League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Los Angeles County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Measure E Facilities Improvement Duarte Unified School District School Bonds - 55% Approval Required Pass: 4,198 / 59.90% Yes votes ...... 2,810 / 40.10% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure E

A good education is the best way to help Duarte children prepare for success in life + whether they pursue college and careers, or high demand technical jobs directly after graduation. This is the goal of Measure E, a Duarte school improvement measure. The attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those presently estimated, due to variations from these estimates in the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold and market interest rates at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The date of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on need for construction funds and other factors. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on the bond market at the time of sale. Actual future assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process. Submittal of the foregoing statement has been approved by the Duarte Unified School District. Duarte schools are performing today under the enormous threat of devastating State budget cuts. Measure E provides relief by authorizing stable local funding for needed school facility upgrades and educational technology + projects that will keep the best teachers in Duarte, facilitate academic achievement, and protect the quality of Duarte neighborhood schools. Measure E will: - Upgrade classroom computers and provide advanced educational technology - Improve facilities that prepare Duarte students for college and high demand jobs - Rehabilitate deteriorated roofs, plumbing, restrooms, HVAC, and electrical systems - Modernize outdated classrooms, libraries and instructional equipment - Improve energy efficiency and reinvest the savings back into instruction - Complete safety upgrades on school sites, grounds, equipment and drop-off/pick-up zones ALL Measure E funds will stay local to benefit Duarte schools, teachers and children. These funds cannot be taken away by the State. Taxpayer protections are REQUIRED. NO funds can be spent on administrators' salaries. ONLY facilities and equipment upgrades are allowed. Independent Citizens' Oversight and mandatory audits will ensure that funds are spent properly. Measure E is a smart investment. Good schools protect property values. As facilities are upgraded, our local economy will also get a needed boost. The longer we wait to make these improvements the more expensive it will be. Teachers, parents, business and civic leaders, and citizens throughout Duarte urge your support. Help protect the local quality of education, maintain property values, and ensure Duarte children get the technologies they need to successfully prepare for college, careers and high demand jobs. Please VOTE YES on Measure E. JENNIFER ROMERO Teacher/Teacher & Learning Coach/Maxwell Elementary MANOJ PATEL Small Business Owner/Developer BRUCE LATHROP Council Member, City of Bradbury MARGARET E. FINLAY Mayor, City of Duarte REYNA E. DIAZ Member, Duarte Board of Education (No arguments against Measure E were submitted)

Tax Rate Statement from DR. DEAN CONKLIN<br.Superintendent

To: The voters voting in the November 2, 2010 election on the question of the issuance of $62,000,000 General Obligation Bonds of the Duarte Unified School District. You are hereby notified in accordance with the Elections Code of the State of California of the following: 1. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments during the first fiscal year after the first sale of bonds (Fiscal Year 2011-2012), based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election and taking into account estimated future growth, is the following: $.03600 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $36.00 per $100,000. 2. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments during the first fiscal year after the last sale of bonds and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election and taking into account estimated future growth, is as follows: $.03600 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $36.00 per $100,000. First fiscal year after last sale of bonds: 2025-2026 3. The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments on the bonds and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election and taking into account estimated future growth, is as follows: $.03600 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $36.00 per $100,000. Year of highest tax rate: Tax is projected to be the same every year. Voters should note that the estimated tax rate is based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls, 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 tax rate than described above. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone payment of taxes. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions. The attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those presently estimated, due to variations from these estimates in the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold and market interest rates at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The date of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on need for construction funds and other factors. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on the bond market at the time of sale. Actual future assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process. Submittal of the foregoing statement has been approved by the Duarte Unified School District.

Full Text of Measure E

The Board of Education of the Duarte Unified School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size reduction, computer and information technology enhancements and facilities renovation and repair, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The District conducted a facilities evaluation reflected in the Facility Needs Assessment/Master Plan approved by the Board of Education on August 2, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference, and received public input and review in developing this Project List. Teachers, staff, community members and the Board have prioritized technology, classroom instruction, academic programs, job training, teacher retention and student safety as the most critical factors in addressing facility needs. The Board concluded that if these needs are not addressed now, the problems will only become more pressing. Therefore, in approving this Project List, the Board of Education determines that the District should: (i) Support vocational education for students who don't go to college and provide job training, technical knowledge and specialization skills to compete for good paying jobs; (ii) Attract and retain the best qualified teachers and minimize teacher lay-offs due to State budget cuts; (iii) Invest in energy efficiency and solar panels to reduce the District's annual utility bills and generate savings which can be invested in technology, academic instruction and job training programs; (iv) Upgrade emergency safety systems and make all schools accessible to handicapped students and staff; (v) Repair or replace old worn-out and leaking roofs, plumbing, lighting and outdated electrical systems; (vi) Upgrade classrooms, science labs and portable classrooms to enhance academic achievement and keep libraries open; (vii) Establish a technology endowment fund to provided updated learning technology needed for a 21st century education; (viii)Retain all bond money for use in our local community. The Project List includes the following types of projects: TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES THROUGHOUT DISTRICT: Schools/Sites: Andres Duarte, Beardslee, Maxwell, Royal Oaks, Valley View, Northview Intermediate School, Duarte High School, Mt. Olive Alternative, Head Start, DUSD District Office. As Technology continues to advance, provide appropriate upgrades including: + Add new classroom computers, technology and multimedia capability to enhance instruction (e.g. virtual desktop, Duarte Access Rooms, virtual learning centers, etc. + Upgrade electrical capacity and technology infrastructure + Upgrade telephone, data, and communications systems + Install direct privileged access to Career (CTE) partners (e.g. City of Hope, Caltech, and Internet 2.0) SITE SPECIFIC PROJECTS FOR REPAIR, UPGRADE, REPLACEMENT OR ADDITION: ANDRES DUARTE ELEMENTARY: + Construct a new Library Media Center including inclusion of a Computer Technology Lab + Upgrade/replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning units with more energy efficient systems + Upgrade restrooms and plumbing; improve accessibility to/in the Health room restroom + Reconfigure and improve drop off and pick up zones for improved access and safety + Upgrade aging safety systems including fire alarm system + Construct a joint-use outdoor Amphitheater, to benefit Andres Duarte, Mt. Olive , Duarte USD, and the City of Duarte, and to increase District options for large group events BEARDSLEE ELEMENTARY: + Replace aging, deteriorated roofing/rain gutters + Replace several dilapidated portable classrooms with permanent academic classrooms + Upgrade/replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning units with more energy efficient systems + Repair/upgrade deteriorated student and faculty restrooms, including water and sewer lines + Construct covered walkway + Construct new play areas and equipment for improved security and safety + Reconfigure and improve drop off and pick up zones for improved access and safety + Upgrade aging safety systems including fire alarm system + Replace community-education Health Services Trailer with an upgraded structure MAXWELL ELEMENTARY: + Construct a new Library/Media Center including classrooms + Replace aging deteriorated roofing/rain gutters + Remove dilapidated portables + Repair/upgrade deteriorated student and faculty restrooms, including water and sewer lines + Construct new lunch shelter + Install exterior security lighting for improved safety and security + Reconfigure and improve drop off and pick up zones for improved access and safety + Reconfigure school office /student support areas to provide adequate teacher/staff work space ROYAL OAKS ELEMENTARY: + Repair/upgrade/construct student and faculty restrooms + Replace aging water and sewer lines + Repair/upgrade building exteriors (e.g. stucco replacement, paint upgrade, etc. ) + Install exterior security lighting for improved safety and security + Construct a new Lunch Pavilion + Add new playground equipment for improved student safety + Rehabilitate school office /student support areas to provide adequate teacher/staff work space VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY: + Construct new Kindergarten Classroom/Library/Teacher Work Room Building + Construct new play area at site of new Kindergarten classroom facilities + Repair/upgrade deteriorated student and faculty restrooms + Replace aging water and sewer lines + Construct new lunch shelter + Reconfigure and improve drop off and pick up zones for improved access and safety + Replace roof on covered walkways + Add outdoor Amphitheater for student assemblies and large-group instruction and events NORTHVIEW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL: + Construct new Multipurpose Cafeteria/Kitchen and reconfigure existing space, and add adequate custodial and storage areas + Repair/upgrade student and faculty restrooms, including water and sewer lines + Upgrade electrical and lighting systems, and install new technology and equipment in the school's performing arts center to improve fine arts instruction, performance, and large meeting capabilities + Expand locker rooms + Complete structural improvements in gymnasium -- e.g. install energy efficient air-conditioning system, and curtain system for light control, and upgrade gymnasium acoustics DUARTE HIGH SCHOOL: + Construct new Environmental/Biotech Science Lab + Complete modernization of academic classrooms 401, 402, and 403 + Renovate career/job-training Woodshop facilities + Renovate career/job-training Computer Graphics facilities + Renovate cafeteria, replace ceiling, and install new energy efficient air-conditioning and lighting + Construct new lunch shelters and landscape seating areas + Install synthetic track and field for student and community use + Complete structural improvements in gymnasium + e.g. add energy efficient air-conditioning system, upgrade gymnasium acoustics + Construct new Weight/Wrestling room + Construct Stadium Press Box and elevator CENTRAL ACADEMY & LEARNING CENTER (Mt. Olive Alternative High School): + Construct new Transportation and Alternate Energy facility--for improved instruction and operations + Construct new career/job-training Child Development program facility + Construct new restroom facilities + including plumbing, water and sewer lines + Reconfigure and improve drop off and pick up zones for improved access and safety + Add student support/admin and multipurpose space for admin and larger group instruction/meetings AT SPECIFIC SCHOOLS - UPGRADE KITCHEN/FOOD SERVICE FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT. School Sites: Andres Duarte, Beardslee, Maxwell, Royal Oaks, Valley View, Northview Intermediate School, Duarte High School, Mt. Olive Alternative. Upgrade/modernize food service facilities and equipment and provide Point of Sales Stations. AT SPECIFIC SCHOOLS - MODERNIZE ENTRANCES TO IMPROVE SCHOOL APPEARANCE AND SECURITY. School Sites: Andres Duarte, Beardslee, Maxwell, Royal Oaks, Valley View, Northview Intermediate School, Mt. Olive Alternative. Reconstruct gateway/entry colonnade to identify the schools entrance, particular to the schools architectural style--to modernize school appearance and security. ALL SITES WHERE RENOVATION, MAJOR REPAIRS AND/OR NEW CONSTRUCTION ARE TO BE UNDERTAKEN: + Remove hazardous materials (lead, mold, mildew, etc.) where necessary + Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization (e.g. plumbing, or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic structural, etc.) + Repair/upgrade/modernize school walkways, grounds, hardscapes, fields, signage, and equipment + Provide adequate furniture and equipment for all classrooms, and spaces to be newly constructed or reconstructed and replacement of worn/broken/out-of-date furniture and equipment + Upgrade District administrative support facilities and equipment. + Replace/Install fencing + Improve schools as required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act, and access requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act + Demolition of existing buildings to be replaced with new construction + Acquisition of any of the facilities on the Project List through temporary lease or lease-purchase arrangements, or execute purchase option under a lease for any of these authorized facilities + New replacement construction if Board of Education determines that replacement is more economical than rehabilitation/renovation of existing classrooms + Provide temporary (interim) classrooms and other school facilities as needed to accommodate students and school functions displaced during construction/renovation The listed projects 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 projects stated above, the Project List also includes the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including the reduction or retirement of interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from the Project List, acquisition of land; 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, and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by construction projects. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, computers, LCD projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, wireless technology systems, laser printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgrade voice-over-IP, call manager and network security/firewall, and other miscellaneous equipment and software. 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 and/or Federal 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. 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. Some projects, such as fields, libraries, physical education and job training facilities, may be undertaken as joint use or community use projects in cooperation with other local public agencies or non-profit agencies. 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.