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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Smart Voter
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
Measure V
Bonds
Patterson Joint Unified School District

55% Approval Required

Pass: 3,963 / 66.4% Yes votes ...... 2,008 / 33.6% No votes
   3,963 (66.37%) Yes / 2,008 (33.63%) No in Stanislaus County
   Yes / No in Santa Clara County

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Nov 24 9:15pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (20/20)
  Includes 20/20 Precincts in Stanislaus County as of Nov 24 9:15pm
  Includes Precincts in Santa Clara County
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement | Full Text

To provide a quality education for Patterson students and prepare them for college or their career by:
  • Upgrading and repairing classrooms that are more than forty years old
  • Adding new technology
  • Adding science and career training classrooms giving students workforce skills
  • Relieving overcrowded schools

Shall Patterson Joint Unified School District issue $50,000,000 in bonds, at legal interest rates, with guaranteed annual audits, citizen oversight, and no money for administrators' salaries?

Impartial Analysis from the Stanislaus County Council
If approved by fifty-five percent (55%) of the votes cast by the voters voting thereon, this measure would authorize the Board of Trustees of the Patterson Joint Unified School District (the "District") to issue and sell general obligation bonds of the District in amounts not to exceed a total of $50,000,000.00. Interest on said bonds shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by the Education Code Sections 15140 to 15143, as modified by Government Code Section 53531, which provides that such bonds may bear interest not to exceed twelve percent (12%), the legal limit.

If the bond measure is approved, pursuant to Section 15278 of the California Education Code, the District is committed to establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The District has committed that the proceeds from the bonds will be used solely for the projects described in the ballots exhibit to include the following projects: Construction and renovation of a variety of school facilities projects as described fully in the full text of Measure "V".

If this measure passes, a tax shall annually levy on property within the District. The District has determined that the best estimate for the tax rate for the first fiscal year after the sale of bonds is $27.88 in fiscal year 2009-2010, $33.89 in fiscal year 2015-2016, and the best estimate of the highest tax rate $60.00 per $100,000.00 of assessed valuation.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the California Constitution and the California Education Code, an annual tax shall be levied upon the property within the jurisdiction of the District for the interest and redemption of all outstanding bonds of the District authorized by this measure. The annual tax shall not be less than suffi cient to pay the interest on the bonds as it becomes due and to provide a sinking fund for payment of the principal on or before maturity and may include an allowance for an annual reserve, established for the purpose of avoiding fluctuating tax levies.

___ A "yes" vote is a vote to authorize the District to issue and sell the bonds.

___A "no" vote is against authorizing the District to issue and sell the bonds.

This analysis is submitted by the Office of the Stanislaus County Counsel pursuant to the requirements of Section 9500 of the Elections Code of the State of California.

/s/ Dean Wright, Deputy County Counsel Of County of Stanislaus

  Official Information

Patterson Joint Union School District
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Arguments For Measure V Arguments Against Measure V
Measure V connects Patterson's schools and students with the 21st Century education they need to succeed.

Measure V will ensure up-to-date, modern technology at every school.

Measure V will reduce overcrowding and provide students with quality classrooms.

Local teachers and parents support Measure V because most of our school buildings are over 40 years old and have deteriorating walls, floors, roofs and plumbing systems. Many have inadequate electrical systems that can't handle computers and other learning technology.

Measure V will:

  • Build modern technology labs, and agriculture, science, and vocational career facilities

  • Improve the quality of learning in Patterson Schools with new classrooms, modern libraries, and state-of-the-art educational facilities

  • Relieve overcrowded classrooms and schools

  • Repair or replace deteriorating floors, walls, and roofs

  • Replace unsafe electrical circuits and wiring

  • Upgrade and repair classrooms that are more than forty years old

  • Upgrade school security systems, including lighting, alarm systems, and emergency communication systems

  • Repair rusting sewer lines and plumbing systems

Measure V will provide Patterson's students with the 21st Century schools they need to go on to college or start a career.

Strengthen Patterson schools. Throw your support behind Measure V.

Measure V was developed by parents, teachers, local business people, accountants, and professional planners to make needed improvements in our local schools.

Not one penny of Measure V can be spent on salaries or administration. It all goes to our schools.

Connect Patterson's schools and students to the 21st century education they need to succeed.

Please vote Yes on Measure V.

/s/ Eusebio "Sam" Cuellar, Jr. + Patterson City Council
/s/ Chris Bingham + Community Volunteer
/s/ Tom Pack - Teacher
/s/ David Santos + Local Farmer
/s/ Marilynne Allen + Retired Teacher / Former Board Member

NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE V WAS SUBMITTED

Tax Rate Statement from the Superintendent Patterson Joint Unified School District
As shown on the enclosed official ballot, an election is being held in the Patterson Joint Unified School District ("District") on November 4, 2008, for the purpose of submitting to the registered voters within the District the question of whether the District shall issue and sell bonds in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 for the purpose of providing funds for the specified school facilities and school projects as set forth in the resolution of the District calling such bond election. This measure will authorize a tax sufficient for payment of interest and principal on, and redemption of, the bonds. The bonds shall bear interest at a rate, or rates to be established at such time as the bonds are sold, in one or more series, at interest rates not to exceed the maximum applicable statutory rate for such bonds. If such bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and the interest thereon are a general obligation of the District, payable from the proceeds of ad valorem taxes on real property located within the District. The following information is submitted in compliance with California Elections Code Sections 9401 through 9404.

(a) The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue during the first fiscal year after the first sale of the bonds based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors is $0.02788 per $100 ($27.88 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2009-2010.

(b) The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue during the fi rst fi scal year after the last sale of the bonds based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors is $0.03389 per $100 ($33.89 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2015-2016.

(c) The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue during the term of the bond issue, based on assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors, is $0.06000 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. It is estimated that the highest tax rate would apply in the 2036-2037 tax year based on assessed valuations available at the time of this election or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors.

(d) The best estimate of the average tax rate required to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of fi ling of this statement or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors, is $0.04593 per $100 ($45.93 per $100,000) of assessed valuation.

Voters should note that these estimated tax rates are based on the assessed value of taxable property within the District as shown on the official rolls of Stanislaus and Santa Clara Counties, not on the property's market value. In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption, such as the homeowner's exemption, will be taxed at a lower effective rate than described above. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone the payment of taxes. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and/or the applicable county assessor and/or tax advisors to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that these estimates are based on assumptions and projections derived from information obtained from official sources. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary depending on the timing of any bond sales, the amount of bonds sold, market interest rates at the time of such sale and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The timing of the bond sales and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be governed by the needs of the District, 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 Assessors for Stanislaus and Santa Clara Counties in the annual assessment and the equalization process.

Dated: August 4, 2008

/s/ Dr. Patrick Sweeney, Superintendent,
Patterson Joint Unifi ed School District

Full Text of Measure V
The General Obligation Bond Funds ("Bond Funds") of the Patterson Joint Unified School District ("District") will be used to renovate and repair aging schools and classrooms in the District, for acquisition and construction of public schools and school projects to reduce student overcrowding, improve student safety and security, as well as to meet student educational needs through the school facilities projects described herein.

The following projects are specifically included as projects on which such Bond Funds may be expended.

Patterson School and Classroom Repair/Modernization Measure

Projects include preparation, planning, design and architectural work, acquisition, construction and installation projects, as well as furnishings and equipment for the following Patterson school sites and projects:

⇒ Patterson High School Facilities Projects:

  • Giving students the job and career skills they need to succeed by adding a Science Center and Vocational/Career Center. This will ensure student success in fi elds such as Technology in Business, Agriculture Science - giving students access to the 21st Century education they need to succeed in college or to begin their career

  • Renovate classrooms, many of which are more than forty years old, by repairing deteriorating fl oors, walls, and roofs, upgradeoutdated electrical systems and install new technology throughout our schools.

  • Modernize and upgrade Auditorium/Theater facilities

  • Add restrooms/restroom facilities

  • Repair electrical systems, add new computers and technology systems and repair and/or renovate school infrastructure in the classrooms

⇒ Walnut Grove School Projects
  • Add classrooms, career center, modern library and educational facilities

⇒ Creekside Middle School

  • New cafeteria facilities

⇒ Northmead School

  • Repair and renovate old classrooms and aging classroom buildings, make electrical and safety improvements, roofing, plumbing and flooring

  • Add new and modern classrooms in the kindergarten wing

⇒ Las Palmas School

  • Replace old classrooms

  • Renovate aging kitchen facilities

  • Renovate and expand current student support services

  • Add New Library building

⇒ Grayson School

  • Replace old classrooms

  • Replace aging school infrastructure/facilities

  • Add a new library building

  • Add restrooms

⇒ Rising Sun School

  • Renovation and repair of aging classrooms

  • Replace existing HVAC units with more energy efficient units

  • Add restrooms

⇒ Del Puerto School

  • Expansion and/or relocation of the educational facilities to include student support, technology center, new classrooms and a multi-use room

