League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Sonoma County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Measure N General Obligation Bonds Roseland School District 55% Approval Required Pass: 1,612 / 69.0% Yes votes ...... 723 / 31.0% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure N

Arguments Against Measure N

Our schools are one of the most important assets in our community and should be our number one priority. From higher achieving students, to higher home values, to greater neighborhood safety, quality schools make a difference. Our teachers and staff do their best in educating our children, but many classrooms and school facilities in the Roseland Elementary School District are old and inadequate to provide students with the school facilities they need to succeed. Our children need your Yes vote on Measure N! While schools have been well maintained, classrooms and facilities must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st century standards. A local school improvement measure would allow the District to improve the quality of education provided to local children. Therefore, we must invest in our schools so they meet today's safety, technological, and educational standards. Measure N, if passed, will provide funding to make critical facility improvements at our elementary schools by making health and safety improvements; modernizing classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; improving playgrounds and playfields for school and community use; making energy efficiency improvements through the District, and installing solar panels at school sites to reduce energy costs. Measure N makes financial sense and protects taxpayers. Measure N raises funds needed to improve our local schools. By law, spending must be reviewed and annually audited by an independent citizens' oversight committee; and all bond funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. In addition, funds can only be spent to improve our local schools, not for teacher or administrator salaries. Measure N upgrades and renovates old and inadequate classrooms, improves the education of local children, and maintains the quality of our community. That's something we can all support. Please join us and Vote Yes On Measure N! s/ Janice Siebert Roseland District Trustee President s/ Jill R. Kaufman Property Owner/Taxpayer s/ Julia Carranza Parent s/ David C. Rosas School Board Trustee s/ Amanda Hernandez Roseland Alumni University Student Rebuttal to Arguments For Measure N's proponents describe inadequate school facilities in need of repair, outdated classrooms in need of modernization, and the need for computers and modern technology. They do not, however, describe any steps taken to plan for these easily anticipated expenses. The silence is deafening. None of these items came about by surprise. All are predictable and expected. Administrators have simply failed to plan for the future and want you to pay for their short-sightedness. Don't be misled by claims that tax rates will not increase. Bond principal, interest, and fees paid the investment bankers must all be repaid and will be added to your tax bill. It gets worse. Administrators want to borrow money today that will be repaid in 40 years. Money that will be used to purchase computers, solar panels and other equipment having useful lives well short of 40 years. Future generations will be making the payments on this equipment long after it has been depleted and replaced by yet more short-term equipment funded by yet more long-term borrowing. It's a vicious circle and our children pay for it. Contrary to a common misunderstanding that we oppose all taxes and bonds, we in fact support districts that establish replacement reserve funds to avoid the need for future borrowing and tax increases. We are also receptive to bond funding when the maturity of the bond matches the useful lives of the improvements and equipment being made or acquired. Neither is the case here. Vote no on N. SONOMA COUNTY TAXPAYERS' ASSOCIATION s/ Dan Drummond, Executive Director s/ Jack Atkin, President

