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Measure E Dublin Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure Dublin Unified School District 55% Approval Required Pass: 4205 / 62.02% Yes votes ...... 2575 / 37.98% No votes
See Also:
Index of all Measures |
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Results as of Jul 12 3:12pm, 100.00% of Precincts Reporting (26/26) |
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement | Full Text | ||||
To protect quality education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Dublin Unified School District update/replace aging classrooms/science labs; provide 21st century computers/technology/classrooms; ensure classrooms meet safety codes; prevent student overcrowding; and improve energy/operational efficiency and utilize savings for teachers/instruction, by issuing $99 million in bonds at legal rates, with independent oversight, no money for administrators, and all funds staying in Dublin?
Measure E, a Dublin Unified School District ("District") bond measure, seeks voter approval to authorize the District to cause general obligation bonds to be issued and sold in a principal amount not to exceed ninety-nine million dollars ($99,000,000.00) at interest rates within the statutory limit. The primary purpose of the bonds is to finance specific school facilities projects in the measure. 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 E provides that its proceeds will fund projects outlined in the measure (reproduced in the sample ballot) that include, among others: updating school facilities to meet current fire, emergency, and safety codes; updating science and computer laboratories; providing up-to-date technology; 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 ninety-nine million dollars ($99,000,000.00). 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 E 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 2.9¢ (two point nine cents) per $100.00 (one hundred dollars), which is $29.00 (twenty-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.
DONNA R. ZIEGLER
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News and Analysis
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Arguments For Measure E | Arguments Against Measure E | ||
Argument in Favor of Measure E
Dublin Unified School District Vote YES on E for locally controlled funding for Dublin schools that cannot be taken away by the State. By law, no Measure E funds can be used for administrator salaries, benefits or pensions for school employees. Measure E will:
Some local schools are over 40 years old and badly need upgrades to provide safe and modern classrooms, science labs and 21st century technology. Other schools have increasing enrollment and Measure E will help avoid overcrowding even if the State fails to provide adequate funding. Improving energy/operational efficiency will save millions to protect core academic classes and retain highly qualified teachers. Measure E will create environments that help Dublin students succeed, prepare for college and compete for 21st century jobs. Voting Yes on E will:
Vote Yes on E to continue Dublin's tradition of educational excellence. Argument in Favor of Measure E Signers
1. Jan Cohen
2. Irene Padnos
3. Tim Sbranti
4. Janet Lockhart
5. Valerie A. Barnes
DUSD has been very careful to incorporate into their argument catch phrases that polled very well. Their argument never explains how replacing existing portable classrooms at some elementary schools can "Prevent Student Overcrowding" when their own projections show that many elementary schools will be beyond capacity in less than two years. This is just more of the same reactionary planning by listing every school on the Expenditure Plan without specifics. Dublin voters are tired of being fooled by propaganda. Previously we approved Measures B and C that provided the DUSD with over $200 million to upgrade our schools. Unfortunately, they have been unable to "remove hazardous materials like lead and asbestos" or add "emergency communications". There is no guarantee that the money spent on this bond measure will be spent with any more care than the last two bond measures. Measure E will only implement a portion of the remaining District needs. Stop DUSD from wasting money without a specific plan. Did you know that the recent mailer you received recommending support for this measure was paid for with your previously approved bond funds? Force DUSD to come up with a plan that is based on careful analysis of District needs that we can all support in November. We need to Save Dublin Schools before we run out of the ability to tax ourselves. Should we buy new technology including computers with a four year lifespan utilizing long-term debt? Please join us in voting NO on Measure E Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure E Signers
1. John Fitzpatrick
2. Robert Lyall
3. George Williams
4. Kevin Payne
5. Dan Cherrier
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Many of us share a desire to provide our children with the best possible learning environment. Unfortunately, Measure E is not the answer. Measure B&C were supposed to upgrade our classrooms and provide our children with the proper facilities for many years to come. Measure C (approved in 2004) at $184 million was one of the largest bond measures in the history of state education. It has failed to deliver as promised due to a clear lack of vision by the School District; the bond did not identifty clearly defined projects with a need based priority. Spending has lacked a specific plan and has been very haphazard. Improvements were made at an elementary school that closed shortly afterwards, mass purchases of Smart Boards were made quickly and without complete teacher input, with the result that much of the equipment sits unused in classrooms. The sad fact is the Dublin residents will be paying interest on the bonds used to fund these boondoggles until after 2044. Read the Measure E Expenditure Plan and you will find close to 40% is for undefined "technology systems and asset maintenance". This is once again money that the District can spend without any clearly defined vision or plan. The number one short term issue facing the District is the projected elementary school overcrowding, an issue that Measure E does not even address. Vote No on Measure E and allow the District a chance to come up with a plan for the next election that shows long term vision, is specific and ranks improvements based on need. We are already paying for past mistakes; let us not perpetuate the 30 years of bond interest payments that are already in front of us without a well conceived plan. Let's get this right! Vote No on E. Argument Against Measure E Signers
