League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	San Joaquin County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Measure J School Bond Jefferson School District 55% Approval Required Pass: 2354 / 67.26% Yes votes ...... 1146 / 32.74% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure J

Vote YES on Measure J to protect quality educational programs for Jefferson School District students. All four schools in the Jefferson School District + Anthony Traina Elementary School, Jefferson School, Monticello Elementary School and Tom Hawkins Elementary School + are among the top in San Joaquin County and exceed state performance targets for student test scores. Quality neighborhood schools help protect our property values, which is more important than ever. The ongoing state budget crisis has resulted in reduced education funding and aging school facilities need repairs. For example, Jefferson School opened in 1929 and has not had major improvements since 1966. Classrooms, science labs, libraries and instructional technology need to be updated. To protect student safety, asbestos, lead paint and hazardous materials must be removed from schools. Fire alarms and security systems must be upgraded. Leaky roofs, deteriorating plumbing, old and inefficient heating and cooling systems need to be replaced. Outdated electrical systems must be upgraded to accommodate classroom technology. Measure J will maintain outstanding student achievement and provide a safe and modern learning environment. Specifically, Measure J will: Remove hazardous materials like lead and asbestos from schools Repair leaking roofs, outdated and deteriorating plumbing and upgrade school bathrooms Modernize science equipment and update classroom computers and technology Upgrade smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinklers and security systems Improve access to school facilities for students with disabilities Free up funding to protect instructional programs and prevent teacher layoffs and class size increases Strict taxpayer protections are mandatory: By law, no funds from this measure can be taken away by Sacramento Every single penny will stay in Jefferson School District None of the funds can be spent on administrator/staff salaries An Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee will ensure the funds are spent properly Annual audits are required Please vote Yes on J. Submitted by: /s/ Peter J. Carlson, Police Inspector/School Board Member /s/ Diane C. Traina, Retired Educator /s/ Brian J. Jackman, Businessman/School Board President /s/ Peggi L. Johnson, Parent Club President Monticello & Jefferson Schools /s/ Michael Petrucelli, Local Businessman (No arguments against Measure J were submitted)

Tax Rate Statement from the Superintendent Jefferson School District

An election will be held in the Jefferson School District (the "District") on November 2, 2010, to authorize the sale of up to $35,400,000 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 0.02303 cents per $100 ($23.03 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2011-12. 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 0.02303 cents per $100 ($23.03 per $100,000)of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2022-23. 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, 0.02303 cents per $100 ($23.03 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2022-23. 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: August 2, 2010 Submitted by: /s/ Dana Eaton, Superintendent Jefferson School District