Bonds are loans and must be repaid just like your mortgage or car loan. But unlike those loans, bonds are repaid from higher taxes. Bonds are typically issued to facilitate the acquisition of assets having an expected useful life equal to or exceeding the life of the loan. Bonds thus allow the borrower to spread the cost of the asset over its expected useful life. But just as you would not take out a 30 year mortgage to buy a car, neither should the school district take out 40 year bonds to finance equipment (computers and other technology) and improvements (solar panels and updated electrical and plumbing systems) that have useful lives well short of forty years. Doing so only places on our children and grandchildren the burden of paying tomorrow for assets that will have long since been sent to the landfill. Further, the fact that a roof and other major building components do not last forever should surprise no one. Providing for a sound roof, functioning heating system and other elements of the physical plant should be every bit as much a part of the annual budgeting as staff salaries and utility bills. Because roofs are not replaced every year, a portion of the replacement cost should be placed in a dedicated replacement reserve fund each year so that funds are available when needed. Without an adequately funded reserve only three things can happen - and they are all bad - the District must either defer maintenance, divert funds intended for educational programs to building maintenance, or raise taxes (issue bonds). Using bonds to fund the acquisition of short shelf-life items and failing to maintain an adequate reserve simply passes on to future generations the bill for today's needs. Vote no. SONOMA COUNTY TAXPAYERS' ASSOCIATION s/ Dan Drummond, Executive Director s/ Jack Atkin, President Rebuttal to Arguments Against Measure N funds will go right where they're needed--to improve Roseland classrooms and support Roseland students. Don't let our opponents mislead you. They don't have the facts, and don't even live in our community. Here are the facts: Fact: The District has done a good job of maintaining its facilities over the years with the resources provided to it. For over 20 years, the District has found alternate funding sources to improve facilities without going to voters; this is no longer an option. Fact: By law, the types of school improvements that are being proposed must, and will, be consistent with the term of the bonds. Measure N bonds will have 25-30 year terms, not 40 years as was inaccurately stated. Also, by law, all money must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the State. Fact: The State requires the District to keep a deferred maintenance fund to deal with maintaining facilities, which it has done. Because the State continues to reduce funding for public education, local voters need to do more to protect the quality of education in our local public schools. Measure N is the only solution for our schools. The longer we wait, the more expensive these improvements will become. Measure N is a cost-effective way to improve the quality of education and preserve property values, while providing students the excellent schools they need for their future success. Our students deserve a quality education. Join us - vote Yes on Measure N. s/ Janice Siebert Roseland District Trustee President s/ Jill R. Kaufman Homeowner/Taxpayer s/ Amanda Hernandez Roseland Alumni University Student s/ Julia Carranza Parent s/ David C. Rosas School Board Trustee

Tax Rate Statement from Roseland School District Superintendent

An election will be held in the Roseland Elementary School District (the "District") on November 6, 2012 to authorize the sale of $7,000,000 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2022-23. 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 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. s/ Gail Ahlas Superintendent Roseland Elementary School District REQUIRED STATEMENT REGARDING STATE MATCHING FUNDS MEASURE N Approval of Measure N does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Roseland School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure N will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure N. The District's proposal for the project or projects assumes the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a state-wide bond measure. California Education Code \A715122.5

Full Text of Measure N

BOND AUTHORIZATION By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Roseland Elementary School District (the "District") shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $7,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List below, and in order to qualify to receive State matching grant funds, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below. ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the District's voters and taxpayers may be assured that their money will be spent wisely to address specific facilities needs of the District, all in compliance with the requirements of Article XIII A, 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 of Trustees hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List. Limitation on Use of Bond Proceeds. The State of California does not have the power to take locally approved school district bond funds for any State purposes. The Constitution allows proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition to be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities listed in this proposition, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, 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. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff only when performing work on or necessary and incidental to the bond projects. Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board of Trustees shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following), to ensure bond proceeds are spent only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date on which the Board of Trustees enters the election results on its minutes. The Board of Trustees may, but need not, constitute the Citizens' Oversight Committee as the existing School Construction Oversight Committee responsible for reviewing other bonds of the District. Annual Performance Audits. The Board of Trustees shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. Annual Financial Audits. The Board of Trustees shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds (which shall be separate from the District's regular annual financial audit) until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. Special Bond Proceeds Account; Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board of Trustees shall take actions necessary pursuant to Government Code Section 53410 and following 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 or the chief fiscal officer of the District shall cause a report to be filed with the Board no later than December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2012, 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 such officer shall determine, and may be incorporated into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board. FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS Specific Purposes. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Education Code Section 15100, and shall constitute the specific purposes of the bonds, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purposes, pursuant to Government Code Section 53410. Joint Use. The District may enter into agreements with the City of Santa Rosa or 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 proposition 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 Trustees shall determine. Rate of Interest. The bonds shall bear interest at a rate per annum not exceeding the statutory maximum, payable at the time or times permitted by law. Term of Bonds. The number of years the whole or any part of the bonds are to run shall not exceed the legal limit set forth by Government Code Section 53506 et seq., though this shall not preclude bonds from being sold under provisions of the California Education Code. BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List below describes the specific projects the Roseland Elementary School District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. Listed projects will be completed as needed at a particular school site according to Board-established priorities, and the order in which such projects appear on the Bond Project List is not an indication of priority for funding or completion. 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, including State grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Until all project costs and funding sources are known, the Board of Trustees cannot determine the amount of bond proceeds available to be spent on each project, nor guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects. Completion of some projects may be subject to further government approvals by State officials and boards, to local environmental review, and to input from the public. For these reasons, inclusion of a project on the Bond Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be funded or completed. The Board of Trustees may make changes to the Bond Project List in the future consistent with the projects specified in the proposition. Unless otherwise noted, the projects in the Bond Project List are authorized to be completed at each or any of the District's sites, as shall be approved by the Board of Trustees: Make health and safety renovations. Renovate, repair, construct and/or upgrade school facilities, including classrooms and restrooms. Construct, repair, replace or modify roofs or portions of roofs. Improve technology infrastructure, including acquiring computers, audiovisual equipment and other electronic equipment. Construct, reconstruct and rehabilitate playgrounds and playfields. Improve energy efficiency, including repairing or replacing outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, installing solar energy systems, and replacing outdated lighting, windows, window coverings, etc., retrofitting existing facilities with energy saving improvements such as upgraded insulation, efficient lighting, energy management systems and climate control. Bring District facilities into compliance with building codes. 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. Repair, replace or upgrade deteriorating plumbing, piping, drainage, irrigation and sewer systems, including water supply, meters, water heating systems, wastewater systems, plumbing and fixtures. Improve fire safety and life safety systems, including alarms, smoke/fire detection systems, and sprinklers. Repair, modify, upgrade or reconstruct structural elements of existing campus structures. Refinish the exterior finishes of school buildings, including stucco, wood and metal trims, framing and siding, and painting. Improve student and traffic safety through the repair, reconfiguring of parking and vehicle access to school sites, including off-street parking areas, pickup/drop-off, ingress/egress, and signage. Repair, replace, modify or construct site improvements, paths, sidewalks and walkways, canopies, exterior shade structures, landscaping improvements, irrigation and drainage, and retaining walls. Renovate/install school-wide and District-wide security systems, clock and bell systems, public address, etc., including alarms, security cameras, lights, locks, monitoring systems, and fencing. Renovate existing portable classrooms or replace temporary portable classrooms with permanent classrooms. Upgrade, renovate and equip labs, multipurpose rooms, classrooms, food service facilities, libraries, and other school facilities. Replace existing wiring systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes and increased capacity. Federal and State-mandated Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safety upgrades including playground equipment replacement. Abate and remove hazardousmaterials identified prior or during construction. Repair, replace and/or upgrade paved surfaces, turf, and other grounds to eliminate safety hazards and improve outside instructional areas. Each project listed is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance and other construction-related costs, such as construction management, architectural, engineering, inspection and other planning costs, legal, accounting and similar fees, independent annual financial and performance audits, a customary construction contingency, and other costs incidental to and necessary for completion of the listed projects (whether work is performed by the District or by third parties), including: Remove, dispose of, and otherwise remediate hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, etc., where necessary. Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization (including plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, etc.). Site preparation/restoration in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, demolition of existing structures, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation and drainage, utility lines (such as gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, and communication lines), trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, traffic lights and mitigation, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis, as needed to accommodate construction materials, equipment, and personnel, and interim classrooms (including relocatables) for students and school functions or other storage for classroom materials displaced during construction. Acquisition of any of the facilities on the Bond Project List through temporary lease or lease-purchase arrangements, or execute purchase option under a lease for any of these authorized facilities. Furnishing and equipping of existing and newly constructed, modernized or rehabilitated classrooms and facilities on an ongoing basis, including to replace worn, broken, or out-of-date furniture and equipment for all classrooms, athletic facilities and other facilities, as needed. For any project involving renovation, modernization, remodeling or rehabilitation of a building or the major portion of a building, the District may proceed with new replacement construction instead (including any necessary demolition), if the Board of Trustees determines that replacement and new construction is more practical than rehabilitation and renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, comparative cost, and other relevant factors. The Bond Project List shall also include payment or prepayment of all or a portion of lease payments for Roseland School and Sheppard School in connection with the District's 2003 Certificates of Participation and 2008 Certificates of Participation, respectively.