League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Measure P Christopher High School Construction Gilroy Unified School District Bonds - 55% Approval Required Pass: 11,989 / 67.58% Yes votes ...... 5,752 / 32.42% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure P

Arguments Against Measure P

Vote Yes on Measure P to: -- Complete Christopher High School -- Make safety repairs and upgrades at all Gilroy school sites -- Secure the future of Gilroy children Measure P will provide funding for Gilroy Unified School District's comprehensive classroom repair and upgrade plan at a lower tax rate than previous bond measures. Funds from previous measures constructed two new elementary schools and built a library, student center and a football-track stadium at Gilroy High. Measure P allows the District to continue upgrade and modernization plans for its growing student enrollment and aging school facilities. Christopher High School The last school improvement bond measure voters approved in Gilroy included funds to purchase land for the new Christopher High School. A second high school in Gilroy is necessary because Gilroy High School was originally built for 1,800 students and today it has an enrollment of nearly 2,800. Measure P will provide funding to complete all construction phases at Christopher High School that is needed to alleviate overcrowding at Gilroy High School. Measure P will also fund vital repairs and upgrades at other school sites. These projects include: -- Renovation of aging classrooms in need of repairs to meet current academic standards -- Infrastructure improvements to accommodate technology and computers in classrooms and libraries -- Construction of permanent classrooms to replace deteriorating portable classrooms -- Upgrading fire and security systems to meet current state codes Taxpayer Accountability By law, all funds from Measure P will be invested in Gilroy schools. Measure P requires an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee be created to ensure taxpayers their money is being spent as voters approved. Mandatory independent financial and performance audits will be conducted annually and made public. School facilities we can be proud makes Gilroy a better community and provides a higher-quality educational environment for our children. Visit http://www.GilroyKids2008.com for more information. /s/ Donald F. Gage Supervisor, Santa Clara County /s/ Peter Arellano M.D./Councilman, City of Gilroy /s/ Don Christopher Business Owner /s/ Mary E. Humphrey Parent/CPA /s/ Lanny Brown Asst. Police Chief (Ret.) Rebuttal to Arguments For Here we go again. 2002. The Gilroy Unified School District passes Measure I, a Prop 39 55% bond. $69M, with perhaps another $21M in matching funds expected from the state, to be used to do repair work on the existing high, middle, and elementary schools, and particularly to buy the grounds for, and do Phase 1 construction of HALF of new Christopher High School, to house 900 students. All proposed projects are listed, for each school in the district, as Prop 39 requires. The trusting voters agree to this. The "Independent" Oversight Committee is formed 1 month late, and includes a former Board member and contributor to the Yes campaign. A set of complaints is later made to the Santa Clara County Grand Jury. August 2008, Christopher High School is not done. Estimated cost to complete Phase 1: $39M. Estimated cost to complete Phase 2: $65M. Solution: Of course! Yet another bond, yet another "Independent Oversight Committee", yet another 30 years of debt. Total $150M: $104M to complete the high school, and another $46M to "renovate aging classrooms" and provide "safe, secure, and improved learning environments". (Apparently none of these tasks could be accomplished with the $69M from Measure I - but a nifty football stadium got built.) As for giving the Oversight Committee any tools to actually enforce Prop 39 accountability, forget it. This time around there aren't ANY specific projects linked to ANY specific schools. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." VOTE NO /s/ Mark Zappa Resident of District /s/ Douglas McNea >br? President, Silicon Valley Taxpayers' Association /s/ Brian S. Darby Chair, Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County

