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Contra Costa County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Measure N
Bonds
Knightsen Elementary School District

55% Approval Required

Fail: 375 / 54.82% Yes votes ...... 309 / 45.18% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Nov 30 11:25am, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (10/10)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement |

To upgrade classrooms with up-to-date computers and technology infrastructure; repair and replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing and restrooms, and improve the District's budget, preserve school programs and retain teachers by paying lease obligations relating to existing school facility debt; shall Knightsen Elementary School District be authorized to issue $5 million of bonds within legal interest rates, so long as there is independent local citizens' oversight and funds cannot be taken by the State and spent elsewhere?

Impartial Analysis from County Counsel
The California Constitution provides that school districts may issue bonds 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, with the approval of 55% of the voters voting at an election for that purpose.

By resolution, the Knightsen Elementary School District has proposed that bonds of the District be issued in an amount up to $5,000,000. This measure provides that proceeds from the sale of the bonds will generally be used to "upgrade classrooms with up-to-date computers and technology infrastructure; repair and replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing and restrooms, and improve the District's budget, preserve school programs and retain teachers by paying lease obligations related to existing school facility debt." The specific projects are set forth in the bond project list attached to the resolution of the Board of Trustees. The measure provides that a citizens' oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond proceeds are properly expended and that annual performance and financial audits will be conducted. The measure further provides that bond proceeds will only be used for the purposes specified in the measure, and not for any other purpose.

Approval of this measure authorizes the levy of ad valorem taxes upon taxable property to repay the bonded indebtedness, both principal and interest, in each year that bonds are outstanding. The Knightsen Elementary School District has prepared a Tax Rate Statement, which represents the school district's best estimates of the property tax rates required to service the bonds. The estimated average annual tax rate required to be levied to fund the bonds is expected to be $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation over the life of the bonds.

Approval of the measure does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the District that are the subject of bonds under the measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by the measure. The proposed project or 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.

A "yes" vote authorizes the issuance of the bonds and the levy of taxes as estimated in the Tax Rate Statement to repay the bonded indebtedness. A "yes" vote by 55% of the voters within the District voting on the measure is required for passage of this measure. A "no" vote on this measure disapproves the issuance of the bonds and the levy of the taxes for the bonded indebtedness.

 
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Arguments For Measure N Arguments Against Measure N
Our schools are the most important asset in our community and should be our number one priority. From higher achieving students to greater neighborhood safety to improved property values, quality schools make a difference.

Your YES vote on Measure N will improve our local schools, preserve essential educational programs and retain teachers by retiring existing school loans, upgrade technology and computers in the classrooms, and make needed renovations and repairs throughout the district. By law, Measure N funds can only be used to improve our neighborhood schools and cannot be taken by the State for other uses.

Measure N will:

  • Improve the District's budget, preserve school programs, retain teachers and staff, and upgrade essential learning materials by paying off existing school facility debt
  • Upgrade classrooms with up-to-date computers and technology
  • Repair and replace deteriorating roofs
  • Repair and replace old and deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems
  • Renovate and repair outdated restrooms

As taxpayers, we agree on the importance of quality schools but also financial safeguards. Measure N makes financial sense and protects taxpayers

  • By law, all bond monies must be spent locally and entirely within our District
  • Bond funds cannot be taken by the State and spent elsewhere
  • All spending must be reviewed by an independent citizens' oversight committee
  • No money can be used for administrative or teacher salaries

Measure N deserves our support because it improves the education of local children, and helps maintain the quality of our community + and that's something we can all support. Please join us and VOTE YES ON MEASURE N!

Linda Weekes, Chairman CSD

Robert L. Cecchini

Kim Revel

Thomas E. Baldocchi Jr.

Kay Joan Carlile

No Arguments Against the Measure Were Filed

Tax Rate Statement
An election will be held in the Knightsen Elementary School District School (the "District") on November 2, 2010 to authorize the sale of $5,000,000 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 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2011-12.

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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2021-22.

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 filing this statement, is $.0300 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation.

These estimates are based on 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 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 Improvement District. Actual assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the Improvement District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process.

Dated: 7/26, 2010

Theresa Estrada Superintendent


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