League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Riverside County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Measure G Repair/ School Construction/Education Improvement Measure Colton Joint Unified School District Bond Measure - 55% Approval Required Fail: 140 / 53.44% Yes votes ...... 122 / 46.56% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure G

Your YES vote on Measure "G" repairs, improves, and builds more schools to reduce overcrowding and attract quality teachers in every community and every school in the Colton Joint Unified School District. EVERY school benefits. Did you know the number of students attending our high schools has increased 64% since 1994? Classrooms are over-crowded and need to be upgraded and properly equipped. Many of our schools were built in the 1960's -- YES on Measure "G" makes improvements to classrooms, reading, science/computer labs, and libraries -- ensuring students have the learning resources they need. Yes on Measure "G" attracts and retains the EXCELLENT TEACHERS our students need and deserve, by improving our classrooms and learning tools. Yes on Measure "G" builds new schools, including a fourth high school, and fully completes those already in progress. Yes on Measure "G" makes our schools safer. Overcrowded schools increase the potential for student violence making it difficult to evacuate schools during an emergency and protect our students. Yes on Measure "G" replaces outdated restrooms, plumbing/sewer systems, decaying walls, doors and windows, brings schools to handicap accessibility requirements, and installs energy efficient systems to reduce costs and put more money into the classroom. Experts agree that kids need physical education programs to stay out of trouble, focus, perform well in school and prevent childhood obesity. Yes on Measure "G" funds the essential projects for physical education programs so important for student health and academic performance. Excellent schools keep property values strong, neighborhoods safe, and keep children out of trouble. Yes on Measure "G" ensures quality schools to serve every neighborhood and child. Yes on Measure "G" ensures fiscal accountability, including independent annual audits, Independent Citizens Oversight to ensure money is spent as promised, and NO money for administrators' salaries. Join teachers, principals, and parents - Vote YES on Measure "G". By:   Allen R. O'Neil, Teacher / Counselor         Joda Murphy, Principal         Lynn Hooker, Commissioner Bloomington JAAF         Laura Henderson, Colton Parent         Casey Cridelich, Asst Supt Bus Svcs (No arguments against Measure G were submitted)

Tax Rate Statement

An election will be held in Colton Joint Unified School District ("District") on November 4, 2008, for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the District the question of incurring a bonded indebtedness of the District in a principal amount of $225.0 million ("Bonds"). If such Bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and interest thereon will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information regarding tax rates is given to comply with Section 9401 of the California Elections Code. Such information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within the District, and other demonstrable factors. Based upon the foregoing and projections of the District's assessed valuation, and assuming the entire debt service will be paid through property taxation: 1. The best estimate of the tax which would be required to be levied to fund the Bonds 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 $39.94 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for the year 2009-10. 2. The best estimate from official sources of the tax which would be required to be levied to fund the Bonds during the first fiscal year after the last sale of the bonds and an estimate of the year in which that tax will apply, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $39.97 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for the year 2018-19. 3. The best estimate of the highest tax which would be required to be levied to fund the Bonds and an estimate of the first year in which that tax will apply, based on estimated assessed valuation available at the time of filing of this statement, is $40.00 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for the year 2033-34. Attention to all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only. The actual times of sales of said Bonds and the amount sold at any given time will be governed by the needs of the District and other factors. The actual interest rates at which the Bonds will be sold, which in any event will not exceed the maximum permitted by law, will depend upon the bond market at the time of sales. The actual assessed values in the future years will depend upon the value of property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process. Hence, the actual tax rates and the years in which such rates are applicable may vary from those presently estimated as above stated. Superintendent Colton Joint Unified School District