Citizens of Gilroy are again being asked to give an even larger part of their income to a school facility. The Gilroy Unified School District with its' marginal academic success seems to require more and more money, always more than is originally bonded for in previous and current projects. A bond is the worst way to pay for anything. It is like using your MasterCard to pay your VISA, with one big difference. When you die, so does your credit card bill, but with a bond, your children and your grandchildren will be paying for these bills for decades. With $4.00 per gallon gasoline, tumbling home values and out of control debt, it is a poor time to ask overtaxed and overburdened citizens' to pay another dime. Homes are being foreclosed on and families are struggling to keep roofs over their heads. The GUSD has a budget and should learn to live within it like we all do with our homes. If we don't have the money, we don't buy it. Why shouldn't that principle apply to school districts? The Gilroy Unified School District's $150,000,000 million dollar bond is just too much of an added burden for the citizens of Gilroy. No doubt this bond campaign will tug on your heartstrings with calls for earthquake safety and "for the children" motto's. There will no doubt be high profile and well healed community leaders lending their names and money to this campaign. If they have the resources, I suggest they privately fund the new high school. Now is not the time for yet another bond. Please vote no on the Gilroy Unified School District Bond. We and our future generations cannot afford it. /s/ Mark A. Zappa Businessman and Member, Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, 20 Year Gilroy Resident Rebuttal to Arguments Against When Voting Yes on Measure P you: -- Reduce the current property taxes you pay for school improvements -- Demand construction projects at Christopher High School be completed and relieve student overcrowding at Gilroy High School -- Support safety repairs and upgrades at all Gilroy schools -- Continue the commitment Gilroy residents have given to schools for over 100 years Measure P demonstrates that Gilroy Unified School District is taking a PROACTIVE approach to prepare for its growing student enrollment while addressing its aging school facility needs. Gilroy Unified School District eliminated $4.5 million from its Operating Budget this past year, because the state slashed school funding statewide. The District demonstrated it can balance its budget during challenging economic times, just as many responsible families do when facing similar challenges. Measure P will REPLACE Measure J at a LOWER tax rate. Taxpayer Assurances Measure P requires a Citizens' Oversight Committee be created to protect taxpayers. Independent audits are conducted annually and made public. "Gilroy residents remind me how important public education is to our economic vitality. Quality schools enhance our community and have a great impact on expanding Gilroy's economic base. Businesses seeking a competitive edge place a high value on modern school facilities to draw quality employees and offer high wages. Measure P gives Gilroy a competitive edge. Gilroy students deserve the same opportunity to achieve success as other students in California. Measure P invests in education, invests in our community, and invests in our future. Vote Yes on Measure P." -Al Pinheiro, Mayor of Gilroy http://www.GilroyKids2008.com /s/ Steven M. Kinsella Superintendent/President, Gavilan Joint Community College District /s/ Don Christopher Garlic Shipper /s/ Christine West Parent /s/ Lanny Brown Asst. Chief of Police (Ret.) /s/ Eleanor S. Villarreal Realtor

Tax Rate Statement

An election will be held in the Gilroy Unified School District (the "District") on November 4, 2008, to authorize the sale of up to $150,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the proposition. If the bonds are approved, the District expects to sell the bonds in several series over time. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The information presented in numbered paragraphs 1-3 below 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 $0.00 per $100 ($0.00 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 six cents per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2017-18. 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 six cents per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2017-18. The District estimates that the tax rate necessary to pay debt service on the proposed bonds will be lower in each year the bonds are outstanding than the total tax rate levied to repay the District's school facilities bonds and lease obligations in the current (2007-08) fiscal year. In order to lower the total tax rate, the District proposes to structure the bonds to require no tax levy until the District's existing Measure J tax expires in 2010-11. Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property in the District as shown 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. The foregoing information is based upon the District's projections and estimates. Approval of the ballot measure authorizes the issuance of bonds under certain conditions, and is not approval of a specific tax rate. 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 and repayment structure of bonds sold, 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 and repayment structure of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on its 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: June 24, 2008.

Full Text of Measure P

This Proposition may be known and referred to as the "Gilroy Community School Improvement Bond of 2008" or as "Measure P". FINDINGS The Gilroy Unified School District (the "District"), which serves the City of Gilroy and portions of unincorporated Santa Clara County, is recognized as providing quality education to Gilroy students. Since 1998, 2 of the District's 13 schools have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools, and Mount Madonna High School has been recognized as a Model Continuation High School. The District has demonstrated its commitment to fiscal responsibility. This is evidenced by its development of a balanced budget with a reserve that exceeds state requirements and its commitment to providing quality education for the children the District serves. The District has grown by an average of 168 students per year over the past 10 years. Gilroy High School was built for 1,800 students. Presently, 2,500 students are on the campus. In order to alleviate overcrowding at Gilroy High School, it is necessary to complete Christopher High School. Approximately $35 million will be needed to complete Phase One of Christopher High School, and an additional $65 million will be needed to complete Phase Two. The proposed bond funds are projected to be sufficient to complete both phases of Christopher High School. The Board has prepared an extensive facilities plan and identified significant repairs, upgrades, and classroom construction needs at all existing schools. These projects include constructing and modernizing aging classrooms, libraries, increasing school safety by upgrading fire safety and security systems and upgrading electrical, heating, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, and technology systems and equipment. These projects are more than the District is able to fund from currently available sources or annual revenues. The District has sought, and continues to seek and maximize all available outside sources of funding to improve our school buildings, including developer fees, local, state, and federal grants and State bond funds. It is necessary to seek voter approval of a bond measure in order to provide the local funding to complete Christopher High School and address identified school facility repair and upgrade and construction projects. BOND AUTHORIZATION By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Gilroy Unified School District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List below, and in order to qualify to receive State facility grant funds, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff when performing work on or necessary and incidental to the bond projects. ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the Gilroy Unified School District's voters and taxpayers may be assured that their money will be spent wisely to address specific facilities needs of the Gilroy Unified School District, all in compliance with the requirements of Article XIII A, Section 1(b)(3) of the State Constitution, and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Education Code Sections 15264 and following). Evaluation of Needs. The Board of Education has prepared an updated facilities plan in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the Gilroy Unified School District at each campus and facility, and to determine which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board of Education hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List. Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board of Education shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following), to ensure bond proceeds are spent only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board of Education. Annual Performance Audits. The Board of Education shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. Annual Financial Audits. The Board of Education shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. Special Bond Proceeds Account; Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board of Education shall take actions necessary pursuant to Government Code Section 53410 and following to establish an account in which proceeds of the sale of bonds will be deposited. As long as any proceeds of the bonds remain unexpended, the Superintendent of the District shall cause a report to be filed with the Board no later than December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2009, stating (1) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in that year, and (2) the status of any project funded or to be funded from bond proceeds. The report may relate to the calendar year, fiscal year, or other appropriate annual period as the Superintendent shall determine, and may be incorporated into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board. TAX RATE STATEMENT The District is required by law to make its best estimates of the ad valorem property tax rate required to be levied on all taxable property in the District to pay debt service on the proposed bonds. Based on historical assessed value data and certain assumptions about future growth in assessed values and how, when and at what cost the bonds will be issued, the District estimates that the tax rate necessary to pay debt service on the proposed bonds will be lower in each year the bonds are outstanding than the total tax rate levied to repay the District's school facilities bonds and lease obligations in the current (2007-08) fiscal year. In order to lower the total tax rate, the District proposes to structure the bonds to require no tax levy until the District's existing Measure J tax expires in 2010-11. The District's tax rate estimates appear in the Tax Rate Statement that the Registrar is required to provide in the Voter Information Pamphlet mailed to voters in connection with the election. FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS Specific Purposes. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Education Code Section 15100, and shall constitute the specific purposes of the bonds, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purposes, pursuant to Government Code Section 53410. Joint Use. The District may enter into agreements with other public agencies or nonprofit organizations for joint use of school facilities financed with the proceeds of the bonds in accordance with Education Code Section 17077.42 (or any successor provision). The District may seek State grant funds for eligible joint-use projects as permitted by law, and this proposition hereby specifies and acknowledges that bond funds will or may be used to fund all or a portion of the local share for any eligible joint-use projects identified in the Bond Project List or as otherwise permitted by California State regulations, as the Board of Education shall determine. Other Terms of the Bonds. When sold, the bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum, payable at the time or times permitted by law. The bonds may be issued and sold in several series, and no bond shall be made to mature more than 40 years from the date borne by that bond. BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List below describes the specific projects the Gilroy Unified School District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. Listed projects will be completed as needed at a particular school or support service site according to Board-established priorities, and the order in which such projects appear on the Bond Project List is not an indication of priority for funding or completion. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. Certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including State grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Until all project costs and funding sources are known, the Board of Education cannot determine the amount of bond proceeds available to be spent on each project, nor guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects. Completion of some projects may be subject to further government approvals by State officials and boards, to local environmental review, and to input from the public. For these reasons, inclusion of a project on the Bond Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be funded or completed. The Board of Education may make changes to the Bond Project List in the future consistent with the projects specified in the proposition. Unless otherwise noted, the following projects are authorized to be completed at each or any of the District's school and support services sites. District school sites are: Elementary Schools Antonio Del Buono, 9300 Wren Ave. Eliot, 470 Seventh St. El Roble, 930 Third St. Glen View, 600 Eighth St. Las Animas, 6550 Cimino St. Luigi Aprea, 9225 Calle del Rey Rod Kelley, 8755 Kern Ave. Rucker, 325 Santa Clara Ave. Middle Schools Ascencion Solorsano, 7121 Grenache Way Brownell, 7800 Carmel St. South Valley, 385 I.O.O.F Ave. High Schools Christopher High, 850 Day Rd. Gilroy High/Advance Path 750 W.10th St. Gilroy High School Farm, 9110 Kern Ave. Mt. Madonna. 8750 Hirasaki Ct. Other Facilities Community Day School, 385 I.O.O.F Ave. Corporation Yard. 240 Swanston Ln. Transportation Facility, 6478 Chestnut, #2 District Office, 7810 Arroyo Cir. El Portal Leadership Academy, 240 Swanston Ln. Gilroy Early College Academy, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. CHRISTOPHER HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION Complete the construction of Christopher High School as designed and approved by the Board of Education, including construction, furnishing and equipping of all classroom, auxiliary and support buildings, and improvement of grounds. MODERNIZATION, REPAIR and CONSTRUCTION Replace, upgrade and/or install fire safety and life safety systems, including alarms, smoke/fire detection systems, and sprinklers Construct career vocation/technical and agricultural education classrooms and facilities to prepare students for jobs after graduation Upgrade/install school-wide and District-wide security systems, clock and bell systems, public address, etc., including alarms, security cameras, exterior and school site lighting, locks, monitoring systems, fencing, etc. Construct new permanent classrooms and classroom buildings and support facilities, or acquire and install relocatable classrooms to accommodate enrollment growth and expanded programs Upgrade and expand schools libraries as necessary to accommodate enrollment and curriculum requirements (may be joint-use projects) Construct/provide science classrooms and labs equipped to meet all curriculum and safety standards Upgrade and/or expand school cafeteria/multipurpose rooms to accommodate enrollment (may be joint-use projects) Upgrade electrical systems as well as main power service and distribution, which may include active and passive solar power and heating system acquisition, installation and construction Upgrade climate control systems for heating, ventilation, cooling/air conditioning, including alternative and passive technologies to conserve energy, such as energy-efficient windows, window coverings and shade control, shade canopies, etc. Construct or install improvements required to comply with access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and existing state and local building codes, including upgrade, modify, or construct restroom facilities, ramps, doors, parking, etc. Reimburse other District funds for costs of authorized projects incurred prior to the election Upgrade/install voice and data communications systems, including network and electrical infrastructure to accommodate technology upgrades Repair, modify, upgrade or reconstruct structural elements of existing campus structures Refinish the exterior finishes of school buildings, including stucco, wood and metal trims, framing and siding, paint, etc. Replace doors and door hardware, including install safety/security locks Upgrade and expand parking and vehicle access to school sites, including off-street parking areas, pickup/drop-off, ingress/egress, signage, etc. to improve student, staff and community safety Upgrade, repair, replace, modify or construct site improvements, paths, sidewalks and walkways, canopies, exterior shade structures, landscaping improvements, irrigation and drainage, etc. Renovate, improve, repair or install playgrounds, hard courts, athletic play fields, tracks and turf, including new synthetic fields, including irrigation and drainage, bleachers, lighting, fencing, etc., and field equipment and facilities (including nets, basketball standards, goals and goalposts, backstops, storage) to allow greater use of school facilities and improve safety Upgrade classroom and other facility interiors, including floor and ceiling finishes, carpeting, windows, cabinets and casework, replace, install or construct interior walls, and equipment attached to wall surfaces (including white boards, marker boards, tack boards, television mounts, scoreboards, lockers and storage, fire extinguishers, safety equipment, kitchen cabinets/equipment, etc.) Acquisition of any of the facilities on the Bond Project List through temporary lease or lease-purchase arrangements, or execute purchase option under a lease for any of these authorized facilities, or acquire any other facilities the District is currently leasing or financing through lease-leaseback or sale-leaseback If and as the need arises, and to the extent the Board of Education determines that bond funds are available for the purpose, acquisition of land and other interests in real property for additional school buildings and other District facilities, and construction of those facilities Construct new gymnasiums and multi-purpose buildings, for instructional and physical education and recreational uses (may be joint-use projects) Upgrade and renovate kitchens, and acquire and install food preparation equipment and fixtures Construct, repair, replace or modify roofs or portions of roofs to extend the useful life of school facilities Replace, repair or upgrade aging and/or inadequate plumbing, piping and drainage systems, including water supply, meters, water heating, and wastewater systems, plumbing fixtures and sinks, etc., within buildings and sites and to connect with city supply and drainage systems ALL PROJECTS - ADDITIONAL NECESSARY AND INCIDENTAL WORK Each project listed is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance and other construction-related costs, such as construction management, architectural, engineering, inspection and other planning costs, legal, accounting and similar fees, independent annual financial and performance audits, a customary construction contingency, and other costs incidental to and necessary for completion of the listed projects (whether work is performed by the District or by third parties), including: Remove, dispose of, and otherwise remediate hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, etc., where necessary Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/ modernization (including plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, etc.) Site preparation/restoration in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, demolition of existing structures, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation and drainage, utility lines (such as gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, and communication lines), trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, traffic lights and mitigation, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property Rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis, as needed to accommodate construction materials, equipment, and personnel, and interim classrooms (including relocatables) for students and school functions or other storage for classroom materials displaced during construction Furnishing and equipping of existing and newly constructed, modernized or rehabilitated classrooms and facilities on an ongoing basis, including to replace worn, broken, or out-of-date furniture and equipment for all classrooms, athletic facilities and other facilities, as needed Replace existing or acquire new computers, technology and related equipment on an ongoing basis, as needed and as funds are available For any project involving renovation, modernization, remodeling or rehabilitation of a building or the major portion of a building, the District may proceed with new replacement construction instead (including any necessary demolition), if the Board of Education determines that replacement and new construction is more practical than rehabilitation and renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, comparative cost, and other relevant factors. * * The Bond Project List shall be considered a part of this ballot proposition, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition.