League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Stanislaus County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Measure T Bond Stanislaus Union School District 55% Approval Required Pass: 7,213 / 70.62% Yes votes ...... 3,001 / 29.38% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure T

Arguments Against Measure T

Thanks to strong leadership, great teachers, and hard working staff, Stanislaus Union School District provides an exceptional academic environment to all of its students. Unfortunately, our aging local schools and classrooms are in need of basic health and safety repairs and improvements. Measure T will ensure that each student has the opportunity to learn in a safe, secure, up-to-date school. This bond measure will allow us to: Replace and repair old, inadequate bathrooms and plumbing, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that cannot be relied on to work properly. Repair aging, leaky roofs that are damaging classrooms and repairing dry rot to avoid future structural damage. Build new classrooms at Prescott Middle School to relieve overcrowding at a school built for 300 students that now serves over 700. Improve communication systems for classrooms and school campuses to provide greater safety and security and add science labs, including up-to-date equipment and facilities for the 21st century. Build a centralized kitchen facility to ensure healthy meals for over 3,200 children in our community. Remove asbestos, lead and other health hazards. All monies raised by this bond will be used for our local schools - not one penny can be taken by the state and by law, these funds cannot be spent on administrative salaries. An independent citizen oversight committee will monitor and review all spending. Moreover, passage of this bond measure will allow the District to qualify for millions of dollars in state matching funds that otherwise will be lost to other school districts. Quality neighborhood schools are the backbone of our community and the foundation for strong property values. On November 4, we can support and improve our excellent neighborhood schools. Please join retired County School Superintendent Martin Petersen, and your Stanislaus Union School District neighbors, vote YES on Measure T. /s/ Sharma Uma - SARB Coordinator /s/ Cathy Hudson - Chrysler School Secretary / Retired CSEA #520 President /s/ Duke Leffl er - President, PMZ Commercial /s/ Don Rowe - Stanislaus Union Retired Teacher /s/ Tracey Kerr - Parent / Modesto Business Woman

NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE T WAS SUBMITTED

Tax Rate Statement

An election will be held in Stanislaus Union Elementary School District (the "District") on November 4, 2008 to authorize the sale of $39,800,000 in general obligation bonds. The following information is submitted in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the California Elections Code. 1. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required to fund this bond issue during the fi rst fi scal 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 $.03000 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2009-10. 2. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required 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 $.03000 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fi scal year 2016-17. 3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of fi ling this statement, is $.03000 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. 4. The best estimate of the average tax rate required to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $.02699per $100 ($26.99 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. These estimates are based on projections derived from information obtained from offi cial sources. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary depending on the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold at each sale and actual increases in assessed valuations. The timing of the bond sales and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the needs of the District. Actual assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process. Dated: July 30, 2008 /s/ Dawn Riccoboni, Chief Business Official, Stanislaus Union Elementary School District

Full Text of Measure T

Stanislaus Union Schools Improvement Measure. "To replace deteriorating bathrooms/leaky roofs, upgrade heating, ventilation, cooling and electrical systems, remove asbestos, improve drinking water, relieve overcrowding, upgrade technology, fi re alarms, communications and safety systems, shall Stanislaus Union Elementary School District issue $39,800,000 of bonds at legal interest rates, to acquire, construct, repair and equip classrooms, sites, buildings, centralized kitchen and joint-use facilities, qualify for State matching funds, with no money for administrators' salaries, independent oversight committee with all funds staying locally to improve schools?" PRIORITY SCHOOL PROJECTS LIST The Board of Trustees of the Stanislaus Union Elementary School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size 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. As reflected in the District's Bond Plan, approved by the Board on June 19, 2008, incorporated herein, and as shall be amended. The Bond Plan is on file at the Superintendent's Office and on the District's website, www.stanunion.k12.ca.us. 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 determines that the District must: (i) Make basic repairs to its aging schools, such as upgrading old and deteriorating bathrooms, leaky roofs and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; and (ii) Reduce overcrowding at Prescott School, the District's only Middle school; and (iii) Insure that all schools are safe from asbestos or other hazardous materials; and (iv) Apply for State matching funds to help defray the cost of local school facilities, and (v) Provide fresher, healthier, more diverse meals for our children at all school sites by expanding the centralized kitchen; and (vi) Guarantee that all money received by the measure will be subject to local oversight and used here in our local community and not taken by the State. The Bond Project List is on fi le at the District Offi e of the Superintendent and includes the following projects: PRIORITY SCHOOL PROJECTS Project costs for repair and renovation of all existing school facilities include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following: renovate student bathrooms; repair and/or replace leaky roofs, heating and ventilation systems; improve drainage and irrigation systems; repair and replace worn-out windows, walls and doors and hardware; install electrical system wiring to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices; upgrade water meters; repair and replace fire alarms, and security systems (including security cameras and outdoor lighting); install drinking fountains; interior and exterior painting; upgrade or replace white boards; improve wall and ceiling finishes; repair, improve or remove old portable classrooms; install tables and benches; demolition; upgrade sites and fi elds; install or replace signage; inspect for and abate any hazardous materials, including asbestos and mold; improve access for people with disabilities; and, construct classrooms and various forms of storage and support space. Agnes M. Baptist Elementary School Replace or repair old and leaky roofs to prevent further damage to classrooms, carpeting, fl oors and walls. Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms. Upgrade classroom technology and electrical systems to allow internet connection in each classroom to permit students tokeep up with modern technology. Install new or improve existing student fi re safety alarm systems. Upgrade classrooms to enhance student achievement. Enhance student safety with improved security systems and new or improved student fire safety alarm systems. Arleta Muncy Elementary School Replace or repair old and leaky roofs to prevent further damage to classrooms, carpets, floors and walls. Upgrade classroom technology and electrical systems to improve classroom lighting and to allow internet connections in each classroom to permit students to keep up with modern technology. Enhance student safety with improved security systems, outdoor lighting and fire alarm systems. Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating bathrooms. Remove hazardous materials, including asbestos, if any, improve drainage and repair dry rot. Improve failing and cracked asphalt surfaces for safety. Install modern water meters to improve effi ciency and conservation. George Eisenhut Elementary School Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating bathrooms. Replace or repair old and leaky roofs to prevent further damage to classrooms, carpets, floors and walls. Upgrade classroom technology and electrical systems to provide internet connection in each classroom and allow students to keep up with modern technology. Enhance student safety with improved security systems, fencing, improved outdoor lighting and new fire alarm systems. Upgrade water meters to improve effi ciency and conservation. Remove hazardous materials, if any. Improve failing and cracked asphalt surfaces for safety. Josephine Chrysler Elementary School Replace or repair old and leaky roofs to prevent further damage to classrooms, carpeting, floors and walls. Upgrade classroom technology and electrical systems to provide internet connections in all classrooms to allow students to keep up with modern technology. Enhance student safety with improved security systems, fencing, outdoor lighting, upgraded playground and playfield surfaces and equipment. Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating bathrooms. Remove hazardous materials, including asbestos, if any. Improve failing and cracked asphalt surfaces for safety. Renovate and upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities. Mary Lou Dieterich Elementary School Upgrade electrical systems to provide internet connections in all classrooms to allow students to keep up with modern technology. Upgrade portable classrooms. Install covered lunch/shade shelters. Enhance student safety and various site improvements. Prescott Senior Elementary School To reduce overcrowding, construct a multi-purpose building, new classrooms, expand library, expand centralized kitchen to provide fresher, healthier, more diverse meals for our children at all school sites. Upgrade heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system for energy efficiency and to reduce energy costs. Upgrade classroom technology and electrical systems to improve access to modern technology. Upgrade water meters to improve efficiency and conservation. Upgrade or relocate portable classrooms to improve student learning environments. Renovate, upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, expand or improve locker rooms, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities. Remove hazardous materials, including asbestos, if any. Enhance student safety with improved security systems, fencing, outdoor lighting, parking area, upgrade playground and playfield surfaces and improve student pick-up and drop-off areas. Stanislaus Elementary School Upgrade old and inadequate bathrooms. Upgrade heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system for the multi-purpose room for energy effi ciency and to reduce energycosts. Replace or repair leaky roofs to prevent further damage to classrooms, carpeting, floors and walls. Upgrade electrical systems to improve safety, classroom internet capacity and access to modern technology. Improve classroom lighting. Improve water and sewer systems. Remove hazardous materials, including asbestos, if any. Enhance student safety with improved security systems, outside lighting and fire alarm systems. Upgrade facilities and site to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, Improve failing and cracked asphalt surfaces for safety. District Education Center Construct a new building to include: Parent Education Areas. Staff Development Areas. Community Development Areas. Restrooms. Board Room. Curriculum & Instruction Department. Business Services Departments. Administration Offices. 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 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 Projects List also includes the payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility assessment reviews, environmental studies and construction documentation, and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by bond projects. The upgrading of technology includes, but is not limited to, computers, LCD projectors, portable interface devices, servers, sound projection systems, laser printers, document projectors and other miscellaneous equipment and software. The Priority School Projects List also includes the construction of a new District education center, which has administrative offi ces, to consolidate various facilities and reduce District operating costs. The allocation of bond proceeds will be affected by the District's receipt of State matching funds and the fi nal 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 may not be able to complete some of the projects listed above. Certain projects may be undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public agencies. The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District's control. The fi nal cost of each project will be determined as plans are fi nalized, construction bids are awarded and projects are completed. Based on the fi nal 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 effi cient 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, redirecting fi re access, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specifi c purposes identifi ed herein. 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. 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. 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 BONAFIDE 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. PROJECT CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTABILITY AND SAFEGUARDS. AS DETERMINED APPROPRIATE BY DISTRICT STAFF, CERTAIN PROJECTS PAID FOR WITH BOND MONEY MAY BE SUBJECT TO OVERSIGHT OF A PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF DELIVERING SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ON-TIME AND ON-BUDGET TO SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS.