League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Humboldt, Mendocino County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Measure X Bonds Southern Humboldt Unified School District 55% Approval Required Pass: 28 / 56.00% Yes votes ...... 22 / 44.00% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure X	Arguments Against Measure X
In June 2010, Southern Humboldt Joint Unified School District voters overwhelmingly passed a general obligation bond to improve our community's schools. Since that time, tremendous improvements have been made in repairing and rehabilitating our children's schools and classrooms. But much remains to be done. Measure X will allow the District to access its remaining funds sooner and at a cheaper cost. If we pass Measure X, the board will cancel the old bond from 2010 through the Board of Supervisors, thus resulting in even more taxpayer savings. By voting YES on Measure X, we can finish the job of improving our local public schools while at the same time SAVING MILLIONS OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS. Here's how: Measure X makes financial sense and has taxpayer protections in place: The District can borrow at much lower interest rates, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Iron-clad restrictions that money can only be spent on improving Southern Humboldt's schools. No funds can be spent on teacher or administrator salaries, pensions, or benefits. Annual review of all expenditures by an independent citizens' oversight committee. All Measure X funds MUST be used to improve our children's schools and CANNOT BE TAKEN AWAY BY THE STATE! Measure X will let Southern Humboldt JUSD continue the job of fixing and upgrading our schools by: Repairing or replacing leaky roofs Modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities Repairing aging plumbing and sewer systems Improving student access to computers and up-to-date modern technology Making health, safety and handicapped accessibility (ADA) improvements Measure X will improve our local Southern Humboldt schools, help improve housing values, stimulate our local economy, improve our facilities for today's students and save taxpayers millions of dollars in interest. That's something we can all support. Please join us and VOTE YES ON MEASURE X! s/Chip Tittmann Owner, Arco Iris Woodworking s/David Kirby Retired s/Craig Parkinson Owner, Parkinson's Mill and True Value Hardware s/Joanne Wilson Owner, Nacho Mama s/Tammy Harrison Manager North Valley Bank	No arguments against Measure X were submitted.

Full Text of Measure X

BOND AUTHORIZATION By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Southern Humboldt Joint Unified School District (the "District") shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $10.0 million 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. 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 Business Official of the District (or such other employee as may perform substantially similar duties) shall cause a report to be filed with the Board no later than December 31 of each year, commencing December 31 of the year in which bonds are first issued, 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 County of Humboldt or County of Mendocino 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, though this shall not preclude bonds from being sold which mature prior to the legal limit. BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List below describes the specific projects the Southern Humboldt Joint Unified 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 or appropriation 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. Bond proceeds will be expended to modernize, replace, renovate, expand, construct, acquire, equip, furnish and otherwise improve the classrooms and school facilities of the District, including those located at the following locations: Agnes J. Johnson School (TK-6th grade) Casterlin Elementary School (TK-8th grade) Miranda Jr. High School (7th + 8th grade) Redway School (TK-6th grade) Osprey Learning Center South Fork High School (9th + 12th grade) Whitehorn School (TK-6th grade) The specific school facilities projects to be funded include, but shall not be limited to: School Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects Renovate, repair, expand and/or upgrade the interior and/or exterior of existing classrooms and school facilities, including infrastructure and landscaping improvements. Modernize outdated classroom interiors including tile/asbestos abatement, new paint, carpet/vinyl, white markerboards, tackable surfaces, increased secure storage capacity for instructional materials and equipment, etc. Replace outdated windows with new, energy efficient windows. Replace inadequate wiring and electrical systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes, increase capacity, and relieve currently overloaded electrical systems. Repair outdated temporary portable classrooms or replace with permanent classrooms. Repair and upgrade roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors. Repair/replace existing deteriorating plumbing systems, including drainage and sewer systems. Upgrade outdated restrooms. Install additional and/or replace outdated heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and lighting systems to be more energy efficient. Upgrade computer labs. Upgrade, expand, repair and/or equip labs, multipurpose rooms, food service facilities, auditoriums, libraries, locker rooms, and other school facilities, including the cafeteria and gymnasium. Federal and State-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades and as mandated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA) including site access, parking, restrooms, relocation of some existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, playground equipment, etc. School Site Health, Safety and Security Projects Upgrade or replace buildings that do not meet current minimum building code standards. Remove all dry rot and repair damaged caused by dry rot. Replace/upgrade existing signage, bells and clocks. Install, repair, upgrade, or replace safety and security systems for students and staff, including new fencing around the schools. Install energy efficient systems including "green" building projects and sustainable building practices to promote energy-efficiency (e.g., solar, high performance lighting, electrical systems panel, HVAC etc.). Federal and State-mandated Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safety upgrades including playground areas and playground equipment replacement. Relocate or improve student drop-off areas. Upgrade and repair play areas, play fields, and nature areas. Replace existing wooden doors and hardware. Upgrade, repair, or expand school site parking, driveways, walkways, ground, and utilities. Abate and remove hazardous materials identified prior or during construction. Fire alarm systems upgrades, repair fire safety equipment, and emergency exit lighting improvements. Repair, replace and/or upgrade paved surfaces, turf, and other grounds to eliminate safety hazards and improve outside instructional areas. District-Wide Wiring and Technology for Instructional Support and Effective Learning Environment Projects Upgrade and expand campus wide-intercom system, wireless systems, and telecommunications, internet, and network connections. Upgrade media, audio/visual equipment, and other technology for effective learning environments, including smart boards. Upgrade and replace classroom equipment and instructional aides. Upgrade and replace computers, hardware and software systems. Construction Projects at School Sites Construct additional classrooms/classroom buildings, restrooms and other related school facilities throughout the District, including a new performing arts classroom, and gymnasium. New construction related to Federal and State-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements. Provide new shade/rain structures. Miscellaneous Projects at School Sites Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization (such as plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, etc.). Other improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act, and access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Necessary site acquisition and preparation/restoration 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 (such as gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, and communication lines), trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, 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 leases for any of these authorized facilities. For any project involving rehabilitation or renovation of a building or the major portion of a building, the District shall be authorized to proceed with new replacement construction instead, if the Board of Trustees determines that replacement and new construction is more economically practical than rehabilitation and renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, and other relevant factors. All work necessary and incidental to specific projects described above, including demolition of existing structures. 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 and the payment and/or prepayment of outstanding lease obligations; 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 and properties; 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, kitchens, 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. 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. The Bond Project List shall be considered a part of this ballot proposition, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition. Tax Rate Statement An election will be held in the Southern Humboldt Joint Unified School District (the "District") on November 4, 2014 to authorize the sale of $10,000,000 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 $.0430 per $100 ($43.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2015-16. 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 $.0430 per $100 ($43.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2017-18. 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 $.0430 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 MEASURE X - Continued Tax Rate Statement + Continued 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: 6/27/2014 s/Catherine Scott Catherine Scott Superintendent Southern Humboldt Joint Unified School District