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Smart Voter
San Mateo County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
Measure S
School Bond Measure
Cabrillo Unified School District

School Bond - 55% Approval Required

Pass: 3,803 / 56.5% Yes votes ...... 2,927 / 43.5% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Jul 12 3:14pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (28/28)
36.5% Voter Turnout (123,330/337,702)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement | Full Text

To improve the quality of education in local schools by replacing leaky roofs; performing essential safety repairs on classrooms and facilities; updating science labs; equipping classrooms with 21st century technology; maximizing energy efficiency and water conservation to save money; and renovating, constructing, and equipping classrooms and facilities; shall Cabrillo Unified School District issue $81 million in bonds at legal rates with citizen oversights, annual audits, no funds for administrators' salaries, and all funds staying in local schools?

Impartial Analysis
Education Code Section 15100 authorizes a school district to issue bonds for specified purposes. However, the voters must first approve the issuance of the bonds at an election. Education Code Section 15266 provides the measure passes if 55% of those voting on the measure vote for the measure.

The Board of Education of the Cabrillo Unified School District has proposed this measure, which would authorize the District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $81 million. The bonds will have an interest rate not exceeding the legal maximum and will mature in a maximum of 40 years from the date of issuance of the bonds. The District's best estimate of the average tax rate levy per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation to fund this bond is $45.00 for fiscal year 2012-2013 and $45 for fiscal year 2022-2023. The District's best estimate of the highest average tax rate levy per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation to fund this bond is $45.00.

The California Constitution requires the listing of specific school facilities projects to be funded from the bond revenue and certification that the Board has evaluated safety, class size reduction, and information technology needs in the development of that list. The District's "Bond Project List" for the proposed bond is attached to the full text of the measure and can be generally described as follows: repairing/upgrading facilities, including earthquake, fire, and other safety improvements; repairing/improving heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and wiring systems; upgrading playground equipment, asphalt, and turf for student safety and accessibility; acquiring/upgrading technology infrastructure; providing/repairing modern technology, computers, software, and hardware; installing energy efficient systems, including electrical, heating, ventilation, and water systems; renovating restrooms, classroom flooring, science laboratories, and athletic and other school facilities; constructing a multi-use educational facility; replacing/renovating a swimming pool; and relocating/consolidating administrative facilities to save money. The Bond Project List should be reviewed for further specifics.

The California Constitution and Education Code require the District to take certain steps to account for the proceeds from the sale of bonds. The District will direct the funds to be deposited into a special account, appoint a citizens' oversight committee, conduct annual independent performance and financial audits to assure that funds are spent only on the listed improvements, and for no other purposes, and prepare annual reports listing the amount of funds collected and expended and the status of any funded project.

A "YES" vote on this measure would authorize the Cabrillo Unified School District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $81 million for the purposes listed in the "Bond Project List."

A "NO" vote would preclude the Cabrillo Unified School District from issuing the bonds.

This measure passes if 55% of those voting on the measure vote "yes."

 
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Arguments For Measure S
Vote YES on S to improve education in Coastside schools. Measure S will complete basic classroom repairs and equip all schools with updated learning technology and science labs to prepare students for college and careers.

Student test scores in our Cabrillo Unified School District have been increasing due to great teachers and strong academic programs. To continue improving academic achievement, our schools require repairs to leaking roofs and windows, old and inefficient heating and plumbing, and aging classrooms for a safe, healthy learning environment.

Many of our classrooms are not equipped with the learning technology students need to excel in our competitive, 21st century economy. Measure S will ensure all students have access to updated technology.

Our Schools face a $2 million deficit due to state cuts. Measure S will invest in energy efficiency and water conservation to save money - money that can be used to retain teachers and protect academic programs.

We cannot rely on the State to repair our schools or provide the quality education local students deserve. All Measure S funds will improve Coastside schools - the State can't take one penny.

Vote YES on S:

  • replace or repair leaking roofs
  • keep schools clean, well-maintained, and in good condition
  • perform essential safety repairs and maintenance
  • update classrooms and science labs
  • equip classrooms with 21st century technology
  • improve fire and earthquake safety
  • maximize energy efficiency and water conservation to save money
  • replace aging, inefficient heating, cooling, and plumbing systems

Measure S includes fiscal accountability measures.
  • includes citizen oversight and independent audits
  • no funds can be used for administrators' salaries, benefits, or pensions
  • all funds stay in local schools - the State can't take one penny
  • Measure S qualifies our schools for future state matching funds

Please join community leaders, parents, retirees, and teachers - Vote YES to help Coastside students succeed.

http://focus.coastside.net

/s/ Christine Mendonca, Small Business Owner

/s/ Steve Johnson, Chair,

Measure E Citizens' Oversight Committee

/s/ Jill Ballard, Retired, Montara Resident

/s/ Barbara Lohman, Science Teacher, HMB High School

/s/ Chris Dobbrow, Half Moon Bay High School parent

(No arguments against Measure S were submitted)

Tax Rate Statement
An election will be held in Cabrillo Unified School District ("District") on June 5, 2012, to authorize the sale of $81,000,000 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 $0.0450 per $100 ($45.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2012-2013.

