League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Contra Costa County, CA June 8, 2010 Election
	Measure D Student Safety / Classroom Repair Bond Measure West Contra Costa Unified School District Bond Measure - 55% Approval Required Pass: 23014 / 62.62% Yes votes ...... 13740 / 37.38% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure D

Arguments Against Measure D

Although the Legislature has resorted to transferring monies from local government to Sacramento in order to balance the State budget, we have not lost our opportunity to protect our students, repair and upgrade our schools, and strengthen our community. That's why such a broad coalition of parents, principals, and business leaders have joined together in support of Measure D. By law, the State cannot take Measure D funding away from our local schools. These funds can only be used to enhance school safety, restroom repair and asbestos removal, school construction, and structural upgrades for our aging schools. Here are some specific things that Measure D will pay for in our community's schools: Improving campus security systems by installing cameras and lighting Ensuring school facilities are accessible to the disabled Removing asbestos and lead-based paint from older schools Upgrading electrical wiring to support computer and internet access A Yes vote on Measure D can also secure millions of dollars in State matching funds for our schools. Without Measure D, these State funds could be given to schools outside of our district + schools in Alameda County, San Diego and Los Angeles. Measure D funds can only be used for local school facilities and construction, and a Citizens Oversight Committee will monitor independent audits to ensure that the Measure D funding is used appropriately. Please join parents, principals and business leaders in support of our community and our community's schools. Please vote Yes on Measure D. Rebuttal to Arguments For The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) has asked for over $1.2 BILLION for bonds in just 12 years. That's a lot of money at any time but especially now. If Measure D passes, all bonds plus interest will cost about $2.4 BILLION to pay off. BONDS AREN'T FREE! And senior citizens will be paying for these bonds, too. Unconvincingly, the school board discussed going out for yet another parcel tax before deciding they would try for more bonds. But don't be fooled: construction bonds won't avert the school district's impending unfunded benefits disaster which will force the WCCUSD to scavenge for one parcel tax after another. Why did the school board pick more bonds over a new parcel tax at this time? Because political consultants said you might vote for a construction bond, probably not for a parcel tax. But with hundreds of millions of dollars already misspent on project labor agreements, PTA hot dog kitchens, and luxury auditoriums, voters might wonder why rest room repairs, internet access, asbestos abatement, and security cameras are an issue NOW. Perhaps the district should spend down the $100 MILLION bond fund balance on these items BEFORE making another to-do list. Citizens of WCCUSD are suffering through this economic downturn like the rest of California. Asking people for another $380 MILLION in bonds before the district has even completed issuing bonds from previous ballot measures -- approved during economic good times -- is irresponsible. These are awful times. Vote NO on D. Arguments In Favor Submitted By Edward Downer, Chairman of the Board, Mechanics Bank John Gioia, County Supervisor Susan L. Kahn, Principal, Pinole Valley High School Michael M. Booker, Lieutenant, Richmond Police Department Donald L. Kuehne, Councilmember, City of Hercules

It would seem this school district has a bottomless hole in which they want you, the taxpayer, to throw endless amounts of money. Most of us are struggling just to make ends meet. Nevertheless, WCCUSD has placed yet another school bond on the ballot which, if passed, will cost the average taxpayer an additional $150/yr. in property taxes. WCCUSD states this bond money is to be used "to make schools safe" and to pay for a long list of routine maintenance items. West County taxpayers are now paying for 2 parcel taxes and 4 school bonds to fund this district. Nevertheless, we have recently seen unparalleled violence in our local schools with a shocking teen rape at Richmond high school in Oct. 2009 hitting the national headlines. Moreover, in Dec. 2009 a teen was raped in the hallway of Portola middle school, and a huge gang brawl had to be broken up at De Anza high school in spite of the presence of on site school "resource officers." Is there enough money anywhere to stem this tide of violence? The district would have you believe that if you just give them enough of your hard earned tax dollars, the problems just might go away!! DON'T YOU BELIEVE IT!! Additionally, there is NO SENIOR EXEMPTION for this measure. Most of us have had to tighten our belts just to get by in these financially troubled times. Tell the District they must do the same!! Vote NO, NO, NO on Measure D!! Rebuttal to Arguments Against Measure D can only be used to increase school safety, repair restrooms and remove asbestos, school construction, and structural upgrades for local schools. Unlike other local monies, Measure D funding cannot be taken away by the State and will be used right here in our community. In fact, Measure D will enable our School District to qualify for millions in State matching funds. Without Measure D, those funds could be given to schools outside of our District. The Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee will monitor the Measure D program to ensure that the intent of the voters is carried out; and the Committee will help publicize the independent financial and performance audits that the Measure requires. Measure D can be used for the following purposes: Removing asbestos and lead-based paint from schools Improving campus security by installing cameras and lighting School, classroom and science lab construction Upgrading school facilities to enable computer networking In addition to retaining monies and qualifying for additional State funding, Measure D projects will increase the number of local jobs in all parts of our District. Although no money from Measure D will pay for administrator salaries, our community will see added benefits through construction employment and its associated services. Join parents, principals and business leaders working hard for our students and our schools. Vote YES on Measure D. Increase school safety Qualify our District for millions in State matching funds Create additional local jobs Upgrade and repair school campuses Arguments Against Submitted By Marilynne L. Mellander, Coordinator, Save El Sobrante Paul Sartor, Retired John La Chapelle, Owner, Mack Tree Co. Eddy Guerra, Retired Shirley Warner, Clerical Worker

Tax Rate Statement from the School District Superintendent

An election will be held in the West Contra Costa Unified School District (the "District") on June 8, 2010, to authorize the sale of up to $380,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the proposition. If the bonds are approved, the District plans to issue the bonds in a number of series over a period of time. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The information presented in numbered paragraphs 1-3 below is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California. 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 4.80 cents per $100 ($48.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2010-11. 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 4.80 cents per $100 ($48.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2018-19. 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, 4.80 cents per $100 ($48.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2018-19. The District's best estimate of the average tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue over all of the years the bonds will be outstanding is 4.80 cents per $100 ($48.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The tax rate estimates in this statement reflect the District's current projection of future assessed values and of future debt service payments, which are based on certain assumptions. Approval of the ballot measure authorizes the issuance of bonds under certain conditions and for certain purposes, and is not approval of a specific tax rate or a specific plan of bond issuance. 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 and repayment structure of bonds sold, 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 and repayment structure of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on its need for construction funds, its intention to meet the tax rate targets stated above, the legal limitations on bonds approved by a 55% vote 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. Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property in the District as shown on the County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions. Dated: March 4, 2010. Bruce Harter, Superintendent West Contra Costa Unified School District

Full Text of Measure D

"WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT SAFETY/CLASSROOM REPAIR MEASURE. To make schools safe, complete essential health/safety repairs, qualify for State matching grants, shall West Contra Costa Unified School District upgrade schools for earthquake safety/handicap accessibility, remove asbestos, upgrade restrooms, vocational classrooms/technology/energy systems to reduce costs, install lighting and security systems, acquire, repair, construct, equipment/sites/facilities, by issuing $380,000,000 in bonds within legal rates and bonding capacity limits with independent audits, citizen oversight, and no money for administrators' salaries?" PRIORITY SCHOOL PROJECTS LIST The Board of Education of the West Contra Costa Unified School District certifies that it evaluated the District's urgent and critical school needs, including school and student safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, overcrowding, energy efficiency and computer technology, seismic safety requirements, and aging, outdated or deteriorating school buildings in developing the scope of projects to be funded, as outlined in the West Contra Costa Unified School District 2010 Bond Program approved by the Board of Education on March 3, 2010, and incorporated herein. In developing the scope of projects, parents, teachers, staff, students and community members have prioritized the key health and safety and sustainability needs so that the most critical school site needs are addressed. The Board conducted a thorough evaluation at all school sites and received public input and review in developing the scope of school projects to be funded, as listed in the 2010 Bond Program. This input concluded that if these needs were not addressed now, the problems would only get worse and more expensive to address in the future. In approving this Priority School Projects List, the Board of Education determines that: All students should have access to comparable academic and extracurricular facilities. Retaining and attracting excellent teachers is a critical element of our facility plans. All of its schools should be safe learning environments, free from gang or drug influence. The improvement of school facilities should help the local economy by creating construction jobs for local businesses. In repairing aging school buildings and classrooms, priority shall be given to basic repairs, such as replacing outdated plumbing, piping, electrical and sewer systems. All schools should have energy efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems that conserve electricity and save on costly utility bills. All energy efficiency cost savings should be redirected to the classrooms and schools. Out-of-date schools increase the potential for student violence and make it difficult to evacuate schools quickly during an emergency. High schools must increase the opportunities for vocational and career tech education such as technology skills training, so that students who do not go to college have the opportunity to learn valuable job skills and get good-paying jobs when they graduate high school. Since students need physical education programs to stay away from gangs/drugs, focus and perform well in school, the District should fund essential projects necessary for physical education programs important for student health and academic performance. Eligibility for State matching grants is vital to the success of our school construction plans. Upgrading computer technology and energy efficiency is necessary at every school. All bond money must be spent entirely in the District with no money for administrators' salaries and no money shall be transferred to the State. The 2010 Bond Program is on file at the District Superintendent's Office and includes the following types of projects: School Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects Goal and Purpose: To ensure compliance with handicap accessibility requirements, give students and teachers the resources they need to excel and for students to be prepared for college and the real world when they graduate, schools will benefit from the renovation, repair and upgrade of deteriorating, outdated school buildings, science labs, classrooms, computer learning centers and school libraries and equipment, such as: Repair, upgrade and replace worn-out leaking roofs. Replace existing wiring systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes. Additional electrical service capacity to relieve currently overloaded electrical systems. Replace existing water, sewer, plumbing and storm drain systems to meet current codes, including the elimination of lead-containing fixtures. Upgrade aging and deteriorating school restrooms. Replace older ceilings, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems with building code compliant, energy efficient systems. Install code-compliant ventilating systems in restrooms. Provide improved, upgraded computer labs. Upgrade and equip classrooms, science labs, multipurpose rooms, physical education facilities, kitchens, auditoriums, libraries, arts and music rooms, childcare, preschool, adult education and educational support spaces. Classroom interiors will receive new paint, carpet/vinyl tile/asbestos abatement, white marker boards, tackable surfaces, storage for instructional materials and equipment. 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, etc. Replace old, portable classrooms. Repair aging schools. School Health, Safety and Security, Earthquake Safety and Energy Efficiency School Projects Goal and Purpose: To ensure that the learning process is not interrupted by gangs and drugs or juvenile crime, to maintain healthy students and improve daily attendance, to help attract and retain excellent teachers, and to deter vandalism, schools and school sites will benefit from a variety of health and safety projects, such as: Install new security systems, such as security (surveillance) cameras, outdoor lighting, fencing, gates and classroom door locks. Remove or abate asbestos, lead paint, mold and hazardous materials. Upgrade emergency communication systems. Fire alarm systems upgraded to automatic systems, repair fire safety equipment, add sprinklers and fire safety doors. Upgrades to schools to meet handicap accessibility requirements. Acquire and install a card access system. Inspect for/repair gas pipe leaks. Replace/upgrade existing signage, bells and clocks. Install/replace/upgrade security fencing, cameras and exterior lighting, and establish a standard of complete fencing in good repair at all schools. Replace/upgrade existing security and irrigation systems. Install energy efficient systems, including solar panels, energy efficient heating, ventilation and cooling systems for cost savings and energy efficiency. Replace existing window systems with energy efficient systems. Upgrade site playground equipment replacement to meet current safety standards. Relocate or improve student drop-off areas for safety, including a separate area for buses. Inspect and improve play area fields for safety and drainage. Replace existing doors, doorframes and ceilings. Add emergency exits for faster evacuation in an emergency. Upgrade school site parking, utilities and grounds. Repair termite damage to structures and doors/doorframes. Strengthen and repair schools and classrooms vulnerable to serious damage in a major earthquake, as required by State law. District-Wide Wiring and Instructional Technology For Effective Learning Environment and Job Training Projects Goal and Purpose: To upgrade computer technology, improve both current instruction methods and to expand job training programs by applying modern technology infrastructure such as: Provide and maintain upgraded technology, data and communication equipment. Upgrade and expand wireless systems, telecommunications, Internet and network connections. Upgrade and replace computers, hardware and software systems. Upgrade and replace classroom furniture, equipment and instructional aids. Upgrade media and audio/visual equipment. Expand bandwidth to allow students greater access to the Internet. Install up-to-date learning technology and equipment used in job training programs. New Construction Education Enhancement/Class Size Reduction Projects at School Sites Goal and Purpose: To ensure that all students have access to comparable schools throughout the District, some schools would benefit from the construction and expansion of additional earthquake and accessibility code compliant facilities, such as: Multi-Purpose rooms, including the cafeteria, serving kitchen, staff and student bathrooms, storage, educational support spaces, and classrooms. New classrooms/classroom buildings, which will reduce dependency on portable classrooms. Lunch shelters, playground equipment and playground storage for outdoor activities. ADA accessibility upgrades as mandated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). Additional electrical service capacity. Additional staff and student restrooms. Additional staff, visitor and student parking/drop-off areas. Listed building, repair and rehabilitation projects and upgrades will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program/project management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the listed repair and construction projects stated above, the Priority School Project Lists and the 2010 Bond Program also include the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including the reduction or retirement of outstanding lease or capital facility note obligations including interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from the Priority School Projects List, or the reimbursement of the District for such reduction, as well as reimbursement for the costs of selling certain prior Measure M, D and J bonds, the construction of new schools, if necessary to serve students, the acquisition of land, the construction or remodeling of administrative support spaces, installation of signage and fencing, the payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility assessment reviews, facility master plan updates, environmental studies (including environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring) and construction documentation, gymnasium upgrades, temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by bond projects and the completion of projects authorized under the District's Measure M, Measure D, and Measure J projects, previously approved by the voters. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, computers, LCD projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection, card access systems, laser printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgraded voice-over IP, call manager and network security/firewall, and other miscellaneous equipment and software. In addition to the projects listed above, the repair and renovation of each of the existing school facilities may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: renovation of student and staff restrooms; repair and replacement of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies and to reduce fire risks; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls doors and drinking fountains; installation wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, turf and irrigation systems and campus landscaping; build/renovate new gymnasiums, pools and high school stadiums; upgrade or replace inadequate libraries, multi-purpose rooms and kitchens; upgrade locker rooms; install lunch shelters, artificial turf, and bleachers; improve sanitation and recycling; expand parking; build new stadium; install interior and exterior painting and floor covering; replacement of portable classrooms; installation of covered walkways or shelters; addition of administrative support spaces; upgrade school site kitchens; repair rubberized play apparatus surfaces; demolition; and construction of various forms of storage and support spaces; upgrade classrooms; repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace water and sewer lines and other plumbing systems; and replace outdated security fences and security systems. The allocation of bond proceeds will be affected by the District's receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project. In the absence of State matching funds, which the District will aggressively pursue to reduce the District's share of the costs of the projects, the District will not be able to complete some of the projects listed above. Some projects may be undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public or non-profit agencies. Possible joint-use projects could include any of the following at various school sites: libraries, gymnasiums, athletic facilities, daycare centers, preschools and career technology centers. The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District's control. 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 projects described above may be delayed or may not be completed. Demolition of existing facilities and reconstruction of facilities scheduled for repair and upgrade may occur, if the Board determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating more enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration may occur in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing or installing irrigation, storm drain, and utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff when performing work on or necessary and incidental to bond projects. Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specific purposes identified herein. In order to fund the projects and prior to the issuance of any bonds authorized by this Measure, the District may seek a waiver from the State Board of Education of the applicable bonding limit requirements of Section 15106 of the Education Code. The District shall create an account into which proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited and comply with the reporting requirements of Government Code § 53410. NO ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES. PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE BONDS AUTHORIZED BY THIS PROPOSITION SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION, OR REPLACEMENT OF SCHOOL FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOL FACILITIES, AND NOT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE, INCLUDING TEACHER AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES. FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY. THE EXPENDITURE OF BOND MONEY ON THESE PROJECTS IS SUBJECT TO STRINGENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS. BY LAW, PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL AUDITS WILL BE PERFORMED ANNUALLY, AND ALL BOND EXPENDITURES WILL BE MONITORED BY AN INDEPENDENT CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (EDUCATION CODE SECTION 15278 ET SEQ.) TO ENSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT AS PROMISED AND SPECIFIED. THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MUST INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, REPRESENTATION OF A BONA FIDE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION, A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND A SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION. NO DISTRICT EMPLOYEES OR VENDORS ARE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. Approval of Measure D does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the West Contra Costa Unified School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure D will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure D. The district's proposal for the project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.