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Measure G Newark Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure Newark Unified School District Bond Measure - 55% Approval Required Pass: 3,286 / 55.90% Yes votes ...... 2,592 / 44.10% No votes
See Also:
Index of all Measures |
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Results as of Nov 14 12:36pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (6/6) |
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement | Full Text | ||||
"To preserve quality education, provide safe and modern schools, and qualify for matching funds, shall Newark Unified School District update aging classrooms, libraries, and science labs to meet earthquake/fire/safety standards; improve access for students with disabilities; remove asbestos, lead and hazardous materials; and improve energy/operational efficiency to maximize funding for instructional programs; by issuing $63 million in bonds at legal rates, with independent oversight, no money for administrators' salaries, and all funds staying in Newark?" Bonds--Yes Bonds--No
Pursuant to California Constitution Section 18 of Article XVI and Section 1 of Article XIIIA and California Education Code Section 15274, this measure will become effective upon the affirmative vote of at least 55% of the qualified electors voting on this measure. California Education Code Section 15100 restricts the use of the proceeds from the bonds sale to construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or replacement of school facilities, and the acquisition of real property for school facilities. In addition, proceeds may only be used for the projects listed in the measure. Measure G provides that its proceeds will fund projects outlined in the measure (reproduced in the sample ballot) that include, among others: removing hazardous materials from school sites; updating school facilities to meet current earthquake, fire and safety standards; providing disabled access; modernizing classrooms and science laboratories; and improving energy efficiency. Proceeds may not be used for any other purpose, such as administrator salaries. If 55% of those who vote on the measure vote "yes", the District will be authorized to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $63,000,000.00 (sixty three million dollars). Approval of this measure will authorize a levy on the assessed value of taxable property within the District by an amount needed to pay the principal and interest on these bonds in each year that the bonds are outstanding. The Tax Rate Statement for Measure G in this Voter Pamphlet reflects the District's best estimates, based upon currently available data and projections, of the property tax rates required to service the bonds. The best estimate of the average tax rate required to be levied to fund the bonds is 3.9˘ (three point nine cents) per $100.00 (one hundred dollars), which is $39.00 (thirty-nine dollars) per $100,000.00 (one hundred thousand dollars), of the assessed valuation of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls. The highest tax rate estimated to be levied to fund the bonds is the same as the average tax rate estimate, as set forth more fully in the Tax Rate Statement in this Voter Pamphlet. An independent citizens' oversight committee will monitor the bond expenditures. If 55% of those voting on this measure do not vote for approval, the measure will fail and the District will not be authorized to issue the bonds.
s/RICHARD R. KARLSSON
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure G, which is printed in full in this sample ballot pamphlet. If you desire an additional copy of the measure, please call the Elections Official's office at (510)272-6933 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.
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Events
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Arguments For Measure G | Arguments Against Measure G | ||
Student achievement in Newark continues to rise every year because of our outstanding teachers and our strong academic programs. Your YES vote on Measure G will help continue our students' success by protecting the quality of local education and providing local students with a safe learning environment.
Most of our schools in Newark are outdated and need to be repaired--many schools are over 40 years old and some are close to 50 years old. Classrooms, science labs and school libraries need to be upgraded. Your YES vote on Measure G will provide locally controlled funds that can't be taken by Sacramento to update our classrooms so Newark students are prepared for college and 2lst-century jobs. Measure G will maintain student achievement by:
If Measure G passes, Newark schools will be eligible for matching funds that would otherwise go to other communities. Measure G will also boost our local economy by creating and protecting local jobs. Our neighborhood schools help make Newark a great place to live. Quality local schools help to protect property values, which benefits all of us. Vote YES on Measure G for great schools for Newark.
s/Miriam Keller President,
s/Clark Redeker
s/Mary T. King
s/Debra A Romero
s/Guadalupe "Lupe" Lopez
The idea that "Measure G will boost our local economy" is a FALLACY. If this were true, Newark could simply tax itself into prosperity. Debt spending is bad policy. As it stands, Newark unemployment is 10.7% and job growth is -5.1% Proponents say "Measure G requires fiscal accountability" yet, the District's estimates are "not binding upon the District. The actual tax rates ... may vary from those presently estimated." Newark taxpayers cannot prevent "actual tax rates" from increasing if the measure passes. It is poorly written and has no fiscal guarantees or oversight built in to it. Measure G will increase your tax burden without discernible benefits to student performance. Measure G raises taxes and increases school debt to protect District jobs and salaries. "This measure will... protect jobs for local teachers and staff." Measure G will increase debt and decrease savings. Savings of $500,000 does not account for higher debt payments. A debt of only $50 million at a modest 4% will generate INTEREST ONLY costs of $2 million yearly. Remember, the district IS ALREADY PAYING over $5 Million against old debt this year. Measure G amounts to a tax funded District bailout. Vote NO on G! Newark must demand better schools with accountable management, fiscal discipline and less debt.
s/Albert Rubio
s/David Springsteen
s/Cherie G. Swenson
s/Erin Springsteen
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Engineer
s/David Springsteen
s/Cherie G. Swenson
s/Erin Mae Springsteen
° Do we want to support our local schools and ensure all Newark children have access to safe classrooms and a quality education?
°Or do we want to sit back while Sacramento cuts school funding, forcing our schools to lay off teachers, cut academic programs and keep our schools in disrepair? Measure G will provide local funding to upgrade our outdated classrooms so all students have a safe learning environment that prepares them for college and future careers. Here are the facts:
s/Daryl Miller
s/Edward Gomes
s/Rick Arellano
s/David M. Britton
s/Jean P. Ficklin
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Tax Rate Statement from Superintendent, Newark Unified School District |
An election will be held in the Newark Unified School District (the "District") on November 8, 2011, on the question of whether to authorize up to $63,000,000 in bonds to be issued by the District to finance school facilities as described in the ballot measure. If the bonds are approved, the District expects to sell the bonds in three series over time. Principal and interest on the bonds will be paid from taxes levies on the taxable property in the District. The information contained in numbered paragraphs 1 + 3 below is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California. This information is based on the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, experience within the District and other demonstrable factors.
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 3.9˘ per $100 ($39.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2012-13.
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 3.9˘ per $100 ($39.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2016-17.
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, 3.9˘ per $100 ($39.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2016-17.
4. The best estimate of the average annual tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue through the entire repayment period, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 3.9˘ per $100 ($39.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. 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 is 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 its 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: August 9, 2011.
s/Dave Marken, Ed.D.
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Full Text of Measure G |
Purpose
Student achievement in Newark schools is on the rise. Test scores in Newark have consistently increased over the last five years. However, most local schools are over 40 years old, and some are close to 50 years old. School buildings throughout Newark do not meet current earthquake and safety standards. Many classrooms are not accessible for students with disabilities. Some classrooms contain, asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials. Roofs leak, heating and electrical systems are outdated and aging plumbing needs to be replaced. High school science labs are overcrowded and outdated. Schools are not energy efficient, which increases our utility costs and takes money away from instructional programs. Upgraded classrooms, libraries and science labs are needed to provide a safe and modern learning environment for students. If approved, the Newark Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure will provide local funding that cannot be taken away by the State to complete the highest priority projects that impact student safety, quality instruction and operational efficiency. To protect student safety, Measure G will:
Project List Every school within the Newark Unified School District will receive funding from Measure G, the Newark Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure. Bond funds, in conjunction with State matching funds as may become available, will be used to make necessary repairs and upgrades to existing school campuses, as well as replace old portable classrooms and buildings, and upgrade the technology infrastructure to support student learning. The campuses and support facilities listed below will receive the following repair, upgrade and construction projects as necessary:
Bunker Elementary School 1. Complete health and safety improvements required to comply with current student safety standards and codes, including removing hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead, completing seismic safety upgrades to make facilities earthquake safe, improving electrical systems and fire safety, upgrading communication and security systems, providing lighting for safety, repairing cracked and uneven pavement and stairs, and improving safety in school parking areas 2. Provide access to classrooms, science labs, restrooms and other school facilities for students with disabilities 3. Improve student access to classroom computers and modern technology by upgrading electrical and technology infrastructure and distribution 4. Complete repairs, renovations and upgrades to school sites including replacing outdated electrical systems, sewer, water, gas, paving, walkways, fencing, landscaping and drainage systems 5. Complete major upgrades and renovations to building exteriors and interiors, such as walls, painting, lighting, roofing, floor coverings, doors, windows and hardware 6. Upgrade science labs to support instructional programs and provide advanced courses now required by colleges and universities for admission 7. Provide facilities and equipment necessary to effectively implement career and technical programs so students can compete for today's in-demand jobs 8. Update and improve building systems including heating, ventilation and plumbing systems to reduce energy consumptions and school utility costs 9. Evaluate and implement energy generation, management and conservation systems to improve environmental sustainability and effectively reduce ongoing energy and utility costs incurred by the District 10. Construct, furnish and equip new classrooms to replace outdated/aging portable classrooms 11. Renovate, expand, and construct student support facilities throughout the District as needed 12. Acquire and install instructional, maintenance, and operational equipment including but not limited to: desks, computers, printers/reprographic equipment, computer stations, smart boards, whiteboards, tack boards; science, art, and instrumental program equipment; window coverings, cafeteria tables, and maintenance equipment to the extent permitted by law 13. Upgrade and replace as necessary outdoor play equipment, protective play surfaces, and fields as needed to meet new safety standards and keep our children healthy 14. Provide adequate shade structures and lunch shelters to protect students 15. Expand and upgrade multi-purpose rooms, cafeterias and kitchen areas as needed to efficiently prepare food and serve students in a safe and sanitary environment 16. Refinance or retire existing debts and leases in order to secure more favorable terms for taxpayers and/or free up funding for classroom instruction
Priority of Projects
Project Costs 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 Project List also includes the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including the reduction or retirement of outstanding lease obligations and interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from the Project 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 of wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrades or construction of support facilities, including administrative, physical education and performing arts buildings and maintenance yards; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, turf and irrigation systems and campus landscaping; expand parking; install interior and exterior painting and floor covering; demolition; and construction of various forms of storage and support spaces, upgrade classrooms, 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, such as gyms, fields and performing arts facilities, 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.
Accountability Requirements
Further Specifications
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