7867 / 56.1% Yes votes ...... 6144 / 43.9% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Approval of Measure M would allow the Manteca Unified School District (the "District") to incur bonded indebtedness up to a maximum amount of $66 Million. The issuance and sale of such general obligation bonds would be for new District school facility and classroom construction; for District school facilities modernization; for District facility and premises security, health and safety improvements; for major District building system improvements; for structural repairs and rehabilitation of District facilities; for District site and grounds improvements; and for District furnishings and equipment. District facilities that would be the subject of the bond proceeds expenditures include new elementary, middle and high schools, athletic facilities, libraries and other projects to relieve student overcrowding. Bond proceeds could also be used to qualify for up to $70 Million in State of California matching funds.

No funds derived from bond sales could be used for District administrators' salaries, or for any purpose or project other than those expressly stated in Measure M.

To assure that funds derived from bond sales authorized by Measure M are spent only for the purposes expressly stated in Measure M, and for no other purposes, Measure M would require the District to: 1) appoint an independent citizens' oversight committee; and 2) conduct annual independent performance and financial audits.

If Measure M is approved, and bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and interest thereon shall be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. If Measure M is approved, the tax rate necessary for payment of principal and interest on any bonds sold will be largely dictated by the timing of the bond sales, the amount sold at a given sale, market interest rates at the time of each sale (although in no event greater than the maximum bond net interest rate allowed by law), as well as actual assessed valuation of taxable property in the District over the term of repayment. A statement of the tax rate data required by Elections Code Section 9401 will be provided to all registered voters with the sample ballot for the bond election.

Approval of Measure M does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the District that are available for funding from the proceeds of bonds authorized and sold will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by the bond sales authorized by Measure M. The District's proposal for such project or projects assumes the receipt of matching State of California funds that could be subject to appropriation by the State Legislature or to approval by a statewide bond measure.

Passage of Measure M requires approval by fifty-five percent of the voters voting thereon.

The Manteca Unified School District will issue $66 million in bonds. With this bond the District will qualify for State Grants to build in excess of $200 million in school and community facilities such as new classrooms, expanding existing schools, multipurpose facilities as well as to improve, repair or upgrade; heating air conditioning, and electrical systems. The spending of these funds shall be reviewed by the citizens' oversight committee. It will not be used for salaries or other district operating expenses.

Submitted by:

/s/ Chuck Crutchfield, Program Director,

Give Every Child A Chance

School Site Council Member

To borrow money, to spend on contractors, install school trailers, more ball fields, sports uniforms and equipment, plus maybe a few library books if we don't waste the money on furniture or outdated computers; to add just enough prefabricated trailer-classrooms in order to continually appear overcrowded, to perpetually ask for more money; to pay contractors to attempt repairs on school compounds we've neglected over years; create a few modern looking structures so some chosen students can for a time attend a school that isn't unsafe, to be neglected in the future because we can always ask for more money; and, most importantly, to meet requirements of a law that will permit us to collect an additional $70 million from the taxpayers of the State of California; shall Manteca Unified School District borrow $66 million in the form of bonds?

These loans and interest will be repaid by all persons; including current Manteca schoolchildren, for the next 30 years; some current schoolchildren will make monthly payments for this loan until they are age 48 and will have to balance costs for his own child's college education and his own retirement, while still paying back a loan for a pencil he used in 3rd grade. The spending of these funds will kept as secret as possible, a few persons selected by the school board, the "independent citizens' oversight committee," shall be permitted to read some information about how the money is spent, but they will have no legal authority to do anything whatsoever except read the reports.

This borrowed bond money shall be used instead of funds already in our budget permitting the taxes we currently collect for each student to fund huge pay increases for administrators and the hiring of our friends and colleagues.

Submitted by:

/s/ Joseph De Angelis

Manteca Unified School District is increasing by 1,400 children each year. However, developer fees, currently set at the maximum level allowed by state law, cannot meet our educational facility needs.

Manteca Unified is classified as a "disadvantaged" district because of unmet facility needs. Passage of Measure M will allow the district to receive nearly 70 million dollars in state matching funds. Measure M will provide the resources necessary to insure our children have a safe, healthy, modern place to learn, and cost the average homeowner $75 a year.

Measure M will fund construction of 2 new high schools, 5 elementary schools and provide funds for better libraries and classroom annexes at existing schools.

Bond funds will also be used for fixing antiquated heating and air conditioning systems so that our children have a comfortable environment in which to learn. Funds will also be used to improve school facilities for computer use in our ever-increasingly technological age.

