3259 / 70.39% Yes votes ...... 1371 / 29.61% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Dated: December 15, 2003

PATRICK K. FAULKNER
County Counsel

K.I.D.S. Vote yes web site

K.I.D.S. (Kentfield/Greenbrae Invests In Dynamic Schools) is a volunteer committee of citizen taxpayers and parents concerned about the future of public education in our community.

Our community supports our schools and has made them our most valuable community asset. Good schools produce and sustain higher property values. They make our community a more valuable place in which to live and raise children.

The district focuses on program basics: best teachers, small classes, parental involvement, and curriculum improvements. In 1998, voters affirmed their continuing support of Kentfield and Greenbrae students by passing a facilities bond which enabled the district to complete promised new construction and to modernize half of the district classrooms. However, a significant percentage of the physical facilities continue to lag behind program. Fifty percent of our classrooms are in desperate need of repair, renovation and augmentation.

Measure E will provide:

• Completion of the planned repair and renovation of 1950's era classrooms and facilities at Bacich Elementary and Kent Middle Schools, including replacement of outdated wiring and heating systems;

• Installation of extensively researched energy-efficient systems, including solar panels, and movement toward self-generation of all energy required by Kent Middle School and Bacich Elementary School; and

• Necessary safety measures including replacement of aging facilities for childcare/after-school programs that no longer meet new state- mandated seismic safety requirements.

Please support the children with your "yes" vote on Measure E and provide them with a safe learning environment. Vote YES on Measure E!

s/ Ann Mathieson, President

Kentfield School District Board of Trustees

s/ Peter Thigpen, Clerk

Kentfield School District Board of Trustees

s/ Robert Goldman, Member

Kentfield School District Board of Trustees

s/ Susan Morrow, Member

Kentfield School District Board of Trustees

s/ Anna Pilloton, Member

Kentfield School District Board of Trustees

(No arguments against Measure E were submitted)

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 $0.02614 per $100 ($26.14 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2004-05.

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 $0.02614 per $100 ($26.14 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2004-05.

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 $0.02614 per $100 ($26.14 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2004-05.

Based on these estimated tax rates, the average annual tax over the life of the bonds would be $26.05 for $100,000 of assessed valuation.

Voters should note that these estimated tax rates are based on the assessed value of taxable property in the District as shown on the official tax roll of the county, 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 the 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.

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 estimates are based upon the District's projections and are not binding upon the District. The dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on the 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: December 2, 2003

s/ Robert B. Caine

Superintendent
Kentfield School District

The following is the full proposition presented to the voters by the Kentfield School District.

"In order to repair and modernize 1950's era classrooms and facilities at Bacich and Kent schools; install energy-saving solar panels to reduce costs; improve student safety; replace aging plumbing and electrical systems; upgrade wiring to meet technology standards; replace aging heating and ventilation units; and upgrade facilities to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, shall Kentfield School District issue $11,900,000 of general obligation bonds at rates below legal limits and appoint a Citizens' Oversight Committee?"

The Board of Trustees of the Kentfield School District approved a Facilities Master Plan in 1999, which evaluated safety, class size reduction, and information technology needs in developing the scope of school facility projects to be funded, including the following projects:

PROJECTS

BACICH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Most Facilities at this School were built in 1959 + 1960)

• Upgrade aging plumbing, lighting, power, data wiring, fire alarm and security systems and components, renovate classrooms, provide energy- saving mechanical and ventilation units, thermally efficient windows and blinds, and photovoltaic solar panels to save energy and reduce yearly utility costs. Replace worn baseball backstops, benches, and dugouts. Replace insufficient irrigation systems and restore ground affected by this work.

• Replace damaged paving and walkways at the campus entry and parking lot, and install security and safety lighting for safety and accessibility.

• Replace childcare trailer units, installed in 1985 and required by the State of California to be replaced by 2006.

• Upgrade aging plumbing, lighting, power, data wiring, fire alarm and security systems and components, renovate classrooms, provide energy- saving mechanical and ventilation units, thermally efficient windows and blinds, and photovoltaic solar panels to save energy and reduce yearly utility costs. Replace insufficient irrigation systems and restore ground affected by this work.

• Upgrade aging plumbing, power, data wiring, fire alarm and security systems and components at the multi-purpose kitchen and assembly area, provide permanent lunch tables and seating, replace aging kitchen equipment and ventilation, upgrade systems and equipment for student programs.

• Replace aging physical education restroom facilities and lockers; upgrade plumbing, lighting, power, data wiring, fire alarm, and security systems. Renovate locker rooms as necessary.

• Upgrade insufficient student health, counseling ,attendance, and support services facilities.

• Replace aging roofing materials and install insulation for energy conservation and reduction of yearly energy costs.

• Replace aging and marginal irrigation and drainage at the main playfield, replace deteriorated running track and track events areas with safe surfaces. Replace and improve deteriorated asphalt basketball courts, worn baseball backstops, benches, and dugouts. Replace grass and related grounds affected by this work.

• Replace deteriorated play structure at lower playground with safe, all weather structure meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements. Renovate surrounding playground as necessary.

(a) Use the proceeds from the sale of the bonds only for the purposes of construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, as specifically set forth in this Exhibit A, but not for any other purpose, including board member, administrator, teacher, or staff salaries or benefits or other school operating expenses;

(b) Conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the projects listed in this Exhibit A;

(c) Conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds until all of those proceeds have been expended for school facilities projects listed in this Exhibit A;

(d) Establish and appoint members to an independent citizens' oversight committee to ensure the bonds are used only for the projects listed in this Exhibit A;

(e) Create an account into which the bond proceeds shall be deposited; and

(f) Provide for an annual report to the Board by the District's chief fiscal officer pursuant to Government Code section 53411 containing (i) the amount of bond funds collected and expended; and (ii) the status of any project required or authorized to be funded by the bonds.

STATE MATCHING FUNDS

California Education Code section 15122.5 requires the following statement to be included in this sample ballot:

"Approval of this bond measure does not guarantee that the proposed projects in the Kentfield School District that are the subject of bonds under this measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this bond measure. The school district's proposal for certain of the projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which are subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure."