR REPLACEMENT OF SCHOOL FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOL FACILITIES, AND NOT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE, INCLUDING TEACHER AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES. |
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Created: July 31, 2008 13:35 PDT
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