Safeguards written into Measure M's language will provide strict accountability so money is spent wisely. The bond requires an independent citizens' oversight committee to evaluate and oversee district expenditures. The Board of Trustees is also required to perform annual financial and performance audits to gain the public's trust.

Manteca Unified School District suffers from overcrowded and outdated facilities. By passing Measure M, residents of the district can access 110% of state matching funds at an average cost of pennies a day. Our children deserve the opportunity to learn in an environment that will prepare them for future success.

Submitted by:

/s/ Gloryanna Rhodes, Mayor of Lathrop /s/ John Harris, Manteca City Councilmember,

Former Manteca Unified School Board Member

President, Carpenters Union Local #25

Past President

and Children's Advocate

An election will be held in the Manteca Unified School District (the "District") on March 2, 2004, to authorize the sale of up to $66,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the proposition. If the bonds are approved, the District expects to sell the bonds in two series. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information 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 3.08 cents per $100 ($30.82 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2004-05.

2. 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 last series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 3.08 cents per $100 ($30.82 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2006-07.

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 is 3.08 cents per $100 ($30.82 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The tax rate is expected to remain the same in each year the bonds are outstanding.

Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property 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.

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District. 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 of bonds sold and 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 of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on need for construction funds and other factors, including the legal limitations on bonds approved by a 55% vote. 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.

Dated: November 18, 2003

/s/ Cathy Nichols-Washer, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent
Manteca Unified School District

MANTECA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT BOND OF 2004

This Proposition may be known and referred to as the "Manteca Unified School District School Improvement Bond of 2004" or as "Measure M".

FINDINGS

In order to maintain our schools as effective places for teaching and learning, now and for the next generation, the Manteca Unified School District community is committed to providing all students with safe, well maintained and modern schools. The District is growing by over 1,400 students - the equivalent of 2 schools - per year. In addition, aging school facilities are in need of repair and improvements.

The Board of Trustees and District staff have carefully managed all available sources of construction funds, and will continue to seek as much funding as possible (over $175,000,000) from outside sources, including federal and State grants and matching funds, local developer fees and Mello-Roos funds, to finance three-fourths of the District's Master Plan facilities costs.

The Board has found it necessary to ask our community to approve a local bond to assist the District in funding the remaining one-fourth of the needed facilities. Without a local bond, the District will lose State funding to other school districts, and our children will not get the facilities they deserve.

BOND AUTHORIZATION

By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Manteca Unified School District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $66,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List attached hereto as Exhibit A, and in order to qualify to receive State matching grant funds of up to $70,000,000 for which the District otherwise qualifies, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below.

Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, 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.

ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS

The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers may be assured that their money will be spent wisely to address specific facilities needs of the Manteca Unified School 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 has prepared an updated facilities plan in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the Manteca Unified School District at each campus and facility, and to determine which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board of Trustees hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List contained in Exhibit A.

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 expended only for the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board of Trustees.

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 Exhibit A.

Annual Financial Audits. The Board of Trustees 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 in Exhibit A.

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 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 no later than December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2004, 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 into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board.

BOND PROJECT LIST

The Bond Project List attached to this resolution as Exhibit A shall be considered a part of the ballot proposition, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition.

The Bond Project List, which is an integral part of this proposition, lists the specific projects the Manteca Unified School District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. Listed construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement projects will be completed as needed at a particular school site as the Board of Trustees shall determine. Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance, architectural, engineering, planning and similar costs, construction management, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. In addition, certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including State grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Therefore the Board of Trustees cannot currently determined the amount of bond proceeds to be spent on each project or guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects.

FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS

Single Purpose. 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 all the enumerated purposes shall constitute the specific singe purpose of the bonds, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purpose, pursuant to 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 will 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 made to mature more than 40 years from the date borne by that bond.

EXHIBIT A

MANTECA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND PROJECT LIST

NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:

Glossary: Annex = classroom building or buildings on site adjacent to or near existing elementary school, accommodating up to 500 children, with appropriate ancillary academic, athletic and support facilities for elementary grade levels.

Elementary School = school accommodating up to 1,000 children in grades K-8 in one or more classroom buildings, with appropriate ancillary academic, athletic and support facilities for this grade level.

High School = school accommodating up to 2,000 students in grades 9-12 in one or more classroom buildings, with appropriate ancillary academic, athletic and support facilities for this grade level.

(Each new construction project includes acquisition of land as needed for school site. Sites of new schools and facilities, not otherwise part of an existing school site, to be determined by Board of Trustees.)

