8,946 / 64.9% Yes votes ...... 4,828 / 35.1% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

This measure would authorize the Redwood City Elementary School District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $22 million. The bonds will have an interest rate not to exceed the legal maximum and shall mature in no more than 30 years.

The Board of Trustees has listed the specified purposes of the bonds to be to repair or replace playground asphalt and concrete surfaces, playing fields and playing equipment, roofs, lighting systems, windows, security systems, restrooms, fencing, irrigation and control systems for school fields; interior and exterior painting and water proofing, purchase maintenance equipment; construct covered walkways; upgrade and replace hardware, wiring and sound systems; purchase computerize point of sale system for the food service system and walk in freezers; construct multi-use facilities at McKinley/North Star and the Roosevelt campuses; replace McKinley auditorium stage floor; construct district warehouse repair and improve maintenance-transportation facility; convert McKinley multi use room to maintenance warehouse; repair facilities, driveways, playgrounds and sidewalks to meet requirements of the Americans with Disability Act.

The measure requires the Redwood City Elementary School District to take certain steps to account for the proceeds from the sale of the bonds as set forth in Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution and Education Code sections 15264 et seq. The District Board must appoint a citizens' oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that funds are spent only on school and classroom improvements and for no other purposes.

A "yes" vote on this measure would authorize Redwood City Elementary School District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $22 million to: to repair or replace playground asphalt and concrete surfaces, playing fields and playing equipment, roofs, lighting systems, windows, security systems, restrooms, fencing, irrigation and control systems for school fields; interior and exterior painting and water proofing, purchase maintenance equipment; construct covered walkways; upgrade and replace hardware, wiring and sound systems; purchase computerize point of sale system for the food service system and walk in freezers; construct multi-use facilities at McKinley/North Star and the Roosevelt campuses; replace McKinley auditorium stage floor; construct district warehouse repair and improve maintenance-transportation facility; convert McKinley multi use room to maintenance warehouse; bring facilities, driveways, playgrounds and sidewalks to meet requirements of the Americans with Disability Act.

A "no" vote would prevent Redwood City Elementary School District from issuing bonds of up to $22 million.

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

For information about the Redwood City Elementary School District

Improving the quality of education is an important goal for our community. District residents have supported that goal by voting to build new libraries, multi use rooms and classrooms throughout the District.

However, many school buildings are over 50 years old. Aging school grounds need to be made safer for students. Most schools need new roofs, improved access for disabled students and energy efficient lighting.

Measure B will allow the District to make repairs and improvements to all schools. This bond will fund much-needed projects including:
• Upgrades and repairs to school facilities, play areas, restrooms, and walkways to meet the mandatory requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• School roof repairs;
• Modernizing older restrooms;
• Installation of energy efficient lighting and windows;
• Replacing and upgrading old and unsafe playfields and playgrounds;
• Replacing two old and undersized multi-use rooms.

Classroom and building improvements were carefully selected and approved by a Citizen's Task Force, which shaped the final list, eliminating unnecessary items and reducing the overall cost. The cost per homeowner is $8.98 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) valuation. The average homeowner will pay less than .40 cents per week and the cost is tax deductible.

Measure B requires mandatory fiscal oversight. An independent Citizen's Oversight Committee will review and audit bond expenditures. The Committee will report annually. Every dollar will be accounted for and no funds will go for district salaries.

Measure B is a reasonable and responsible investment in our community. We urge you to join a broad coalition of seniors, parents, teachers, homeowners, and business owners in voting Yes on Measure B.

/s/ Dick Claire
Mayor, City of Redwood City

/s/ Daniela Gasparini
Former Redwood City Mayor

/s/ Geary Lloyd
Former Chair, Senior Affairs Commission

/s/ Alicia C. Aguirre
Trustee
Redwood City Elementary School District

/s/ Brent Britschgi
Former Redwood City Mayor

Proponents say "Improving the quality of education is an important goal for our community." We agree, but,

Proponents say "...many school buildings are over 50 years old."