Full Text of Measure G

SCHOOL PROJECT LIST The Board of Education of the Colton Joint Unified School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including teacher recruitment and retention, eligibility for state matching grants, school safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, class size reduction, school overcrowding, energy efficiency and computer/information technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. In developing the scope of projects, the key health and safety and sustainability needs have also been prioritized so that the most critical facility needs are addressed. In recognizing the types of school projects, the Board of Education determines that: Retaining and attracting excellent teachers is the most critical element of our facility plans; and In repairing aging school buildings and classrooms, priority shall be given to basic repairs, such as replacing outdated plumbing, piping, electrical and sewer systems; and All of its schools should be safe learning environments, free from gang or drug influence; and All schools should have energy efficient lighting systems that conserve electricity and save on costly utility bills; and Overcrowded schools increase the potential for student violence and make it difficult to evacuate schools quickly during and emergency, such as fire or school shooting; and High schools must increase the opportunities for vocational and career tech education such as technology skills training, so that students who do not go to college have the opportunity to learn valuable job skills and get good-paying jobs when they graduate high school; and Since kids need physical education programs to stay away from gangs/drugs, focus and perform well in school, District should fund essential projects necessary for physical education programs important for student health and academic performance; and Eligibility for State matching grants is vital to the success of our school construction plans; and Upgrading computer technology and energy efficiency is necessary at every school. The School Project List includes the following types of projects at the following school sites: Abraham Lincoln Elementary School        Paul Rogers Elementary School Alice Birney Elementary School Reche Canyon Elementary School Bloomington High School Ruth Grimes Elementary School Bloomington Middle School Ruth O. Harris Middle School Colton Community Day School Slover Mountain High School Colton High School Sycamore Hills Elementary School Colton Middle School Terrace Hills Middle School Cooley Ranch Elementary School Terrace View Elementary School Crestmore Elementary School Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School Gerald A. Smith Elementary School Walter Zimmerman Elementary School Grand Terrace Elementary School Washington High School Jurupa Vista Elementary School William McKinley Elementary School Mary B. Lewis Elementary School Woodrow Wilson Elementary School Michael D'Arcy Elementary School Construction of New Classrooms To Address Growth in our Communities and Reduce Overcrowding Goal and Purpose: To reduce the severe and unsafe overcrowding at some neighborhood schools, allow teachers and principals to better monitor students, identify at-risk students, instill discipline and to reduce the risk of violence and injury in the event of emergency evacuation, some schools would benefit from the construction and expansion of classrooms and educational support spaces and additional earthquake and accessibility code compliant facilities, such as: Complete construction of a third community high school in Grand Terrace. Construct a new middle school in Bloomington. Build new math and science classrooms and labs at Bloomington High School and Colton High School. Additional classrooms, including math, science, job training buildings, and elementary, middle, 9th grade Academy (Bloomington) and new high school which will reduce the use of portable classrooms. Create a Career Technology School to expand and upgrade vocational education and job training opportunities. Handicapped accessibility upgrades as mandated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). Multi-purpose rooms, including food service areas, bathrooms, storage, educational support spaces, and classrooms. Additional electrical service capacity. Additional restrooms. School Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects Goal and Purpose: All schools will benefit from the renovation, repair, upgrade and replacement of aging school campuses, restrooms, reading, computer and science labs, classrooms, vocational education training sites, student drop-off and pick-up zones, and equipment, to ensure compliance with handicap accessibility requirements and that student and teachers have the resources they need to excel and be prepared for college and the real world when they graduate: Replace existing plumbing and sewer systems to meet current codes, including the elimination of lead-containing fixtures. Replace older heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems with building code compliant, energy efficient systems which will conserve electricity, save on costly utility bills and improve air quality. Repair, upgrade and replace worn-out and leaking roofs. Repair aging classrooms and science labs. Replace existing wiring systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes and increase capacity. Remove asbestos and other hazardous materials. Install additional electrical service capacity to improve computer technology and Internet access. Upgrade aging and deteriorating walls, doors, windows and restrooms. Improve infrastructures of existing schools to meet current state standards. Provide enhanced computer labs. Increase the amount of study space in school libraries. Upgrade and equip classrooms, science labs, multipurpose rooms, physical education facilities, cafeteria areas, auditoriums, libraries, arts and music rooms, and educational support spaces. Replace and install drinking fountains. Provide new paint, carpet, vinyl tile, asbestos abatement, white markerboards, tackable surfaces, storage for instructional materials and equipment in classrooms and other school interiors. Improve handicap accessibility. Replace aging portable buildings with permanent classrooms. Repair, upgrade or replace aging schools and educational facilities. District-Wide Upgrading of Computer Technology Projects Goal and Purpose: To upgrade computer technology and bring our schools up-to-date current teaching and learning tools: Provide and maintain up-to-date technology, data and communication equipment. Expand bandwidth to allow students greater access to the Internet. Upgrade and expand telecommunications, Internet and network connections. Upgrade and