League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Butte County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Measure G Bond measure to repair and modernize Gridley High School Gridley Unified School District 55% Approval Required Fail: 1377 / 38.50% Yes votes ...... 2200 / 61.50% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure G

Arguments Against Measure G

Everyone knows the importance and value of having quality schools. From higher achieving students, to greater neighborhood safety, to training for future jobs and improved property values, quality schools make a difference. While our teachers and staff do their best in educating our children, many classrooms and school facilities at Gridley High School are outdated and inadequate to provide students with the facilities they need to succeed. This is why our students need your yes vote on Measure G! Although our high school has been well maintained, some of our facilities are over 50 years old and do not meet 21st century standards. Measure G would allow the District to improve our high school and the quality of education provided to local students. By investing in our high school,,we can meet today's safety, technological, and educational standards and better our community. If passed, Measure G will make critical facility improvements at Gridley High School by; repairing or replacing leaky roofs; improving student access to computers and modern technology; constructing a new gymnasium for school and community use; replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; modernizing and renovating outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; and making health and safety improvements. Measure G makes financial sense and protects taxpayers. All bond funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the State. By law, spending must be reviewed and annually audited by an independent citizens' oversight committee. In addition, funds can only be spent to improve Gridley High School, not for teacher or administrative salaries. Measure G upgrades and repairs old, inadequate classrooms, improves the education of local students and maintains the quality of our community. That's something we can all support. Please join us and Vote Yes On Measure G! s/ Manuel J. Lamson, Businessman s/ Blane Sannar, Parent s/ Dennis S. Pooler s/ Richard Harp, Parent/GUSD Board Member s/ Eric Waterbury, Parent/Farmer FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Rick Rubino (530)846-4721 429 Magnolia St. Gridley 95948 rrubino@gusd.org Rebuttal to Arguments For Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure G Gridley Unified School District Of the total $11 million requested some 82% -$9 million- is to be used for a new gymnasium. We do not believe a new gymnasium is needed. It is not a critical element to insure a modern and pleasant learning/working environment for our students and teachers. We anticipate that the annual and total debt service on the $9 million portion will far exceed the cost of the Farmers Hall lease. Unfortunately, Gridley Unified School District chose, once again, to wrap 82% of the request with the other 18% that we do not oppose. If the request was presented as 2 separate and distinct bonds we would be far better off. As now structured, this bond request creates a divisive issue in our community. We have already heard the statement that "If you don't vote for this bond issue then you don't care about our kids and their teachers". Patently untrue! Other concerns relate to transparency, process, lack of critical details, economic impact on our community etc. There are many ramifications to be considered. We strongly recommend that voters study their voter information pamphlet and read all the details of the proposal. You must take particular note of the extensive warnings and caveats regarding if or when some of the listed critical site improvements will actually take place. Vote no on Measure G. s/ Brett Storm, Farmer s/ Gordon Jones, Retired s/ John M. Stowe s/ Sally B. Donati FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Sally Donati 1908 Hwy 70, Oroville,95965 (530)846 6548

Vote No on Measure G The Gridley Unified School District proposed Measure G demands our community to pay an additional 11 million dollars in to build a new gymnasium along with facility repairs. It is amazing that even though the community stood up and just taxed themselves to support the school infrastructure with the successful passing of the elementary school bond, the Gridley Unified School District governing board is already back for more. A properly written proposal to pass a bond for the high school and it's needs for upkeep and repairs would be understandable, but to come back at us after just passing the last bond and to ask for millions and millions more for a new gym is not responsible, it is excessive. If we were in a position where we were without a gym this could be an issue to explore but to deprive the adjacent Butte County fairgrounds of needed and secure revenue in this economic downturn and to exchange this want from the high school into a tax hike is poor planning at a time when wise spending and responsible taxation should be at the forefront. The Gridley Unified School District Board has failed to recognize the current fiscal climate of south Butte County and the debt load of our state and nation. Indeed, we should vote bond issues for upgrades and maintenance which indentures us to a much lesser degree. Increase taxation should not be the boulder which will crush the generous spirit for which Gridley is proud. Funding of other community projects will become increasingly difficult if monies are collected in Measure G and Gridley will suffer greatly. Do not accept this ill founded obligation in these uncertain times. Vote no on Measure G. s/ Brett Storm s/ Gordon Jones, Retired s/ John Stowe s/ Sally B. Donati FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Sally B. Donati 1908 State Hwy 70 Oroville 95965 (530)846-6548 donatiranch@wcisp.com Rebuttal to Arguments Against Measure G funds will go right where they're needed--to improve Gridley High School and support Gridley students. Don't let the argument against Measure G mislead you. Here are the facts: Modern schools are critical to providing an excellent education, preserving property values, and maintaining quality communities. Our #1 priority should be our local schools. In June, voters approved a moderate school improvement measure that only upgrades elementary schools. It provides nothing for Gridley High. Without Measure G, we cannot improve our 65 year-old high school. It's been over 30 years since the community was asked to improve Gridley High. Measure G provides safe, modern classrooms with 21g century technology that students need to prepare for college and today's careers. A high school gym with an updated locker room facility is needed. Every high school in the region has its own gymnasium except Gridley! We currently use Farmers' Hall located on the grounds of the Butte County Fair, where the rent has doubled over the last 10 years. In addition to concerns about the distance from the school, it has become too costly to make these payments when funds are needed for classroom instruction. Measure G is simple - it protects quality education. Measure G has strict safeguards - funds must be spent only on voter-approved projects and cannot be taken by the State. Measure G is the only solution to improve our high school. Our students deserve a quality education. Join us - vote yes on G. s/ Manuel J. Lamson, Businessman s/ Blane Sannar, Parent s/ Dennis S. Pooler s/ Richard Harp, Parent/GUSD Board Member s/ Eric Waterbury, Parent/Farmer FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Rick Rubino (530)846-4721 429 Magnolia St. Gridley, 95948