⇒ Apricot Valley School

  • New shade structure(s)

School Classroom Projects, Infrastructure Projects and identified Modernization Projects Description:

School Classroom Projects, Infrastructure Projects and identified Modernization Projects for the District's campuses may include the following: design and architect costs, construction, installation, repair, renovation, upgrading and/or replacement of lighting and electrical systems, heating, air and ventilation (HVAC) systems, fire safety equipment, including alarms and fire safety doors, bathroom facilities, plumbing and sewer systems and facilities, flooring replacement, abatement of hazardous materials, roof renovation and/or replacement, window replacement, wall systems, security systems, communication systems, technology upgrades, fencing site improvements (including walkways and safety fencing), landscaping, and handicap accessibility improvements meet current health, safety and instructional standards which will improve the overall educational experience for students in the District.

Project Costs for Security, Communication, Electrical Systems, Technology Systems and Replacement and/or Upgrade of School Infrastructure

Project costs include design, construction, installation, renovation, rehabilitation and/or upgrades for wiring, routers, servers, electrical controls, network infrastructure, security systems, communications systems and equipment, computer systems and equipment, supporting infrastructure, technology systems and equipment, fi re alarm systems and equipment, data storage and access systems and supporting furnishings and equipment.

Project costs for furnishings and equipment for the District's existing schools may include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following: security and communication systems and equipment, desks and tables; window and floor coverings (including tiles and carpeting); computers, kitchen equipment; science laboratory equipment; and/or other electronic equipment.

The facilities described herein are further detailed and described in the District's Facilities Master Plan, which is on file at the District's business office and available for public review upon request.

Use of the Bond Funds also includes payment and prepayment of existing interim financing/lease obligations of the Patterson Joint Unified School District to reduce financial impacts on the District's general fund.

Project costs for the above-referenced projects may include site preparation, installation costs, engineering and design costs, project management costs, title acquisition costs, state or local costs involving design, planning, environmental review, construction and completion of the aforementioned projects, and related costs. Allowable project costs also include: costs of issuing the bonds or securities (as authorized under California law), informational distribution costs and election costs authorized under State law. Funding for these projects may come from this bond measure or other District resources as the school facilities needs arise.

In preparing the foregoing list, the Board of Trustees of the Patterson Joint Unified School District has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs. Approval of the District's bond measure does not guarantee that all of the identifi ed projects within this list will be funded beyond what can be completed with local funds generated by the bond measure and does not guarantee that the projects will be completed in any particular order. The District will also pursue funds from the State of California to complete certain of the identified facilities projects. The foregoing project list assumes that the District would also receive some State matching funds.

No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, acquisition, repair, renovation, rehabilitation, or replacement of schools, school sites and school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities as identified herein, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and non-construction related administrator salaries and other non-construction related operating expenses.

EXHIBIT B
PATTERSON JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE

∗In order to construct, acquire, renovate and upgrade school facilities, provide new school facilities and to provide repairs and upgrades of existing school facilities at schools of the Patterson Joint Unifi ed School District, and in so doing increase safety and educational effectiveness of classrooms for students, shall the Patterson Joint Unified School District be authorized to issue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities or the acquisition or lease of real property for schools and school facilities as listed in Attachment *1* which is also on file at the District office and herein incorporated, which Bonds shall be issued for a term not to exceed the statutory maximum, which is currently twenty-five (25) years in the case of bonds issued under the authority of the Education Code and forty (40) years in the case of bonds issued under the authority of the Government Code, at an interest rate below the legal maximum, and which Bonds shall be subject to the following provisions:

(A) That proceeds of the Bonds 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 pursuant to California Constitution Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) and further that the proceeds of the Bonds shall be used only for the purposes specifi ed in California Constitution Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) (as amended by Proposition 39) and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and any other school operating expenses.

(B) That a list of the specific school facilities projects to be funded with the proceeds of the Bonds is attached hereto as Attachment *1* and, based upon the adoption of this Resolution, this Board of Trustees hereby certifi es that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the school facilities listed in Attachment *1*.

(C) That the Board of Trustees of the District shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to insure that the proceeds from the sale of the Bonds have been expended only on the specific projects listed in this bond proposition.

(D) That the Board of Trustees of the District shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of the Bonds until all of those proceeds have been expended for the school facilities projects identified herein.

(E) That the Board of Trustees of the District will appoint a citizens' oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that the Bond proceeds are spent only on school and classroom improvements and for no other purposes?

Such bond proposition is also for the purpose of making the Patterson Joint Unified School District eligible for State matching funds.*


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