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 $0.0450 per $100 ($45.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2022-2023.

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 the filing of this statement, is $0.0450 per $100 ($45.00 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 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.

Full Text of Measure S
The Board of Education (the "Board") of the Cabrillo Unified School District (the "District") believes that a bond measure will help ensure that all schools in the District have up-to-date science labs, computers, and learning technology so that District students are prepared to excel in the twenty-first century economy and high quality teachers and staff are attracted and retained.

In order to continue improving education in all of the District's schools, it is the Board's priority to complete repairs and upgrades that will benefit all of the District's schools - Farallone View Elementary, Alvin S. Hatch Elementary, Kings Mountain Elementary, El Granada Elementary, Cunha Intermediate, Pilarcitos High School, Half Moon Bay High School -- including:

(i) complete basic and necessary repairs and upgrades to district schools to provide a safe, healthful, learning environment for students by means of a general obligation bond; (ii) equip all schools in the district with up-to-date computers, learning technology and science labs so that students are prepared to excel in the 21st century economy; (iii) provide a source of local revenue - that cannot be taken away by the State - to make repairs so that all schools are safe and up to date; (iv) upgrade classrooms and make repairs now to save money that can be used to maintain quality academic programs and retain teachers; (v) ensure that facilities are up to date and safe so that qualified teachers continue to want to teach in our schools; (vi) reduce operating costs by improving and installing more cost efficient energy systems and making other improvements to reduce operating costs.

By approval of the proposition set forth below as the Summary of the Ballot Measure, by at least 55% of the registered voters voting thereon, the Cabrillo Unified School District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $81,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed below in the Bond Project List, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified herein.

"To improve the quality of education in local schools by replacing leaky roofs; performing essential safety repairs on classrooms and facilities; updating science labs; equipping classrooms with 21st century technology; maximizing energy efficiency and water conservation to save money; and renovating, constructing, and equipping classrooms and facilities; shall Cabrillo Unified School District issue $81 million in bonds at legal rates with citizen oversights, annual audits, no funds for administrators' salaries, and all funds staying in local schools?"

ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES

The provisions in this section are included in this proposition in order that voters and taxpayers of the District may be assured that their money will be spent 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 section 15264 et seq. of the California Education Code).

Evaluation of Needs: The Board of Education has evaluated the facilities needs of the District and determined which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board of Education hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List.

Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee: The Board of Education shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee to ensure bond proceeds are expended only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the Board of Education enters the results of the election in its minutes.

Annual Performance Audit: The Board of Education shall conduct or cause to be conducted an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List.

Annual Financial Audit: The Board of Education shall conduct or cause to be conducted an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities listed in the Bond Project List.

Annual Report to the Board: Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board of Education 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 shall cause a report to be filed with the Board of Education no later than January 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 2013, 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 into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board.

BOND PROJECT LIST

The Bond Project List, which is an integral part of this proposition lists the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds.

The Board of Education of the District evaluated the District's 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 the projects to be funded. The Board of Education believes that a bond measure will help ensure that all schools in the district - Farallone View Elementary, Alvin S. Hatch Elementary, Kings Mountain Elementary, El Granada Elementary, Cunha Intermediate, Pilarcitos High School, Half Moon Bay High School - have up-to-date science labs, computers, and learning technology so that District students are prepared to excel in the twenty-first century economy, and high quality teachers and staff are attracted and retained. The Board of Education concluded that, since these needs are vitally important, the District should:

(i) Keep schools clean, well maintained, and in good condition; (ii) replace leaky roofs; (iii) perform essential safety repairs and upgrades to classrooms and facilities; (iv) equip classrooms with 21st century technology; (v) update or perform major repairs to classrooms and science labs; (vi) upgrade earthquake and fire safety; (vii) maximize energy efficiency and water conservation to save money; (viii) improve disabled access; (ix) renovate, construct, and equip classroom and facilities; and (x) establish programs that maximize the use of bond funds to support regular facility maintenance, repair, and technology upgrades.

