3,720 / 52.9% Yes votes ...... 3,308 / 47.1% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Meaning of Voting Yes/No

A YES vote of this measure means:

A "yes" vote is a vote to authorize the issuance and sale of the general obligation bonds not to exceed the principal amount of $69,000,000 for the uses specified.

A NO vote of this measure means:

A "no" vote is a vote not to authorize the issuance and sale of said bonds.

The Governing Board of the Gilroy Unified School District has ordered an election on whether bonds shall be issued and sold in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $69,000,000 to construct, acquire, repair and equip classrooms, libraries, improve safety of school facilities.

Proposition 39, approved by the voters in a statewide election November, 2000, amended the California Constitution to authorize the issuance of bonded indebtedness to acquire or improve real property, if approved by fifty-five percent of the votes cast by voters in an election. The Constitution permits the debt service on such bonds to be paid through the imposition of ad valorem property taxes on property located within the district. The maturity of any such bonds issued would not exceed 25 years for those bonds issued pursuant to the Education Code, and 40 years for those bonds issued pursuant to the Government Code, at a rate of interest within the legal limit. The tax rate is estimated not to exceed $59 per $100,000 of taxable property in the District as provided in the Tax Rate Statement. Since the interest rate on the bonds is determined when the bonds are sold, the exact amount of the tax increase can only be determined after the bonds are sold.

With annual audits and citizen oversight, proceeds of the bonds would be used to upgrade classrooms and libraries to meet district standards, provide safety improvements and reduce campus crowding, modernize lighting, roofs, windows, and plumbing, provide for energy efficiency and technology upgrades, removal of hazardous materials, e.g. asbestos, purchase furniture and equipment for all classrooms, provide new classrooms, acquire land, and to qualify for state matching funds.

A "yes" vote is a vote to authorize the issuance and sale of the general obligation bonds not to exceed the principal amount of $69,000,000 for the uses specified.

A "no" vote is a vote not to authorize the issuance and sale of said bonds.

Ann Miller Ravel, County Counsel

/s/ by Kathryn A. Berry, Deputy County Counsel

Please note

The material about this Measure has been retyped from Registrar of Voters' material. There could be errors. The official material can be obtained from the Registrar of Voters.

Official website for K.I.D.S. - Gilroy School Bond Campaign

The Gilroy Unified School District (GUSD) is committed to proficting [sic] quality education in a safe learning environment. In order to provide our students with the same classrooms and school facilities as other Santa Clara County school districts, major repairs, upgraded classrooms and school construction are necessary.

With the passage of Measure D, the GUSD will be allowed to qualify for up to $21.5 million in state grants. Measure D will keep our state tax dollars in our community.

Every school will receive necessary repairs and upgrades from Measure D. Projects include:

• Replacement of deteriorating roofs and plumbing
• Construction and repair of restrooms as necessary
• Purchase of land and construction of an elementary school
• Replacement, upgrade and installation of electrical wiring to accommodate technology in classrooms and libraries
• Construction of a covered eating area at GHS to protect students from weather
• Additional classrooms to reduce crowding
• Upgraded power systems to support technology and air conditioning needs
• Safety improvements to bus unloading zones and student drop-off areas
• Additional science labs
• Upgraded fire alarm, intercom systems at all school sites
• Purchase land for a second high school

By law an Independent Citizens Oversight committee will be established to ensure that Measure D will ONLY be used for the work spelled out in the ballot. No funds can be spent on salaries. An independent CPA firm will audit the bond funds annually.

"Measure D is the right thing to do and the most cost-effective way to do it," says Sig Sanchez, former Santa Clara County Supervisor.

Our schools are at the heart of our community. A "YES" vote on Measure D is a "YES" vote for our future.

/s/ Eleanor S. Villarreal, Campaign Co-Chair

/s/ Steve Peat, Campaign Co-Chair

/s/ Greg Camacho-Light, President, Gilroy Federation of Teachers and para-professionals

/s/ Dale B. Connell, Retired Businessman

/s/ S. Meskimen, Parent

Why hasn't Gilroy Unified School District made the important repairs from the budget? If all budget expenditures during the last few years have been more important than the repairs and replacements they want to make now, what makes them suddenly more important? If families must move away because high taxes have put them out of work, won't enrollments decline, making repairs and upgrades wasteful?

We should use the current budget to pay for teachers and make important repairs as needed. With whatever money is left, we should pay for whatever administration Gilroy Unified School District can afford.

Make your vote count. Remember, we don't have the safeguard of requiring a two-thirds vote to pass a school bond measure. It only takes 55%. Keep the Gilroy Unified School District accountable. While businesses are intent on cutting costs, don't let the school budget balloon out of control.

VOTE NO ON MEASURE D!

For more information visit <http://www.VoteNOonD.org>.

/s/ H. Raymond Strong, Chair, Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County

/s/ Elizabeth C. Brierly, MBA, Libertarian Candidate for State Board of Equalization

/s/ Dennis Michael Umphress, Candidate for Congress, District 16

A $69 million bond issue paying, for example, 5 percent simple interest for 25 years would mean $86.25 million in interest payments, plus $69 million in principle for a total of $155.25 million. As a consumer and taxpayer, you deserve to know the truth about these high costs. The annual interest payment of $3.45 million in the example is money that must be collected in taxes but goes to pay off bond holders, and is NEVER used for teacher salaries or classroom improvements. These interest payments are the cost of deficit financing. You, the taxpayers, pay this cost whenever your school board departs from the prudent and fiscally responsible practice of paying NOW for what is needed NOW, and budgeting to save for what will be needed in the future. Like the fiscally naive credit card holder, the school board could be tempted to spend this large sum of $69,000,000 unwisely, because it was viewed as easily obtained and they believe there will always be more available. Don't make it so easy. Vote NO on this enormous sum.

What's more important to you:
1. spending $3.45 million a year, for example, on teachers salaries and better schools, or
2. spending $3.45 million a year, for example, to provide interest income for bond holders?

Vote FOR responsible and effective spending for education:

Vote NO on Measure D.

For more details, please visit our website at http://www.VoteNOonD.org/.

/s/ H. Raymond Strong, Chair, Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County

/s/ Dennis Michael Umphress, Libertarian Candidate for Congress, 16th District

/s/ Jeff Landauer, Candidate for Congress, 15th District

/s/ Elizabeth C. Brierly, Business Analyst, MBS

Attention Gilroy Voters:

NONE of the individuals signing the opposing argument live in Gilroy, care about Gilroy, our students or the opportunities we must provide them to compete in today's workplace.

Here are the facts:

• Measure D allows the district to qualify for millions in additional state grants - money that will go to other Santa Clara County districts if we do not pass a local bond.
• Measure D does not pay for expenses, it pays for the "roof over our students' heads" similar to a home mortgage. To argue that Gilroy should pay as you go is akin to stating you should not purchase a home unless you have all the money. Bond funds can ONLY be used to repair, upgrade and construct schools, and purchase property.
• Bond funds CANNOT be used for teacher salaries.
• More than 200 Gilroy residents worked over 1 year to identify necessary repairs, upgrades and school construction projects.

Measure D includes legally binding language which:

• Creates a citizen watchdog committee of local taxpayers, homeowners, parents and business leaders to make sure money is not wasted.
• Empowers watchdog committees to stop any project if audits show unauthorized spending, abuse or waste and vigorously investigate/prosecute violations.

/s/ Steve Peat, Co-Chair

/s/ Eleanor S. Villarreal, Co-Chair

/s/ Greg Camacho-Light, President, Gilroy Federation of Teachers and Para-professional

/s/ S. Meskimen, Parent

/s/ Dale B. Connell, Retired Businessman

1. The best estimate of the tax 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 estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement is 5.85 cents per $100 ($58.50 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2002-03.

2. 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 last series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 5.90 cents per $100 ($59.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2005-06.

3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 5.91 cents per $100 ($59.10 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2009-10.

Voters should note that tax rates (as estimated herein and as levied by the County) are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value.

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon the District's 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 and market interest rates at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The dates 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 each sale. Actual future assessed valuation 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.

Dated: 10/31/2001

/s/ Edwin Diaz, Superintendent, Gilroy Unified School District

The Gilroy Unified School District, serving the City of Gilroy and unincorporated portions of Santa Clara County, has benefited from a community which supports its educational institutions.

A District-appointed Facility Work Group, comprised of a cross-section of individuals from the community and assisted by District staff and outside architectural and engineering firms, has prepared a Facilities Master Plan identifying significant repair, upgrade, and classroom construction needs due to increased enrollment.

Many of the school buildings addressed by the Facilities Master Plan are 35 years old or older, and major repairs and upgrades are necessary to ensure that these building will remain functional for future generations.

Enrollment in the District is expected to grow by 22% within the next 10 years - the equivalent of 70 to 100 new classrooms.

The Facility Work Group executed an extensive community communication program which included the establishment of a Citizens' Committee, a diverse group of respected community members, who provided input to the Facility Work Group on specific facility plans.

The Facilities Master Plan prepared by the Facility Work Group, and accepted by the District Governing Board, identified the following:

• Eight older schools require substantial modernization and upgrades
• There exists significant facility inequity among existing schools
• Current Gilroy High School enrollment exceeds original design capacity and operational standards
• Enrollment is projected to increase by 22%; grades K-8 are most affected
• It is necessary to purchase land for new schools presently, to ensure availability and protect against rapidly increasing costs
• Total identified facility needs will cost approximately two times the District's estimated funding capacity

Mos of the other school districts in Santa Clara County have already approved local school construction and renovation bonds for their communities.

The District is eligible to receive approximately $21.5 million from state bond funds to repair and construct schools within the District, but state law generally requires local school districts to fund a local matching share in order to obtain state grants. Failure of the District to raise its local proportional share will mean the state funds will probably be allocated to other California school districts that have been able to raise the local proportional share.

A local bond measure is the only realistic way to generate sufficient funding needed for identified school facility repairs, modernization projects, and growing student enrollment.

By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Gilroy Unified School District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $69,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List which follows, and in order to qualify to receive State matching grant funds, subject to all of the accountability requirements specified below.

The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers of Gilroy may be assured that their money will be spent wisely to address specific facilities needs of the Gilroy Unified School 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 Governing Board has prepared an updated facilities plan in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the Gilroy Unified School District at each campus and facility, and to determine which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Governing Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List which follows.

Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Governing Board shall establish an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following), to ensure bond proceeds are expended only for the school facilities projects listed below. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Governing Board.

Annual Performance Audits. The Governing Board shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed below.

Annual Financial Audits. The Governing Board shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed below.

Special Bond Proceeds Account; Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Governing Board shall take actions necessary to establish an account in which proceeds of the sale of bonds will be deposited. As long as any proceeds of the bonds remain unexpended, the Superintendent of the District shall cause a report to be filed with the Board no later than January 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 2003, 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.

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

The Bond Project List, which is an integral part of this proposition, lists the specific projects the Gilroy Unified School District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. Listed repairs, rehabilitation projects and upgrades willl be completed as needed at a particular school site. Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, construction management, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. 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, local developer fees, and deferred maintenance funds, have not yet been secured. Therefore the Governing Board cannot guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects.

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, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of land and real property for 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 Education Code Section 15100, 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, pursuant to Government Code Section 53410.

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 from the date borne by that bond.

Upgrades To Meet District Standards

• Build student center with cafeteria, indoor and outdoor seating, and food services facilities
• Install new permanent restrooms
• Expand library and media learning center
• Construct approximately 4 science labs
• Construct approximately 12 modular classrooms, if needed to accomodate possible enrollment growth
• Convert existing gym/food service area into dedicated gym/athletic space

• Reconstruct campus center area to develop new covered outside eating areas with tables and to improve foot traffic circulation
• Improve parking lot exit lane for safety
• Expand school entrances and asphalt walkways
• Improve exterior fencing, landscaping and outdoor lighting
• Relocate small farm from Kern Avenue site to southwest corner of campus
• Reconfigure and relocate existing modular classrooms, as needed

• Upgrade fire and security alarm systems
• Renovate interior/outdoor lighting, plumbing, electrical, heating and ventilation systems
• Repair and replace roofs, as needed
• Repair walls, remove dry rot, as needed
• Replace old and broken windows, repair or replace doors, as needed
• Renovate plumbing and electrical systems
• Improve storm drains
• Upgrade data and technology systems

New Construction

• Construct new classroom buildings with capacity for approximately 750 students, including multipurpose room/food service area and library and media learning center
• Install grass field and playground

Upgrades To Meet District Standards

• Safety improvements to bus unloading zones and student drop-off areas
• Relocate hard-surface play areas
• Improve library and media learning center

• Renovate interior/outdoor lighting, plumbing, electrical, heating and ventiliation systems
• Repair walls, remove dry rot, as needed
• Replace old and broken windows, repair or replace doors, as needed
• Refurbish restrooms
• Repair and replace roofs, as needed

• Renovate perimeter building exteriors

Upgrades To Meet District Standards

• Add multi-purpose room with food services facilities and new restrooms
• Construct new library and media learning center
• Acquire and install approximately 2 new portable classrooms
• Convert existing library to administrative space

• Renovate interior/outdoor lighting, plumbing, electrical, heating and ventiliation systems
• Replace old and broken windows, repair or replace doors, as needed
• Refurbish restrooms
• Repair and replace roofs, as needed

Upgrades To Meet District Standards

• Add multi-purpose room with food services facilities
• Add new restrooms
• Construct library and media learning center
• Acquire and install approximately 6 new portable classrooms
• Construct/pave new student drop-off and parking areas
• Improve administrative office areas

Upgrades to Meet District Standards

• Construct multi-purpose room with food service facilities
• Convert existing food service building to music/other program classrooms
• Construct 2 science labs/classrooms

• Relocate, renovate and install approximately 5 portable classrooms (from former Jordan site)
• Modernize and/or remodel 2 classrooms into science classrooms

New Construction

• Rebuild 2-story classroom building on existing campus, with expanded capacity for approximately 610 students, including multipurpose room with food services facilities and library and media learning center

Modernization

• Modernize classrooms and building structure, and improve interior/outdoor lighting, water, mechanical, electrical, sewer, and heating and ventilation systems, improve restrooms, modernize multipurpose room with food services facilities and library and media learning center

• Land acquisition
• Replace dilapidated modular classrooms with new classroom building, increasing capacity to approximately 700 students

• Acquire and install 2 modular classrooms

New Construction/Land Acquistion to Accomodate Future Growth

• Acquire land and construct new K-5 school in southwest Gilroy, with capacity for approximately 750 students, including multipurpose room with food services facilities and library and media learning center

• new comprehensive high school (up to 50 acres)
• new elementary or middle school (approximately 10-15 acres)

• Energy efficiency and technology upgrades at all schools, as needed
• Remove hazardous materials, e.g., asbestos, where necessary
• Other improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act, and access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Furniture and equipment for all classrooms to be newly constructed or reconstructed, including classroom technology, computer and science equipment, and book storage, as needed.
• Site work in connection with new construction or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms
• Demolition of existing buildings to be replaced with new construction, where rehabilitation costs would be excessive.
• Rental or construction of temporary classrooms (including relocatables) as needed to house students displaced during construction