1. John Fitzpatrick
2. Rebecca Payne
3. Robert Lyall
4. Gary Anderson
5. George Williams
The opponents have their facts completely wrong. Here's the truth: FACT: Dublin's last school facility measure was designed to fund the first phase of urgent projects. Priorities were guided by hundreds of pages of detailed facility master plans for each school. FACT: The Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee and independent audits confirm that all projects were completed on time, under budget and consistent with promises made to voters. (Read the reports at http://www.dublin.k12.ca.us and click CBOC) "The results of our procedures indicated that, in all significant respects, Dublin Unified School District expended Measure C General Obligation Bond funds only for the specific projects developed by the District's Board of Trustees and approved by the voters." (Report of Independent Auditors, Crowe Horwath LLP, January 20, 2012) FACT: Maintaining up-to-date technology is essential for continuing Dublin's rising student achievement and preparing students for college and 21st-century careers. FACT: Measure E specifically addresses school overcrowding: "The following repair, upgrade and construction projects will be completed... Provide additional classrooms, school facilities and/or a potential new school to accommodate growth in student enrollment." (Measure E, Full Text, pg. A-2) FACT: Measure E's prioritized projects for each school were developed with input from parents, teachers, staff and the community. Ongoing mandatory oversight and independent audits guarantee strict accountability. No funds can be taken by Sacramento or be used for administrator salaries. Dublin's most trusted leaders support Measure E because it is a carefully crafted plan for continued excellence in Dublin schools. Please vote Yes on E. Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure E Signers
1. Scott Haggerty
2. Denis King
3. Ron Hubbard
4. William (Bill) Schaub
5. Donald (Don) Biddle
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Tax Rate Statement from Superintendent Dublin Unified School District |
Tax Rate Statement in Connection With Dublin Unified School District Bond Measure to Be Submitted to Voters on June 5, 2012 |
Full Text of Measure E |
Dublin Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure
BALLOT MEASURE E "Dublin Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure. To protect quality education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Dublin Unified School District update/replace aging classrooms/science labs; provide 21st century computers/technology/classrooms; ensure classrooms meet safety codes; prevent student overcrowding; and improve energy/operational efficiency and utilize savings for teachers/instruction, by issuing $99 million in bonds at legal rates, with independent oversight, no money for administrators, and all funds staying in Dublin?" Bonds-Yes Bonds-No __________________________________________________________ Purpose of the Measure
Local elementary, middle and high schools are among the best in California.
In 2004, Dublin voters approved the first phase of upgrades at our schools.
The next phase will ensure all students have access to safe and modern classrooms.
DUSD has an excellent record of using local funds to help secure matching funds from the state and federal government. By upgrading and repairing our schools now, we can take advantage of matching funds, historically low interest rates and low construction costs, while creating good paying jobs for local residents to help get our economy back on track. Plus, the local measure would improve energy-efficiency in our classrooms, providing millions in savings so our schools can protect core academic classes and retain qualified teachers.
All funds would stay local to support our schools and cannot be taken by Sacramento.
Project List The following repair, upgrade and construction projects will be completed at existing and potential future school facilities in the District, as necessary:
Dougherty Elementary
Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program/project management, staff training expenses, site acquisition costs, if applicable, 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; 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. Priority of Projects The listed projects will be prioritized and completed as needed with the following projects being prioritized first: items with immediate impact on student instruction; projects dealing with health, safety and security; technology improvements; projects that help prevent student overcrowding; and projects that improve efficiency, maximize additional funding resources or that generate ongoing funding or expense reduction. Accountability Requirements The provisions in this section are specifically included in this measure in order that the voters and taxpayers in the District may be assured that their money will be spent wisely. Expenditures to address specific facilities needs of the District will be in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, 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 has identified detailed facilities needs of the District and has determined which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List. Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board shall establish an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee under Education Code Section 15278 and following to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the school facilities projects listed below. The committee will be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board. Performance Audits. The Board shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed below. Financial Audits. The Board 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 below. Special Bond Proceeds Account: Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this measure and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board 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 annually, 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 in the annual budget, audit, or another appropriate routine report to the Board. Further Specifications No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this measure shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of school facilities including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities or acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities and not for any other purpose, including administrator salaries. |