With property ownership, comes responsibility. Funding routine maintenance through bonded indebtedness is a recipe for failure.

Has the Redwood City School District given consideration to those who find curricula repugnant or otherwise flawed? Parents and other individuals, who, given relief from the excess taxes supporting these government schools, would support alternative education providers?

Have they considered how the compulsory aspect of the government system, which produces unwilling participants, has forced class size reductions to maintain discipline?

We need a policy of REAL choice. A policy which will shrink the "marketshare" of students held in government institutions from the current 90%. Such a policy demands tax relief for those who would choose a better, more efficient alternative. And, as enrollment in government institutions declines, it will free up resources now being wasted by the inefficiencies of the education monopoly.

/s/ Jo Lene Hickey

/s/ Matthias Leipzig Redwood City Councilman, Ret.

/s/ John J. "Jack" Hickey
Chair, Libertarian Party of San Mateo County

RCSD historically overstates enrollment projections to justify bond measures. Class size reduction is used to fill excess facilities as enrollment declines.

Government schools now account for almost 90% of K-12 students. Many parents have reconciled themselves to government schools. What choice do they have? Parents feed, clothe and shelter their children. Why should education of their children be either:
• beyond their financial means, or:
• beyond their ability to manage.
The answer is simple ---

The RCSD Total Budget is more than $97 million. Their projected enrollment is 9042. That's more than $10,700/student. Parents, unburdened by taxes supporting this highly inefficient government system, could easily provide a better education at a fraction of the cost. Many, enduring the hardship of paying twice for education, already do.

Parents who choose alternative education for their children are given no relief from taxes collected for government schools. Childless taxpayers, who might choose to support alternative education providers, likewise would receive no relief.

We can restore individual liberty by:
• Supporting individual responsibility and choice in education.
• Reversing growth of the government schooling monopoly.
• Providing tax relief for those who choose to support alternative education.

/s/ Phyllis A. Goff
Great-grandmother

/s/ Marianne V. Boudreau
Grandmother

/s/ Susan Ontiveros
Mother

/s/Hasan Farran
Business Owner

/s/ John J. Hickey
Chair, Libertarian Party of San Mateo County

Measure B was crafted with bi-partisan cooperation between business, real estate, community, and school officials. It is limited in scope to only the most pressing needs.

Why should you vote for Measure B, especially if you don't have children or grandchildren in the Redwood City School District?

1) Measure B will enhance property values. Good schools make a better community.

2) Measure B will make our community more attractive to business. That's why local businesses, big and small, support it.

3) Measure B will provide disability access for all.

4) Measure B will keep kids off the streets by providing safe and adequate recreational facilities. That's why law enforcement supports it.

Improvements include:
• New roofs for old classrooms.
• Modernizing older restrooms.
• Energy efficient lighting and windows.
• Making old playfields and playgrounds safe for all children and youth leagues.
• Replacing two old multi-use rooms for use by students and community groups.

These repairs are truly needed. The average homeowner will pay less than $20 per year.

Fiscal oversight has ensured that previously promised classroom, school facility and library repairs have been completed. Mandatory fiscal oversight will be even more meticulous for this measure.

Opponents' arguments are grossly inaccurate and purposely misleading. Their arguments have no basis in reality.

Please join our broad based coalition and vote Yes for our children. Vote Yes on Measure B.

/s/ Jeff Ira
Vice Mayor, City of Redwood City

/s/ Georgi LaBerge
Former Redwood City Mayor

/s/ Bob Wallace
Community Activist

/s/ Ted Hannig
Attorney

/s/ Alyn Beals
President, Beals Martin, Inc.

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 $.00898 per $100 ($8.98 per $100,000) of assessed value for the 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 $0.00898 per $100 ($8.98 per $100,000) of assessed value for the fiscal year 2002-03.

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 $0.00898 per $100 ($8.98 per $100,000) of assessed value in fiscal years 2002-27.

Voters should note that estimated tax rate is based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value. In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption, such as the homeowner's exemption, will be taxed at a lower effective tax rate than described above. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone payment of taxes. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

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 and market interest rates at the time of the bond sales, 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.

/s/ Ronald F. Crates
Superintendent
Redwood City Elementary School District

(a) Authorization of Bonded Indebtedness, School Facilities Projects.

Shall the Redwood City Elementary School District be authorized to incur bonded indebtedness in the principal amount of up to $22,000,000 to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects in the District listed in the Bond Projects List attached hereto as Exhibit A, subject to all of the accountability requirements specified below?

(b) Accountability Requirements: The following provisions are hereby made a part of the proposition specifically in order to comply 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 Education Code Sections 15264 and following):

(1) The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the foregoing list of school facilities projects.

(2) Proceeds from the sale of bonds issued pursuant to the authorization of the proposition contained in subdivision (a) of this Section shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping thereof, 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. The Bond Projects List which is an integral part of this proposition lists the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds, but the Board cannot guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects. 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, have not yet been secured.

(3) The Board shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A of this Resolution.

(4) The Board shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds of sale of the bonds until all of those proceeds have been expended for the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A of this Resolution.

(c) Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. If the proposition is approved by the voters, pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 et seq., the Board shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee to ensure bond proceeds are expended only for the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A of this Resolution. If the proposition is approved, this committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board.

(d) Further Specifications. All of the purposes enumerated in the foregoing shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Education Code Section 15100. Pursuant to Government Code Section 53410, all the enumerated purposes in the foregoing shall constitute the specific single purpose of the bonds proposed to be issued and sold, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purpose. The bonds proposed to be issued and sold shall bear interest at a rate per annum not exceeding the statutory maximum, payable at the time or times permitted by law. The District has projected tax rates based on the bonds maturing no more than 25 years from the date of each series thereof, and in no event shall the number of years the whole or any part of the bonds are to run exceed 30 years from the date of the bonds or the date of any series thereof.

(e) Projects List. The bond projects list attached to this resolution as Exhibit A shall be considered a part of the ballot proposition, and is incorporated herein, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition.

• Repair or rebuild playground asphalt and concrete surfaces
• Repair or replace play fields
• Replace or repair roofs
• Install energy efficient lighting systems
• Replace damaged or old windows
• Repair or replace sidewalk asphalt and concrete surfaces
• Repair or replace driveway asphalt and concrete surfaces
• Interior and exterior painting and waterproofing
• Install energy management system
• Install security system
• Replace or upgrade environmental controls
• Upgrade interior use spaces
• Repair or upgrade old restrooms
• Install or replace fencing
• Provide centralized irrigation and control system for school fields and maintenance equipment
• Construct covered walkways

• Upgrade or replace computer hardware, including networking equipment and wiring
• Repair or upgrade sound system broadcast equipment and related communication devices
• Purchase computerized point of sale system for the food service program
• Purchase maintenance equipment
• Purchase walk-in freezers for student food services program at District kitchen
• Replace deteriorated play field equipment

McKinley/North Star Campus

• Construct new 6,450 sq. feet multi use facility for student use for physical education, school assemblies, and cafeteria use; replace McKinley Auditorium stage floor

Roosevelt Campus

• Construct new 4,630 sq. feet multi use facility for student use for physical education, school assemblies, and cafeteria use

Hoover Campus

• Repair and remodel multi use facility for student use for physical education, school assemblies, and cafeteria use

Other Sites

• Construct district warehouse at present maintenance site 501-601 James Avenue

• Repair and improve maintenance/operations/transportation facility at present maintenance site, 501-601 James Avenue

• Convert McKinley Multi use Room to maintenance warehouse

Repair at District Campuses Where and As Needed

• Repair facilities, driveways, playgrounds, and sidewalks to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.