League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Fresno, Monterey County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Measure E Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District Bond Proposition Coalinga/Huron Unified School District 55% Approval Required Pass: 1810 / 63.73% Yes votes ...... 1030 / 36.27% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure E

Arguments Against Measure E

Everyone knows the importance and value of having quality schools. From higher achieving students, to training for future jobs, to greater neighborhood safety, quality schools make a difference. Our teachers and staff do their best in educating our students, but many classrooms and school facilities in the Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District are outdated and inadequate to provide students with the school facilities they need to succeed. Our students need your YES vote on Measure E! In 1997, district voters passed a school improvement measure to modernize and repair some of our local classrooms and school facilities. Today, we need to complete our renovation projects at all our schools and upgrade technology throughout the District. Measure E will not increase the original tax rate from the 1997 program and will allow us to meet today's safety,technological, and educational standards. If passed, Measure E will improve our schools by: Replacing old and inadequate heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems Upgrading outdated electrical systems and improving energy efficiency Improving student access to computers and modern technology throughout the District Modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities Constructing new classrooms Measure E makes financial sense and has taxpayer safeguards. Measure E doesn't increase the original tax rate while raising funds to improve our schools. All bond funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the State. By law, spending must be reviewed and annually audited by an independent citizens' oversight committee. Funds can only be spent to improve our local schools, not for teacher or administrator salaries. Measure E upgrades and renovates old and inadequate classrooms, improves the education of local children, and maintains the quality of our communities. That's something we can all support. Please join us and VOTE YES ON MEASURE E! s/Walt Jensen, Coalinga Business Owner s/Mike Oxborrow, Coalinga City council Member s/Ramon Zubiri, Board President CHJUSD s/Ricardo Gonzalez, Board Member Westside Tule Enterprise Community s/Chuck Herrin, Huron Business Owner Rebuttal to Arguments For VOTE "NO" ON MEASURE E! Taxpayers are still paying for bonds that do not mature for decades. If school officials really need more money, they will issue these new bonds without delay and the tax rate would increase, not stay the same like they claim. The District's Tax Rate Statement guesses the highest tax rate for the bonds could be "$76.90 per $100,000" of assessed value. But that rate could be higher because the Tax Rate Statement also says "The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary." There would be no real oversight of this bond money because the Citizens' Committee cannot cancel the debt, stop the sale of more bonds or require school administrators to payback your money if it's spent badly. Only taxpayers are held personally responsible for bond debt. Should your money be spent badly, school administrators would just ask you for more like they are now. Bond elections are very expensive. The money spent could have been used for more teachers. Many people are struggling to live within their means. This school district needs to do the same. Private schools raise money for improvements without taxes by providing a product people want. If voters approve these bonds, taxes will replace an incentive for this school district to do better because taxpayers would be forced to pay even if the school district performs badly. Remember, VOTE "NO" ON MEASURE E! s/John Tresch Salinas Valley Taxpayers Union