In order to meet these needs, the District intends to complete the following projects at District schools and facilities using a combination of funding sources. It is anticipated that bond proceeds will contribute $81,000,000 to said total cost. Other anticipated sources include joint-use funds, development impact fees, and other available funds. The District will pursue state matching funds if and when they become available, and, if received, they will be used for and applied to projects on the Bond Project List. However, no project is dependent upon the receipt of additional funds. Unless otherwise noted, the following projects are authorized to be completed and each or any of the District's school sites.

The projects to be funded by the bond include, without limitation, the following:

Category 1: Bassic Upgrades to Protect Facility Investments, Keep Schools Clean, Safe, Well Maintained, and in Good Condition

Goal and Purpose: To provide clean, safe, and well maintained facilities to support educational programs, students will benefit from the repair; upgrade or renovation of aging buildings, lab and classrooms, improved school site safety:

> replace and repair leaking roofs > upgrade and perform essential safety repairs and improvements on classrooms, science laboratories, and other school and athletics facilities > upgrade earthquake and fire safety, including phone, fire alarm, and communications systems > repair, replace, or upgrade inefficient and aging heating, cooling, and plumbing systems > renovate school restrooms > repair or replace worn floor coverings in classrooms > upgrade, repair, or replace playground equipment, asphalt and turf for student safety and improved access for people with disabilities > construct a multi-use educational facility for educational programs, including performing arts, for school and community use > repair outdated electrical systems and wiring to improve efficiency and safety > make safety improvements on and around school sites, including improved fencing, walkways, and overhangs, better access for people with disabilities, and traffic circulation improvements > replace drinking fountains, trash receptacles, enclosures, and equipment > renovate, repair, paint, and improve school campuses and grounds > establish programs to support regular and long term upgrades and replacement of outdated facilities, equipment, and grounds > upgrade vocational education and career training facilities to prepare students for future jobs

Category 2: Preparing Our Students for the 21st Century and Improving Education in the Classroom through Upgraded 21st Century Technology and Classroom Upgrades

Goal and Purpose: To upgrade computer technology and provide our teachers and students with current teaching, learning, and research tools;

> acquire and upgrade technology infrastructure, including, without limitation, computers, LCD projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, phone system integration, local area network upgrades, document archiving, cabling infrastructure, laser printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgrade voice-over-IP, call manager, and network security/firewall, and other equipment, casework, and software as needed > provide and repair up-to-date technology, data, and wireless communications equipment > add, update, and expand telecommunications, internet, and network connections > add,update, and replace computers, hardware, and software systems > add, upgrade, and replace classroom instructional equipment > add, upgrade, and replace electrical systems to support improved technology > establish programs to support regular and long term upgrades to technology systems, hardware, software, and equipment

Category 3: Improving Energy Efficiency, Conserving Water and Other Capital Improvements to Save Money that Can Be Used to Help Retain Teachers and Protect Academic Programs

Goal and Purpose: To reduce utility and other operating costs by making capital improvements to energy, water and utility systems, and consolidating facilities:

> acquire and install energy efficiency systems, including solar panels, to reduce energy/utility costs and return savings to educational programs > improve water and energy conservation by upgrading plumbing, renovating restrooms, and replacing or renovating the old, inefficient and dilapidated swimming pool at Half Moon Bay High School > replace outdated and inefficient heating and ventilation systems > relocate or consolidate district administrative offices and space to improve efficiency and save money

Listed repairs, improvements, rehabilitation projects and upgrades will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, construction management, staff training expenses, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the projects listed above, the Bond Project List also includes the acquisition of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, payment of the costs of preparation of all the facilities, planning studies, feasibility and assessment reviews, master planning, environmental studies, and temporary housing for dislocated programs or activities caused by construction projects. 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. Necessary site preparation/grading/restoration may occur in connection with new construction, modernization, renovation or remodeling, 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 right of ways to the property. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of staff when performing work on or made necessary by the implementation of bond projects.

ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS

No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of Bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities on the Bond Project List, including the furnishing and equipping of said school facilities or the acquistion or lease of real property for said school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses.

Single Purpose. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Section 15100 of the California Education Code, and all the enumerated purposes shall constitute the specific single purpose of the bonds and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purpose.

Other Terms of the Bonds. When sold, the bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum, and that interest will be made payable at the time or times permitted by law. The bonds may be issued and sold in several series and no bond shall be made to mature more than 25 years (if issued pursuant to the provisions of the California Education Code) or 40 years (if issued pursuant to the provisions of the California Government Code) from the date borne by that bond.


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Created: July 26, 2012 13:02 PDT
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