Manteca Area Stella Brockman Elementary School Classroom Annex Joshua Cowell Elementary School Classroom Annex Woodward Elementary School Classroom Annex New Rustic Elementary School New elementary school for North Manteca area New high school for South Manteca area, including classroom, athletic, and administrative facilities typically provided at other District high schools. District contribution to up to three State and City-funded multi-purpose facilities (gymnasium/cafeteria/auditorium) for Manteca area K-8 schools Replace/reconstruct Manteca High School field house, including locker/changing rooms Sierra High School + Convert old faculty room into school office expansion East Union High School + Convert old band room into classrooms Sequoia Elementary School + Convert old portable multi- purpose room into classrooms

Lathrop Area Three new elementary schools New high school for Lathrop area, including classroom,

athletic, and administrative facilities typically provided at
other District high schools.

purpose facilities (gymnasium/cafeteria/auditorium) for
Lathrop area K-8 schools

French Camp/North District-Stockton Area Great Valley Elementary School Classroom Annex French Camp Elementary School multi-purpose facility

(gymnasium/cafeteria/auditorium)

Ranch High School

school libraries for Weston Ranch area K-8 schools

MODERNIZATION PROJECTS:

Modernize following schools and facilities:

Shasta library and classrooms wing
Nile Garden library and classrooms wings
New Haven library and classrooms wing
French Camp library and classrooms wing
East Union High School campus (portions that have not
yet been modernized)
Twenty-year-old portables, located at various sites
throughout the District.

Modernization consists of the following projects, which the Board of Trustees determines may be needed at each identified site:

SECURITY, HEALTH, AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS: Includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, including ramps and parking, pathways, playground equipment, restrooms, etc., as required by the State of California and federal law; Repair and renovate school grounds for safety, including sidewalks; Remove hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead based paint, etc.; Install, repair, and replace fencing; Secure classroom computers with security alarms and cameras; Upgrade exterior lighting for security and safety; Upgrade and install fire alarm and security systems.

MAJOR BUILDING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS: Includes upgrade of electrical systems, including panels, circuit breakers, transformers, wiring, outlets, and clock systems; Upgrade heating and ventilation systems; Repair, replace, or upgrade water, sewer, and storm drainage systems. Addition of heating, ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) units as needed, including (in addition to sites listed above) at the Lincoln Elementary School multipurpose room.

STRUCTURAL REPAIRS AND REHABILITATION: Includes repair, upgrade, or replace windows as needed; Repair and paint exterior walls, replace exterior siding, if needed; Upgrade bathrooms; Upgrade kitchens; Repair and replace school building roofs, gutters, and downspouts as needed; Repair dry rot, termite damage, and other needed structural repairs; Structural repairs as needed to existing stadiums (East Union High and Manteca High); Repair/rehabilitate non- compliant stadium/field buildings, such as stadium snack bars, field houses and storage buildings, to bring them up to compliance with State requirements, or demolish and remove such buildings (East Union High and Manteca High).

RENOVATION OF CLASSROOM AND INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITIES: Includes installation of lowered (suspended T-bar) ceilings; Repair, upgrade, or install interior lighting; Patch, paint, and refinish (or replace as necessary) interior walls and wall coverings, floors and floor coverings, and ceilings; Repair and replace casework and countertops; Repair, replace, and upgrade information technology systems.

SITE AND GROUNDS IMPROVEMENTS: Includes re-pave, patch, or replace, and re-seal deficient parking lots and playground areas; Repair, expand, and install irrigation systems and install irrigation wells as needed; Repair existing swimming pools as needed; Security and safety improvements of the landscaping/grass areas of all schools.

FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT: Includes installation of cabinets, drapes and blinds, casings, tackable wall surfaces, marker boards. Acquisition, installation of desks, computers, science equipment, audio-visual equipment, etc. for new school buildings and classrooms, including office equipment and desks for school administrative, principal and counselors' offices. Acquisition of library collections for new libraries.

ADDITIONAL WORK, AS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH NEW CONSTRUCTION OR MAJOR RENOVATIONS

Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/ modernization (e.g., plumbing or gas line breaks; seismic deficiencies, etc.) Other improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act Necessary site preparation/restoration in connection with renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines,trees and landscaping, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the school site; any necessary demolition, site preparation, grading, irrigation, etc., relocation or removal of existing classrooms, buildings and fixtures. Rental or construction of temporary classrooms (including relocatables) as needed to house students 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, including retirement of some or all outstanding certificates of participation or lease revenue bonds used to finance listed facilities.