Measure E is a tax increase..because bonds are like loans. Taxpayers must pay back the money with interest and it may take longer to payback than a loan to buy a house. This is what you are really voting on, if it is OK to add to debt owned by taxpayers. The debt would pay for real estate or improvements and could NOT be spent on teacher salaries. Measure E taxes many people who are being denied a vote. This is wrong. The school board could have balanced this wrong with a two-thirds voter majority requirement but they did not. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association opposes any bond measure that does not include a two-thirds voter majority requirement. Taxpayers are already over-taxed, paying more and more taxes for out-of-control government spending. Real oversight requires personal responsibility if the money is spent badly. Measure E only holds taxpayers responsible for paying the debt and does NOT hold school administrators personally responsible for their bad management. It's your money! Remember to vote "NO" on Measure E. "No New Taxes!" For more information call, (831) 275-0829 s/John Tresch, Salinas Valley Taxpayers Union Rebuttal to Arguments Against The voters of the Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District can decide what is best for their community, their schools, and their children without interference from adjacent communities. We believe that a YES vote on measure E will improve the quality of education provided to our local students and maintain the quality of our communities. Here are some important facts about Measure E: FACT: By law, all Measure E funds must be spent locally on classrooms and school facilities. They cannot be spent on teacher or administrator salaries and they cannot be taken by the State. FACT: Measure E doesn't increase the original tax rate from our 1997 bond program to raise funds to improve our schools. This is an affordable, smart investment. FACT: State law requires spending be reviewed and annually audited by an independent citizens' oversight committee. There will be no misspending of funds. FACT: All schools in the district will benefit as Measure E addresses heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, new classrooms, electrical systems, energy efficiency, student access to computers and modern technology, and outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities. Don't take an "outsider's" word for it. Some of the most respected and credible local groups and individuals support Measure E including: Coalinga Rotary Steve Whitwill of Coalinga-Huron Unified Teachers Association Carroll Canada, District Staff Dr. Willard LeWallen, President of West Hills Community College + Coalinga Ricardo Gonzalez, Board Member, Westside Tule Enterprise Community Join us and VOTE YES on Measure E. s/Roger Campbell s/James Allen s/Joseph Casarez s/Katie Delano

Tax Rate Statement

An election will be held in the Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District (the "District") on November 2, 2010 to authorize the sale of $16,100,000 in general obligation bonds. The following information is submitted in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the California Elections Code. 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 $.00954 per $100 ($9.54 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2011-12. 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 $.01925 per $100 ($19.25 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2017-18. 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 $.06000 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The tax rates associated with the 2010 Bond Authorization when combined with the District's outstanding general obligation bond issues are estimated not to increase the tax rate above the $76.90 per $100,000 of assessed value from the bond election previously approved by voters on March 4, 1997. This shall be referred to as a "Tax Rate Extension". These estimates and the Tax Rate Extension 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 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. s/Stan Dobbs Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District