Full Text of Measure J

APPENDIX A BALLOT MEASURE QUALITY SCHOOLS PROTECTION ACT BOND AUTHORIZATION By approval of this measure by at least 55 percent of the registered voters voting on the measure, the District will be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $35.4 million in aggregated principal at interest rates below the legal limit and to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List described below, subject to all the accountability requirements specified below. ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS The provisions in this section are specifically included in this measure in order that the voters and taxpayers in the District may be assured that their money will be spent wisely. Expenditures to address specific facilities needs of the District will be in compliance 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.) Evaluation of Needs. The Board has identified detailed facilities needs of the District and has determined which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List shown below. Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board shall establish an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee under Education Code Section 15278 and following to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the school facilities projects listed below. The committee will be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board. Performance Audits. 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 below. Financial Audits. The 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 measure and the sale of any bonds approved, the 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 annually, 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 in the annual budget, audit, or another appropriate routine report to the Board. FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this measure shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of school facilities including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities or 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. BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List shown below is a part of the ballot measure and must be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond measure. Evaluation of Needs. As required by Article XIII A of the California Constitution, the Board of Education of the District has certified that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the list of school facilities projects shown below. Projects Subject to Available Funding. Approval of this Bond measure does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the District that are the subject of bonds under the measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by the measure. If qualified state matching funds become available, they will be used for and applied to the Bond Project List. 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. Scope of Projects. Bond proceeds will be expended to modernize, replace, renovate, construct, equip, furnish, rebuild, supplement and otherwise improve District facilities as described below. The specific school facilities projects which are described below include all related and incidental costs, including costs of design, engineering, architect and other professional services, site preparation, utilities, landscaping and other incidental costs, and construction management. Bond proceeds may also be expended to acquire and install furniture, fixtures and equipment at any classrooms and other facilities of the District. The District may alter the scope and nature of any of the specific projects, which are described below as required by conditions that arise during the course of design and construction, including unforeseen conditions such as dry rot, mold and faulty engineering. Joint-Use Projects. The District may enter into agreements with 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 measure 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 Education shall determine. Single Purpose. All of the purposes enumerated in this measure shall be united and voted upon as one single measure, 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 California 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 shall 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 issued for a term in excess of the then-applicable statutory maximum. APPENDIX A-1 SCHOOL FACILITIES PROJECTS ELIGIBLE TO BE FUNDED WITH PROCEEDS OF BONDS The Governing Board of Jefferson Elementary School District has evaluated the District's need to acquire, construct, improve and equip its existing facilities to upgrade safety, security and technology at District sites and to meet the educational needs of its citizens. These projects will provide upgrading of District schools and facilities and will move the District closer to helping students meet and exceed high academic standards. The general obligation bond funds of the Jefferson Elementary School District ("District") would be used for the District's public schools and school projects to modernize, replace, renovate, construct, equip, furnish, rebuild, supplement and otherwise improve District facilities to meet student educational needs through specified projects as described in the following list, which include generally expansion of technology, communications and electrical systems, supporting infrastructure (such as safety and security and communication systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and plumbing, energy, electrical and technology systems), site improvements and, to the extent necessary, making District schools and school facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as further described herein. Specific items are presented to provide an example and are not intended to limit the generality of a broader description of authorized projects and general obligation bond funds may facilitate the prepayment of a possible future interim financing of an authorized project. Jefferson School: Health, Safety and Accessibility Improvements: Improve ADA and fire access throughout the campus, remove/replace asphalt and concrete paving, remove/replace ramps to facilities, upgrade restrooms and hardware. Building Improvements and Repairs: �� Modernization of classroom buildings - remove wall surfaces, provide new ceilings, windows, lighting, doors and hardware, HVAC systems, electrical distribution, roofing, lockers. �� Modernization of facilities - remove wall surfaces, convert existing facilities to updated uses, provide new ceilings, windows, lighting, doors and hardware, HVAC systems, electrical distribution, roofing, restore facilities exteriors. �� Modernization of Gymnasium - upgrade wall finishes, provide ADA access, modernize/expand gymnasium, roof improvements. �� Portable Classroom Adjustments - remove and relocate facilities and programs. Site Improvements and Repairs: �� Provide shade structures and additional tables and benches. �� Improve existing parking lot. �� Provide perimeter safety fencing. �� Upgrade/improve septic system. �� Upgrade electrical service. �� Upgrade drainage infrastructure. �� Replace asphalt and concrete paving throughout campus. �� Upgrade landscape and irrigation system. Site Enhancements/Reconfiguration: �� Relocate front entrance. �� New building to house Administration and related functions. �� New classroom building. �� Provide artificial turf at playfields. �� Add synthetic running track and fitness course. Technology: upgrade technology. Anthony Traina Elementary School: Health, Safety and Accessibility Improvements: Enhance security systems. Site Enhancements: add gymnasium, shade structures, provide artificial turf at playfields, add synthetic running track, provide renewable energy systems. Technology: upgrade technology. Monticello Elementary School: Health, Safety and Accessibility Improvements: Upgrade security system, update and improve ADA accessibility. Building Improvements and Repairs: Restroom improvements, wall and building repairs. Site Improvements and Repairs: �� Add shade structures and weather protection. �� Playground improvements. �� Repair asphalt paving throughout campus. �� Improve landscaped areas, drainage and landscaping. �� Repair damaged concrete stair risers. �� Add ramps and provide skirting around ramps. �� Improve existing parking. Site Enhancements: �� Add storage facilities. �� Add renewable energy systems. �� Provide artificial turf at playfields. �� Increase size of staff lounge facilities. �� Facilities reconfiguration to add conference room space. Technology: upgrade technology. Tom Hawkins Elementary School: Health, Safety and Accessibility Improvements: Provide fencing; provide security system. Building Improvements and Repairs: �� Replace signage. �� Improvements to central kitchen. �� Improvements to library. Site Improvements and Repairs: �� Sidewalk improvements. �� Air conditioning and ventilation improvements. �� Playground area improvements. �� Improve site drainage. Site Enhancements: �� Add shade structures. �� Add synthetic running track and fitness court. �� Provide artificial turf at playfields. �� Provide renewable energy systems. �� Add drapery to stage at multi-purpose room. �� Add shade structures, drinking fountains and screening from weather. Technology: upgrade technology. To prevent future student overcrowding, facilities for District schools may also include the acquisition of property and the design and construction of classrooms, labs and school facilities to expand existing District school sites and campuses. Health and Safety Upgrades, School Renovations and School Modernization Projects Description The referenced health, safety and accessibility upgrades, school renovations and school modernization projects for the within-identified District campuses may include the following: design and architect costs, repair, renovation, upgrading and/or replacement of lighting and electrical systems, heating, air and ventilation (HVAC) systems, fire safety equipment and systems, including alarms and fire safety doors, restroom facilities, plumbing and sewer systems and facilities, flooring replacement, abatement of hazardous materials, roof renovation and/or replacement, window replacement, wall systems, security systems, communication systems, technology upgrades, fencing, site improvements (including walkways and safety fencing), landscaping, and handicap accessibility improvements to meet current health, safety and instructional standards which will improve the overall educational experience for students in the District. Project Costs for Furnishings and Equipment Project costs for furnishings and equipment for some or all of the within-identified District campuses may include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following: security, safety and communication systems and equipment, desks and tables; window and floor coverings (including tiles and carpeting); computers and computer systems, media recording and presentation equipment, including, but not limited to, audio systems, kitchen equipment; improvements and furnishings; science laboratory equipment; and/or other electronic equipment and systems. Project costs for the above-referenced projects may include site preparation, installation costs, engineering and design costs, project management costs, title acquisition costs, state or local costs or expenses involving design, planning, site and facilities developmental costs and charges, necessary supporting infrastructure, environmental review, construction and completion of the aforementioned projects and related costs. Project costs may also include the payment or prepayment of lease payments for lease of authorized facilities, property or buildings, prepayment of lease obligations for facilities purposes and payment of costs and expenses for interim financing of authorized facilities (including, but not limited to, financing delivery costs). Allowable project costs also include: costs of issuing the bonds or other securities (as authorized under California law), informational distribution costs and election costs authorized under State law. Funding for these projects may come from this bond measure or other District resources as the school facilities needs arise. Approval of the District's bond measure does not guarantee that all of the identified projects within this list will be funded beyond local funds generated by the bond measure and does not guarantee that the projects will be completed in any particular order.