League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Butte County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Measure B Biggs Schools Repair Measure Biggs Unified School District 55% Approval Required Fail: 357 / 44.63% Yes votes ...... 443 / 55.38% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure B

Biggs Unified School District is dedicated in offering students a safe, clean, technologically enhanced learning environment in which children may excel in education. Although our great Biggs Unified Schools are a source of pride for all of us, roofs, classrooms, restrooms and other school facilities, some of which were constructed over 50 years ago require repairs and improvements. Biggs Unified School District must repair, improve and upgrade leaky roofs, fire safety systems, classrooms, restrooms and computer learning technology in order to continue providing an excellent education for local students. We know that the investments we make in our schools today will enable our students to receive an excellent education, and benefit our property values and our community in the future, whether or not we have children in school. Vote Yes on Measure B the only way to make vital repairs to our local schools. Without Measure B, the district cannot qualify for state matching funds to complete these essential projects. Measure B will: Save taxpayers money by improving existing buildings instead of constructing new schools Repair leaky roofs in classrooms and other school buildings Improve fire safety for local students Fix heating and ventilation systems for improved energy efficiency Make major repairs and renovations to deteriorating school restrooms Update technology in classrooms so that all local students receive a 21st century education Provide citizen oversight, ensuring that bond funds are spent wisely on voter-approved projects Vote Yes on Measure B to ensure that local funds stay in our schools -- not a dime of Measure B funds can be taken by the state. Join us and vote Yes on Measure B to repair and upgrade neighborhood schools so that local students continue to achieve! s/ Doug Kaelin, Superintendent s/ Melvin E. McLaughlin, Retired Teacher s/ Sara Marquez, Resident s/ Margaret Fowler, Teacher s/ Trena Swinney, Cook (No arguments against Measure B were submitted)

Tax Rate Statement from Superintendent, Biggs Unified School District

TAX RATE STATEMENT 56,000,000 Biggs Unified School District General Obligation Bond Election on June 5, 2012 An election will he held in the Biggs Unified School District (the "District") on June 5, 2012, to authorize the sale of up to $6,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance the repair and modernization of school facilities as described in the measure. If such bonds are authorized and sold, principal and interest on the bonds will be payable only from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California. Such information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources. upon experience within the District. and other demonstrable factors. Based upon the ibregoing and projections of the District's assessed valuation, the following information is provided: 1. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the first series of bonds. based on a projection of assessed valuations, is $0.05091 per $100 of assessed valuation (or $50.91 per $100.000 of assessed value) for fiscal year 2012-13. 2. The best estimate of the tax rate which would he required to he levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the last series of bonds. based on a projection of assessed valuations, is $0.05059 per $100 of assessed valuation (or $50.59 per $100.000 of assessed value) for fiscal year 2016-17. 3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue. based on a projection of assessed valuations, is $0.05098 per $100 of assessed valuation (or $50.98 per $100.000 of assessed value) for fiscal year 2013-14. 4. The best estimate of the average annual tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on a projection of assessed valuations, is $0.05062 per $100 of assessed valuation (or $50.62 per $100.000 of assessed value). Voters should note 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. 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. which are not binding upon the District. 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. market interest rates at the time of each bond 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 the need for project 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. s/ Doug Kaelin, Superintendent Biggs Unified School District

Full Text of Measure B

RESOLUTION NO. 2011/12 #6 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BIGGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERING AN ELECTION, AND ESTABLISHING SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ELECTION ORDER WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the "Board") has determined that each public school within the Biggs Unified School District (the "District"), needs to be upgraded, repaired, improved, and better equipped, to enable the District to enhance the educational opportunities of all the students in the District and to achieve one of the Board's primary goals of providing comparable schools for all students throughout the District; and WHEREAS, the District has applied for and received approximately $675,000 of State hardship money to design essential repairs to existing schools, and modernization plans have been completed using those funds; and WHEREAS, notwithstanding the receipt of design money and despite concerted and ongoing efforts by the District to obtain sufficient facility money from the State of California (the "State"), the State has refused to provide the District with enough money for the District to adequately maintain, construct, repair, and equip our schools to provide an optimal learning environment for all students; and WHEREAS, the District will become eligible for State matching facility improvement money if it were able to contribute to the cost of upgrading its schools and constructing new classrooms; and WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Board, it is advisable to provide additional facility funding to both repair and upgrade District schools and qualify for additional State money by means of a general obligation bond; and WHEREAS, in seeking the passage of a local general obligation bond, the Board determines that investment in the District today will have long-term benefits for our community and our property values; and WHEREAS, Proposition 46, approved by the voters of the State on June 3, 1986 ("Proposition 46"), amended Section 1(b) of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution by adding a provision which exempts from the 1% of full cash value limitation, those ad valorem taxes used to pay for debt service of any bonded indebtedness for the acquisition or improvement of real property approved on or after July 1, 1978, by two-thirds of the votes cast by voters voting on the proposition; and WHEREAS, on November 7, 2000 the voters of California approved the Smaller Classes, Safer Schools and Financial Accountability Act ("Proposition 39") which, as of its effective date, reduced the voter threshold for ad valorem tax levies used to pay for debt service or bonded indebtedness to 55% of the votes cast on a school district general obligation bond; and WHEREAS, concurrent with the passage of Proposition 39, Chapter 1.5, Part 10, Division 1, Title 1 (commencing with Section 15264) of the Education Code (the "Act") became operative and established requirements associated with the implementation of Proposition 39; and WHEREAS, the Board desires to make certain findings herein to be applicable to this election order and to establish certain performance audits, standards of financial accountability and citizen oversight which are contained in Proposition 39 and the Act; and WHEREAS, the Board hereby determines, in accordance with the opinion of the Attorney General of the State of California, that the restrictions in Proposition 39 which prohibit any bond money from being wasted or used for administrative salaries or other operating expenses of the District be strictly enforced by the Citizens' Oversight Committee; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Education Code Section 15270, based upon a projection of assessed property valuation, the Board has determined that, if approved by voters, the tax rate levied to meet the debt service requirements of the bonds proposed to be issued will not exceed the Proposition 39 limits per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation of taxable property; and WHEREAS, Section 9400 et seq. of the Elections Code of the State of California (the "Elections Code") requires that a tax rate statement be contained in all official materials, including any ballot pamphlet prepared, sponsored or distributed by the District, relating to the election; and WHEREAS, the Board now desires to authorize the filing of a ballot argument in favor of the proposition to be submitted to the voters at the election; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Elections Code, it is appropriate for the Board to request consolidation of the election with any and all other elections to be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, and to request that the Butte County Registrar of Voters perform certain election services for the District; NOW THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BIGGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. That the Board, pursuant to Education Code Sections 15100 et seq., 15264 et seq., and Government Code Section 53506, hereby requests the Butte County Registrar of Voters to conduct an election under the provisions of Proposition 39 and the Act and submit to the electors of the District the question of whether bonds of the District in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $6,000,000 (the "Bonds") shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money for the purposes described in Exhibits "A" and "B" hereto. Both exhibits are directed to be printed in the voter pamphlet. Section 2. That the date of the election shall be June 5, 2012. Section 3. That the purpose of the election shall be for the voters in the District to vote on a proposition, a copy of which is attached hereto and marked Exhibit "A" and incorporated by reference herein, containing the question of whether the District shall issue the Bonds to pay for improvements to the extent permitted by such proposition. In compliance with Proposition 39 and the Act, the ballot proposition in Exhibit "A" is subject to the following requirements and determinations: (a) the proceeds of the sale of the Bonds shall only be used for the purposes set forth in the ballot measure and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other operating expenses; (b) that the Board, in establishing the projects set forth in Exhibit "B," evaluated the safety, class size reduction and information technology needs of the District as well as the importance of the projects to student achievement and enhanced instruction; (c) that the Board will cause to be conducted an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the Bond moneys get expended for the projects identified in Exhibit "B" hereto; (d) that the Board will cause an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of Bonds to be conducted until all of the Bond proceeds have been expended; (e) that the Board will cause the appointment of a Citizens' Oversight Committee in compliance with Education Code Section 15278 no later than 60 days after the Board enters the election results in its minutes pursuant to Elections Code Section 15274; and that the tax levy authorized to secure the Bonds of this election shall not exceed the Proposition 39 limit per $100,000 of taxable property in the District when assessed valuation is projected by the District to increase in accordance with Article XIIIA of the California Constitution. Section 4. That the authority for ordering the election is contained in Education Code Sections 15100 et seq., 15264 et seq., and Government Code Section 53506. Section 5. That the authority for the specifications of this election order is contained in Sections 5322 of the Education Code. Section 6. That the Butte County Registrar of Voters and the Butte County Board of Supervisors are hereby requested to consolidate the election ordered hereby with any and all other elections to be held on June 5, 2012 within the District. Section 7. That the Secretary of the Board is hereby directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the Butte County Registrar of Voters no later than February 13, 2012. Section 8. That the maturity of any Bonds issued pursuant to Section 15264 et seq. of the Education Code hereto shall have a maturity not exceeding twenty-five (25) years, and Bonds issued pursuant to Section 53506 of the Government Code shall have a maturity of not exceeding forty (40) years. The maximum rate of interest on any Bond shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by Education Code Sections 15140 to 15143, as modified by Government Code Section 53531. Section 9. That the Board requests the governing body of any such other political subdivision, or any officer otherwise authorized by law, to partially or completely consolidate such election and to further provide that the canvass be made by any body or official authorized by law to canvass the returns of the election, and that the Board consents to such consolidation. Section 10. Pursuant to Section 5303 of the Education Code and Section 10002 of the Elections Code, the Board of Supervisors of Butte County is requested to permit the Registrar of Voters to render all services specified by Section 10418 of the Elections Code relating to the election, for which services the District agrees to reimburse Butte County, such services to include the printing of the Full Text Ballot Proposition in the voter pamphlet, the publication of a Formal Notice of School Bond Election and the mailing of the sample ballot and tax rate statement (described in Section 9401 of the-Elections-Code--) pursuant to the terms of Section 5363 ofthe Education Code and Section 12112 of the Elections Code. ADOPTED, SIGNED AND APPROVED this 1st day of February, 2012. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BIGGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT s/ Kathryn Sheppard, President Attest: s/ Doug Kaelin, Secretary Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstentions: EXHIBIT A "Biggs Schools Repair Measure: To improve the quality of education, qualify for $3,600,000 State matching funds, fix leaky roofs, improve fire safety, repair/modernize classrooms, upgrade electrical and plumbing systems for energy efficiency, and update science and computer technology, shall Biggs Unified School District issue $6,000,000 of bonds at legal rates to renovate, acquire, construct and equip neighborhood schools, sites/facilities, with annual audits, citizens oversight, no money for administrators' salaries and all funds staying in local schools?" Bonds - Yes Bonds -- No EXHIBIT B FULL TEXT BALLOT PROPOSITION OF THE BIGGS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE ELECTION JUNE 5, 2012 "Biggs Schools Repair Measure: To improve the quality of education, qualify for $3,600,000 State matching funds, fix leaky roofs, improve fire safety, repair/modernize classrooms, upgrade electrical and plumbing systems for energy efficiency, and update science and computer technology, shall Biggs Unified School District issue $6,000,000 of bonds at legal rates to renovate, acquire, construct and equip neighborhood schools, sites/facilities, with annual audits, citizens oversight, no money for administrators' salaries and all funds staying in local schools?" PRIORITY SCHOOL PROJECTS LIST The Board of Trustees of the Biggs Unified School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, energy efficiency and computer technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The Board conducted a facilities evaluation in developing the scope of facility projects to be funded and 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 makes six important determinations: (i) in repairing aging schools, priority shall be given to basic repairs, such as leaky roofs to make them safer and more energy efficient; and (ii) the District must install and upgrade fire prevention, security and emergencyresponse systems at every school so that all students are safe; and (iii) the District must maximize its resources through efficient facility and financial management, seek energy and utility cost savings, must aggressively apply for State matching funds, and must spend any local bond money on projects within the District and shall not allow bond monies to be transferred to the State or any other agency; and (iv) the District must replace deteriorating, school restrooms at 50-year old sites, with modern facilities; and (v) the District must improve technology in classrooms; and (vi) the District shall insist that all of its schools be healthy and safe from fire dangers, earthquake risks, hazardous materials such as asbestos and mold. The Priority School Projects List is on file at the District Office of the Superintendent and include the following 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 restrooms; repair and replace heating, plumbing, sewer and ventilation systems; repair and replace worn-out roofs, windows, walls and doors; install electrical system wiring to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems (including security cameras, outdoor lighting and fencing); interior and exterior painting; repair and improve portable classrooms; demolition; 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. Biggs Elementary/Middle School (Constructed in 1950) Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs. Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems. Install new solar panels to reduce energy costs. Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms. Upgrade classroom technology. Renovate, upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any. Replace 30-year-oldportable classrooms. Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, fencing and upgraded field surfaces and play structures. Construct new gymnasium* If there are sufficient funds after all health and safety repairs are completed. Biggs High School (Constructed in 1963) Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs. Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems. Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs. Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms. Upgrade classroom technology. Upgrade wood/metal shop to expand vocational career opportunities,. Renovate, upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any. Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, fencing and upgraded field surfaces. Richvale Elementary School (Constructed in 1965) Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs. Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems. Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs. Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms. Upgrade classroom technology. Renovate, upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any. Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, fencing and upgraded field surfaces and play structures. Community Day School 7-12 and District Office (Constructed in 1950) Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs. Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems. Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs. Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms. Upgrade classroom technology. Renovate, upgrade classrooms, multi-purpose room, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any. Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, fencing and play structures. District-Wide Projects Acquire instructional, maintenance and operational equipment. Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, fencing and play structures. Upgrade District technology systems. Upgrade campus plumbing and sewer systems. 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 acquisition of facilities, 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 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 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 final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids 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 costeffective in creating more enhanced and operationally efficient 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 fire access, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specific purposes identified 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 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. 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 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. 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.