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Smart Voter
Marin County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
Measure D
Facilities Improvement Bond
Kentfield School District

Bond Measure - 55% Approval Required

Pass: 3314 / 70.92% Yes votes ...... 1359 / 29.08% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Nov 26 9:29am, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (16/16)
63.2% Voter Turnout (4936/
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement | Full Text

MEASURE D: To improve educational facilities with funding that cannot be taken by the State; modernize, renovate, and/or construct classrooms, restrooms and school facilities to reduce student overcrowding; enhance student access to technology; make health and safety improvements; and replace outdated windows and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, shall the Kentfield School District issue $30,000,000 of bonds at legal interest rates, have an independent citizens' oversight committee and have no bond money used for administrator salaries?

Impartial Analysis from County Counsel

COUNTY COUNSEL'S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE D

KENTFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE ELECTION

This measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Trustees of the Kentfield School District. If this Measure is approved by a 55% vote, the Kent - field School District would be authorized to incur bonded indebtedness of up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) with an interest rate not to exceed the limit set by law. The proceeds of the proposed bonds must be used for the purposes set forth in the Measure and for no other purposes, and will be subject to oversight by a citizens' oversight committee and annual audits.

s/STEVEN M. WOODSIDE County Counsel

 
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Arguments For Measure D Arguments Against Measure D

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF BOND MEASURE D

With highly qualified teachers, small class sizes and challenging academic programs, Bacich Elementary and Kent Middle School are among the best anywhere. Our outstanding schools protect property values for everyone + not just those with kids in schools.

Thanks to our excellent programs, enrollment has grown by 239 students since 2009 + an increase of over 20%. Student enrollment will continue to increase, and our schools are already being pushed beyond their capacity and relying on portables, threatening the quality of our educational programs. Bacich Elementary was built for 427 students but now houses over 700.

Our schools also need repairs and upgrades to ensure safe and modern learning environments for students. Class - rooms and technology infrastructure need to be upgraded to support a modern education. Outdated electrical, heating and ventilation systems are inefficient and costly to operate.

Specifically, YES on D will:

  • Add classrooms to relieve student overcrowding * Replace outdated heating, ventilation and electrical systems for efficiency and savings
  • Make accessibility upgrades for students with disabilities to restrooms, playgrounds and school facilities
  • Upgrade instructional technology, science classrooms and electrical infrastructure to support modern education

Financial Oversight Is Required by Law:

  • All funds stay under local control and are dedicated to our schools and facilities + nothing can be diverted for other purposes
  • Independent citizens' oversight and annual audits are required to ensure that funds are spent as promised
  • No funds can be used for administrator salaries

We have great schools in Kentfield. Measure D will relieve overcrowding and make needed repairs and upgrades to Kentfield schools, ensuring that our students receive an exemplary, 21st century education and keeping our schools among the best in the state and the nation. Join our community's most respected leaders in voting YES on D for Kentfield Schools!

s/CAREY HAGGLUND CONDY Local Realtor
s/ALVIN W. (MIKE) FARGO Founding President, Kentfield Schools Foundation
s/ALDEN MILLS Former Navy SEAL Officer, Entrepreneur, KSD Parent
s/ERIN BECKER Community Volunteer
s/ASHLEY FARMER PAFF Trustee, KSD Governing Board, KSD Parent

No arguments against Measure D were submitted.

Tax Rate Statement from Superintendent Kentfield School District

TAX RATE STATEMENT FOR BOND MEASURE D

KENTFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT

An election will be held in the Kentfield School District (the "District") on November 4, 2014 to authorize the sale of $30,000,000 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2015-16.

The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the last series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2020-21.

The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing this statement, is $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation.

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.

Dated: August 4, 2014

s/ELIZABETH SCHOTT

Superintendent, Kentfield School District

Full Text of Measure D

FULL TEXT OF BOND MEASURE D

KENTFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT 2014-15 RESOLUTION #1, RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE KENTFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERING AN ELECTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SCHOOL BONDS, ESTABLISHING SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ELECTION ORDER, AND REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION WITH OTHER ELECTIONS OCCURRING ON NOVEMBER 4, 2014

WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of the Kentfield School Dis - trict (the "District"), it is advisable to call an election to submit to the electors of the District the question whether bonds of the District shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money for the acquisition or improvement of real property, and the furnishing and equipping of school facilities; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the approval of Proposition 39 on November 7, 2000, Article XIII A, Section 1, paragraph (b), of the California Constitution ("Article XIII A") provides an exception to the limit on ad valorem property taxes on real property for bonded indebtedness incurred by a school district approved by 55 percent of the voters of the district voting on the proposition; and Section 1.Call for Election. The Board hereby orders an election and submits to the electors of the District the question of whether general obligation bonds of the District shall be issued and sold in the maximum principal amount of $30,000,000 for the purpose of raising money to finance school facilities and property of the District, and paying costs incident thereto, as set forth more fully in the ballot proposition approved pursuant to Section 3. This Resolution constitutes the order of the District to call such election.

WHEREAS, the Board is specifically authorized, upon approval by a two-thirds vote of the Board, to pursue the authorization and issuance of bonds by a fifty-five percent (55%) vote of the electorate on the question whether bonds of the District shall be issued and sold for specified purposes, pursuant to Education Code Section 15264 et seq. (the "Act"); 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, November 4, 2014, and to request the Marin County Registrar of Voters to perform certain election services for the District; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Trustees of the Kentfield School District the following:

Section 1. Call for Election. The Board hereby orders an election and submits to the electors of the District the question of whether general obligation bonds of the District shall be issued and sold in the maximum principal amount of $30,000,000 for the purpose of raising money to finance school facilities and property of the District, and paying costs incident thereto, as set forth more fully in the ballot proposition approved pursuant to Section 3. This Resolution constitutes the order of the District to call such election.

Section 2. Election Date. The date of the election shall be November 4, 2014, and the election shall be held solely within the boundaries of the District.

Section 3. Purpose of Election; Ballot Proposition. The purpose of the election shall be for the voters in the District to vote on a proposition, a full copy of which is attached hereto and marked Exhibit A, containing the question of whether the District shall issue the Bonds for the purpose stated therein, together with the accountability requirements of Article XIII A and Government Code Section 53410 and the requirements of Section 15272 of the Act. The Marin County Registrar of Voters (the "County Registrar") is requested to print the Full Text of Measure contained on Exhibit A in the sample ballot pamphlet. As required by Elections Code Section 13247, the abbreviated form of the measure to appear on the ballot is attached hereto and marked as Exhibit B. The Superintendent or her designee is hereby authorized and directed to make any changes to the text of the proposition or this resolution as required to conform to any requirements of Article XIII A, the Act, or the Marin County Registrar of Voters.

Section 4. Authority for Election. The authority for ordering the election is contained in Section 15264 et. seq. of the Education Code and Section l, paragraph (b), subsection (3), of Article XIII A. The authority for the specification of this election order is contained in Section 5322 of the Education Code.

Section 5. School Facilities Projects. As required by Article XIII A, the Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the list of school facilities projects set forth on Exhibit A.

Section 6. Covenants of the Board upon Approval of the Bonds by the Electorate. As required by Article XIII, Section 15278 of the Act, and Government Code Section 53410, in the event 55 percent of the voters voting in the District approve of the Bonds, the Board shall:

1. conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the funds have been expended only on the projects listed in Exhibit A;
2. conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of the Bonds until all of those proceeds have been expended for the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A;
3. establish and appoint members to an independent citizens' oversight committee in accordance with Sections 15278, 15280, and 15282 of the Act; 4. apply the bond proceeds only to the specific purposes stated in the ballot proposition;
5. cause creation of accounts into which bond proceeds shall be deposited; and
6. cause the preparation of an annual report pursuant to Government Code Sections 53410 and 53411.

Section 7. Delivery of this Resolution. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Marin County Superintendent of Schools, the County Registrar and the Marin County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

Section 8. Consolidation of Election. The County Registrar and the Marin County Board of Supervisors are hereby requested to consolidate the election ordered hereby with any and all other elections to be held on November 4, 2014, within the District.

Section 9. Ballot Arguments; Tax Rate Statement. Any and all members of this Board are hereby authorized to act as an author of any ballot argument prepared in connection with the election, including a rebuttal argument. The Superintendent, President of the Board, or their designees, are hereby authorized to execute any Tax Rate Statement or other document and to perform all acts necessary to place the bond measure on the ballot.

Section 10. Elections Code. Pursuant to Section 5303 of the Education Code and Section 10002 of the Elections Code, the Board of Supervisors of Marin 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 Marin County in full upon presentation of a bill, such services to include the mailing of the sample ballot and tax rate statement (described in Section 9401 of the Elections Code).

Section 11. Agreement. The Superintendent is authorized and directed to execute the agreements on file with Jones Hall, A Professional Law Corporation, which firmis appointed hereby to perform bond and disclosure counsel services in regard to the Bonds, and Isom Advisors, a Division of Urban Futures Inc. which firm is appointed to perform financial advisory services in regard to the Bonds.

Section 12. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect on and after its adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Trustees of the Kentfield School District the 1st day of August, 2014.

s/ASHLEY PAFF Clerk

CLERK'S CERTIFICATE

I, Ashley Paff, Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the KENTFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT, hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Resolution #1 adopted at a regular meeting place thereof on the 1st day of August, 2014, of which meeting all the members of said Board of Trustees had due notice and at which a majority thereof were present, and that at said meeting said resolution was adopted by the following vote:

(List Board Member names in appropriate space, 4 votes required for adoption)

AYES: 5 Juli Kauffman

Ashley Paff

Ross McKenna

Cynthia Roenisch

Heather McPhail Sridharan

NOES: 0

ABSENT: 0

ABSTENTIONS: 0

An agenda of said meeting was posted at least 24 hours before said meeting at 750 College Ave., Kentfield, California, a location freely accessible to members of the public, and a brief general description of said resolution appeared on said agenda. I further certify that I have carefully compared the same with the original minutes of said meeting on file and of record in my office; that the foregoing resolution is a full, true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted at said board meeting and entered in said minutes; and that said resolution has not been amended, modified or rescinded since the date of its adoption, and the same is now in full force and effect.

Dated:August 1, 2014
s/ASHLEY PAFF

Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the Kentfield School District

EXHIBIT A

BALLOT MEASURE

FULL TEXT OF MEASURE

This proposition may be known and referred to as the Kentfield School District General Obligation Bond of 2014, or Measure D.

BOND AUTHORIZATION

By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Kentfield School District (the "District") shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $30,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List below, and in order to qualify to receive State matching grant funds, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below.

ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS

The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the District's voters and taxpayers 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 XIII A, 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 of Trustees hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List.

Limitation on Use of Bond Proceeds. The State of Cali fornia does not have the power to take locally approved school district bond funds for any State purposes. The Constitution allows proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition to be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities listed in this proposition, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the 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. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff only when performing work on or necessary and incidental to the bond projects.

Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board of Trustees shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following), to ensure bond proceeds are spent only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date on which the Board of Trustees enters the election results on its minutes.

Annual Performance Audits. The Board of Trustees shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List.

Annual Financial Audits. The Board of Trustees shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds (which shall be separate from the District's regular annual financial audit) until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List.

Special Bond Proceeds Account; Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board of Trustees shall take actions necessary pursuant to Government Code Section 53410 and following 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 Super - intendent or the Chief Business Official of the Dis trict (or such other employee as may perform substantially similar duties) shall cause a report to be filed with the Board no later than December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2015, 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 such officer shall determine, and may be incorporated into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine reports to the Board.

FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS

Specific Purposes. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Education Code Section 15100, and shall constitute the specific purposes of the bonds, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purposes, pursuant to Government Code Section 53410.

Joint Use. The District may enter into agreements with the County of Marin or other public agencies or nonprofit organizations for joint use of school facilities financed with the proceeds of the bonds in accordance with Education Code Section 17077.42 (or any successor provision). The District may seek State grant funds for eligible joint-use projects as permitted by law, and this proposition hereby specifies and acknowledges that bond funds will or may be used to fund all or a portion of the local share for any eligible joint-use projects identified in the Bond Project List or as otherwise permitted by California State regulations, as the Board of Trustees shall determine.

Rate of Interest. The bonds shall bear interest at a rate per annum not exceeding the statutory maximum, payable at the time or times permitted by law.

Term of Bonds. The number of years the whole or any part of the bonds are to run shall not exceed the legal limit, though this shall not preclude bonds from being sold which mature prior to the legal limit.

BOND PROJECT LIST

The Bond Project List below describes the specific projects the Kentfield School District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. Listed projects will be completed as needed at a particular school site according to Board-established priorities, and the order in which such projects appear on the Bond Project List is not an indication of priority for funding or completion. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. Certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including State grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Until all project costs and funding sources are known, the Board of Trustees cannot determine the amount of bond proceeds available to be spent on each project, nor guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects. Completion of some projects may be subject to further government approvals by State officials and boards, to local environmental review, and to input from the public. For these reasons, inclusion of a project on the Bond Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be funded or completed. The Board of Trustees may make changes to the Bond Project List in the future consistent with the projects specified in the proposition.

Unless otherwise noted, the projects in the Bond Project List are authorized to be completed at each or any of the District's sites, as shall be approved by the Board of Trustees:

Improve and Enhance Student Instructional Spaces

  • Renovate, repair, construct and/or upgrade classrooms, restrooms and other school district facilities.
  • Improve technology infrastructure, including, wiring upgrades, acquiring computers, audio-visual equipment, and other electronic equipment.
  • Construct, reconstruct and rehabilitate playgrounds and playfields in accordance with Federal and State mandated safety regulations.
  • Modernize/renovate classrooms to meet 21st century educational standards
  • Replace portables with permanent classrooms
  • Acquire/purchase land/property
  • Upgrade, renovate, and equip science instructional facilities, multipurpose rooms and community use facilities, food service facilities, library/media centers, and other school facilities.

Improve Health and Safety

  • Federal and State mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades including site access, parking, staff and student restrooms, relocation of some existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, playground equipment, walkways, etc.
  • Improve fire safety and life safety systems, such as alarms, smoke/fire detection systems, sprinklers, etc.
  • Improve student and traffic safety through the repair, reconfiguring of parking and vehicle access to school sites, including off-street parking areas, pickup/drop-off areas, ingress/egress, and signage.
  • Repair, replace and/or upgrade paved surfaces, turf, and other grounds to eliminate safety hazards and improve outside instructional areas.

Improve Energy Efficiency

  • Repairing or replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
  • Install energy saving systems
  • Replacing outdated lighting, windows, window coverings, etc.
  • Retrofit existing facilities with energy saving improvements such as upgraded insulation, efficient lighting, energy management systems and climate control. Facility Repair and Enhancements for Students and Community
  • Construct, repair, replace or modify roofs.
  • Repair, replace or upgrade deteriorating plumbing, piping, drainage, irrigation and sewer systems, including water supply, meters, water heating systems, wastewater systems, plumbing and fixtures. * Repair, modify, upgrade or reconstruct structural elements of existing campus structures.
  • Refinish the exterior finishes of school buildings, including stucco, wood and metal trims, framing and siding, and painting.
  • Replace existing wiring systems to meet current elec trical and accessibility codes and increased capacity.
  • Abate and remove hazardous materials identified prior or during construction.
  • Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/ modernization (including plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, etc.).
  • Repair, replace, modify or construct site improvements, paths, sidewalks and walkways, canopies, exterior shade structures, landscaping improvements, irrigation and drainage, and retaining walls.
  • Renovate and construct necessary storage spaces.

Each project listed is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance and other construction- related costs, such as construction management, architectural, engineering, inspection and other planning costs, legal, accounting and similar fees, independent annual financial and performance audits, a customary construction contingency, and other costs incidental to and necessary for completion of the listed projects (whether work is performed by the District or by third parties), including:

  • Remove, dispose of, and otherwise remediate hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, etc., where necessary.
  • Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/ modernization (including plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, etc.).
  • Site preparation/restoration in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, demolition of existing structures, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation and drainage, utility lines (such as gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, and communication lines), trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, traffic lights and mitigation, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.
  • Rental or construction 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, or execute purchase option under a lease for any of these authorized facilities.
  • Acquire school and related support facilities through the payment and prepayment of existing lease payments, including leases relating to outstanding certificates of participation
  • Furnishing and equipping of existing and newly constructed, modernized or rehabilitated classrooms and facilities on an ongoing basis, including to replace worn, broken, or out-of-date furniture and equipment for all classrooms, athletic facilities and other facilities, as needed.

For any project involving renovation, modernization, remodeling or rehabilitation of a building or the major portion of a building, the District may proceed with new replacement construction instead (including any necessary demolition), if the Board of Trustees determines that replacement and new construction is more practical than rehabilitation and renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, comparative cost, and other relevant factors.

The Bond Project List shall be considered a part of this ballot proposition, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition.


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