replace computers, hardware and software systems. Upgrade and replace classroom instructional equipment. Replace or upgrade outdated electrical systems. School Health and Safety and Energy Efficiency School Projects Goal and Purpose: To ensure that the learning process is not interrupted by gangs and drugs or juvenile crime, to maintain healthy students and improve daily attendance, and to help attract and retain excellent teachers, schools and school sites will benefit from a variety of health and safety projects, such as: Remove or abate all asbestos, lead paint, mold and other hazardous materials. Add pick-up and drop-off areas to improve student, teacher and parent safety around schools. Upgrade fire alarm systems to automatic systems, repair fire safety equipment, add sprinklers and fire safety doors. Upgrade schools to meet handicap accessibility requirements. Inspect for/repair gas pipe leaks. Replace/upgrade existing signage, bells and clocks. Install/replace/upgrade fencing systems. Replace/upgrade existing landscaping and irrigation systems. Install energy efficient systems. Replace existing window systems with energy efficient systems. Install new security systems, such as security (surveillance) cameras, outdoor lighting, fencing, gates and classroom door locks. Upgrade emergency communication systems. Upgrade children's playground equipment replacement to meet current safety standards. Inspect and improve play area fields for safety and drainage. Replace existing doors, doorframes and hardware Replace and add emergency exits. Upgrade school site parking, utilities and grounds. Repair termite damage to structures and doors/frames. Retrofit schools and classrooms for earthquake safety, as required by State law. Provide local match for participating in state funded energy, efficient, and sustainable schools and high performing schools programs. Classroom Improvements to Enhance Job Training Goal and Purpose: To increase opportunities for career training and technical and job training, as well as to create space for school programs that keep students off the street and out of trouble: Create Career Technology to expand and upgrade vocational education and job training opportunities for students who do not go to college to give them valuable job skills so they can get good-paying jobs when they graduate from high school. Expand program and instructional space to allow programs focused on training students for jobs in health, technology, engineering and other professions. Upgrade technology and equipment used in job training programs. Listed building, repair and rehabilitation projects and upgrades will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program/project management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the listed repair and construction projects stated above, the Priority School Project Lists also include the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including the reduction or retirement of outstanding lease obligations and interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from the School Project List, the construction of additional schools, if necessary to serve students and staff, the acquisition of land, the remodeling of administrative support spaces, installation of signage and fencing, payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility studies, assessment reviews, facility master plan preparation and updates, environmental studies (including environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring), design and construction documentation, the acquisition of outstanding ground leases, and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by construction projects. In addition to the projects listed above, the repair and renovation of each of the existing school facilities may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: renovation of student and staff restrooms; repair and replacement of heating and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls doors and drinking fountains; installation wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, turf and irrigation systems and campus landscaping; build/renovate new gymnasiums, pools and high school stadiums; upgrade or replace inadequate libraries, multi-purpose rooms and kitchens; upgrade locker rooms; install lunch shelters, artificial turf, and bleachers; expand parking; build new stadium; install interior and exterior painting and floor covering; replacement of portable classrooms; installation of covered walkways or shelters; addition of administrative support spaces; upgrade school site kitchens; repair rubberized play apparatus surfaces; demolition; and construction of various forms of storage and support spaces, upgrade classrooms, repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems, replace water and sewer lines and other plumbing system, replace outdated security fences and security systems. The allocation of bond proceeds will be affected by the District's receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project. In the absence of State matching funds, which the District will aggressively pursue to reduce the District's share of the costs of the projects, the District will not be able to complete some of the projects listed above. Some projects may be undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public or non-profit agencies. Possible joint-use projects could include any of the following at various school sites: libraries, gymnasiums, athletic facilities, daycare centers, preschools and career technology centers. The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District's control. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans and construction documents are finalized, construction bids are received, construction contracts are awarded and projects are completed. Based on the final costs of each project, certain of the projects described above may be delayed or may not be completed. Demolition of existing facilities and reconstruction of facilities scheduled for repair and upgrade may occur, if the Board determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating more enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration may occur in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. 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 bond projects. Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specific purposes identified herein. The District shall create an account into which proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited and comply with the reporting requirements of Government Code § 53410. 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. FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY. 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.