Full Text of Measure E

This proposition may be known and referred to as the Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District General Obligation Bond Extension of 2010, or Measure E. FINDINGS The Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District (the "District), which serves the City of Coalinga, the City of Huron, and unincorporated parts of Fresno, Monterey, and San Benito Counties, is a recognized leader in providing top quality education to students. The achievements have been accrued by the District as a result of the long history of visionary leadership from the Board of Trustees of the District (the "Board"), as well as from staff members, parents, and members of the District communities. During its long history, the District has benefited from a community, which supports its educational institutions by establishing high standards for academic achievement while at the same time providing the means required to meet and even to surpass those expectations. In order to provide our local students with the same classrooms and school facilities as other California school districts, major repairs and upgrades are necessary to ensure these buildings will remain functional for future generations. The Board has prepared a facilities plan and identified significant repairs, upgrades, and classroom and facility modernization needs that are more than the District is able to fund from currently available sources or annual revenues. The District has sought, and continues to seek, all available outside sources of funding to improve our school buildings, including local, state, and federal grants and state bond funds. Historically, the state requires that local school districts provide local funds as a condition of receipt of state matching funds. It is necessary to seek voter approval of a bond measure extension in order to provide the local funding for identified school facility repairs and modernization projects. BOND AUTHORIZATION It is necessary to seek approval of the governing board to pursue a tax rate extension of existing bonds. By approval of this proposition by at least 55 percent of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the District shall be authorized to issue and sell existing bonds of up to $16,100,000 in aggregated principal at interest rates below the legal limit, to provide finance for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, subject to all the accountability requirements specified below. BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List attached to this resolution as Exhibit A-1 shall be considered a part of the ballot proposition and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition. Approval of this Bond Measure Extension (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. If state matching funds become available, they will be used for and applied to the Bond Project List as per Exhibit A-1. The school district's proposal for the 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. ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers in the District may be assured that their money will be spent wisely to address specific facilities needs of the District all in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, 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 has prepared an updated facilities plan in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the District. The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List contained in Exhibit A-1. Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board shall establish an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A-1. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board. Performance Audits. The Board shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond extension proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A-1. Financial Audits. The Board shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond extension proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A-1. Special Bond Extension Proceeds Account: Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any existing bonds approved, the Board shall take actions necessary 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 annually 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 in the annual budget, audit, or another appropriate routine report to the Board. FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of extended bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of school facilities including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities or 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. The proceeds of the bonds will be deposited into a Building Fund to be held by the Fresno County Treasurer, as required by the California Education Code. BOND PROJECT LIST Bond proceeds will be expended to modernize, replace, renovate, expand, construct, acquire, equip, furnish and otherwise improve the classrooms and school facilities of the District, including those located at the following locations: Bishop Elementary School, Grades K-1st Year Opened: 1958 Cheney Elementary School, Kindergarten Year Opened: 1948 Dawson Elementary School, Grades 2-3rd Year Opened: 1941 Huron Elementary School, Grades K-5th Year Opened: 1943 Sunset Elementary School, Grades 4-5th Year Opened: 1938 Coalinga Middle School Grades 6-8th Year Opened: 1999 Huron Middle School, Grades 6-8th Year Opened: 1999 Coalinga High School, Grades 9-12th Year Opened: 1934 The specific school facilities projects to be funded include, but shall not be limited to: School Renovation, Repair, Upgrade, and Construction Projects Replace old and energy inefficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Replace inadequate wiring and electrical systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes, increase capacity, and relieve currently overloaded electrical systems. Renovate, repair, expand and/or upgrade the interior and/or exterior of existing classrooms and school facilities throughout the District, including infrastructure, new paint, and landscaping improvements. Modernize outdated classroom interiors including asbestos abatement, new paint, carpet/vinyl, white marker boards, tackable surfaces, increased secure storage capacity for instructional materials and equipment, etc. Upgrade outdated restrooms throughout the District. Replace outdated windows and lighting to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. Provide shade structures for exterior instructional areas. Improve energy efficiency by installing energy efficient systems including "green" building projects and sustainable building practices to promote energy-efficiency (e.g., solar, electrical systems panel, etc.). Update technology and technology infrastructure throughout the District. Relocate or improve student drop-off and pick-up areas to increase student safety. Federal and State-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades and as mandated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA) including site access, parking, restrooms, relocation of some existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, playground equipment, etc. Federal and State-mandated Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safety upgrades including playground areas and playground equipment replacement. Improve athletic facilities, play areas, and playfields for school and community use. Upgrade, repair, or expand school site parking, driveways, and walkways. Fire alarm systems upgrades, repair fire safety equipment, and emergency exit lighting improvements. Repair, replace and/or upgrade paved surfaces, turf, and other grounds to eliminate safety hazards and improve outside instructional areas. Upgrade, expand, repair, and equip classrooms, labs, multipurpose rooms,food service facilities, auditoriums, libraries, locker rooms, and other existing school facilities. Build additional classrooms at Huron Middle School. Install security fencing throughout the District to improve student safety. Repair/upgrade roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors. Repair/replace existing deteriorating plumbing systems, including drainage and sewer systems. Replace/upgrade existing signage, bells and clocks. Install, repair, upgrade, or replace safety and security systems throughout the District. Miscellaneous District-wide Projects Abate and remove hazardous materials identified prior or during construction. Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization (such as plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, etc.). Other improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act, and access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Necessary site acquisition and preparation/restoration in connection with renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines (such as gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, and communication lines), trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Rental 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. Acquisition of any of the facilities on the Bond Project List through temporary lease or lease-purchase arrangements, execute purchase option under leases for any of these authorized facilities, or pay all or portions of certificates of participation used to finance acquisition or construction of school facilities or equipment. For any project involving rehabilitation or renovation of a building or the major portion of a building, the District shall be authorized to proceed with new replacement construction instead, if the Board of Trustees determines that replacement and new construction is more economically practical than rehabilitation and renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, and other relevant factors. All work necessary and incidental to specific projects described above, including demolition of existing structures. A priority list will be established by the Board that will include funding requirements and anticipated construction time lines.