Tax Rate Statement from the Superintendent

An election will be held in the Gridley Unified School District (the "District") on November 6, 2012 to authorize the sale of $11,000,000 in general obligation bonds. The following information is submitted in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the California Elections Code. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required 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 $.04300 per $100 ($43.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2013-14. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required 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 $.04300 per $100 ($43.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2019-20. The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing this statement, is $.04300 per $100 ($43.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. These estimates are based on projections derived from information obtained from official sources. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary depending on the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold at each sale and actual increases in assessed valuations. The timing of the bond sales and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the needs of the District. Actual assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process. Dated: 7/13, 2012 /s Rick Rubino, Superintendent, Gridley Unified School District

Full Text of Measure G

EXHIBIT B FULL TEXT BALLOT PROPOSITION OF THE GRIDLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE ELECTION NOVEMBER 6, 2012 The following is the full proposition presented to the voters by the Gridley Unified School District. "To improve the quality of education at Gridley High School, repair leaky roofs, improve student access to computers and modern technology, construct a new gym for school and community use, lower energy costs by upgrading electrical/plumbing/heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, shall Gridley Unified School District acquire, construct, repair, equip school facilities by issuing $11,000,000 of bonds at legal interest rates, with independent citizens' oversight and NO money for administrators' or be taken by the State?" PRIORITY SCHOOL PROJECTS LIST The Board of Trustees of the Gridley Unified School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, class size reduction, and computer and information technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The District conducted a facilities evaluation in developing this Priority School Projects List. The Board concluded that if these needs are not addressed now, the problems will only become more pressing. Therefore, in approving this Project List, the Board of Trustees determines that the District should: (i) Repair and replace leaky roofs for student safety and to reduce operating costs; (ii) Replace aging and broken heating, plumbing, electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and other upgrades to improve energy efficiency and invest the savings to improve the quality of education; (iii) Replace outdated portable classrooms; (iv) Provide modern classroom technology and computers to support academic and job training programs; (v) Construct a new gym and multipurpose building at Gridley High School; (vi) Retain all bond money to be used in our local community, support local businesses and not be taken by the State. School Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects Replace older heating, plumbing, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical and lighting systems with building code compliant, energy efficient systems which will conserve electricity and save on costly utility bills. Repair or replace leaky roofs. Replace existing wiring systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes and increase capacity. Install additional electrical service capacity to improve computer technology and internet access. Upgrade aging classrooms and restrooms. Construct a new multipurpose building, including a gym and lockers at Gridley High School. District-Wide Upgrading of Computer Technology Projects Provide and maintain up-to-date technology, data and communication equipment. Upgrade and replace classroom instructional equipment. School Health and Safety and Energy Efficiency School Projects Student Safety Upgrade fire alarm systems to automatic systems, repair fire safety equipment, add smoke detectors, sprinklers and fire safety doors. Upgrade schools to meet handicap accessibility requirements. Comply with modern fire safety standards. Upgrade school site parking, utilities and grounds. Remove hazardous materials. Energy Efficiency Returns Savings to the Classroom Install energy efficient systems to reduce energy/utility costs and return savings to educational programs. Replace existing window systems with energy efficient systems to reduce costs. Replace outdated heating and ventilation systems. Improve insulation and weather proofing to reduce costs. The listed projects 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 projects stated above, the Priority School Projects List also includes the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including the interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from the Priority School Projects List; installation of signage and fencing; payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility studies, assessment reviews, facility master plan preparation and updates, environmental studies (including environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring), design and construction documentation, and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by construction projects. 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 and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies; 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; upgrades or construction of support facilities, including administrative and physical education buildings; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, turf and irrigation systems and campus landscaping and play fields; expand parking; install interior and exterior painting and floor covering; demolition; and construction of various forms of storage and support spaces, upgrade classrooms, bleachers, kitchen/eating areas, repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace outdated security fences and security systems. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, computers, LCD projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, laser printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgrade voice-over-IP, call manager and network security/firewall, wireless technology systems and other miscellaneous equipment and software. 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. The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District's control. Some projects throughout the District may be undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public or non-profit agencies. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans and construction documents are finalized, construction bids are received, construction contracts are awarded and projects are completed. Based on the final costs of each project, certain of the 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, 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. 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. FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY: IN ACCORDANCE WITH EDUCATION CODE SECTION 15272, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL APPOINT A CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND CONDUCT ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDITS TO ASSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT ONLY ON DISTRICT PROJECTS AND FOR NO OTHER PURPOSE. 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 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. 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. STATE MATCHING FUNDS Approval of Measure G does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Gridley Unified School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure G will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure G. The school 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.