League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Contra Costa County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Measure M Bond Measure John Swett Unified School District Bond Measure - 55% Approval Required Fail: 1687 / 53.91% Yes votes ...... 1442 / 46.09% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure M	Arguments Against Measure M
In November 2008, voters overwhelmingly passed a bond to begin the repair and renovation John Swett High School. But even though much progress has been made, much remains to be done to improve our children's schools and classrooms throughout the District. Measure M, which was placed on the ballot by a unanimous vote of the John Swett Unified School District Board of Education, will let us continue the job of providing quality educational facilities for our students while still protecting taxpayers. Here's how: Measure M will improve our children's schools and classrooms by:. Increasing student and staff safety by replacing and rebuilding Carquinez Middle School in order to meet current earthquake safety standards . Providing increased student access to classroom computers and modern technology . Completing the repair and renovation of classrooms at John Swett High School . Providing modern science labs at the new middle school and John Swett High School . Improving the District's vocational education programs and facilities Measure M makes financial sense and has taxpayer protections in place: No funds can be spent on administrative salaries, benefits or pensions * All expenditures will be reviewed by an independent citizens' oversight committee and annually audited Low borrowing rates will be locked in and cannot be increased * By law, Measure M funds MUST be used for our children's schools and CANNOT BE TAKEN AWAY BY THE STATE AND SPENT ELSEWHERE! Our local public schools are a critical community asset and should be our number one priority. From higher achieving students to stimulating our local economy to improved housing values, investing in our schools makes sense. Measure M will improve our children's education, help maintain housing values, stimulate our local economy, and save taxpayers millions of dollars in interest. Please join us by voting YES on Measure M! Marianne Clark, President, John Swett Education Foundation Julie Ann Dees, President, Carquinez Middle School PTA Jose Tarin, Community Activist, Disabled Veteran Roni Itagaki, Rodeo Baseball Association Marina Ramos, Founder, Rodeo Youth Mentoring Association Rebuttal to Arguments For Don't be misled by the proponents of this $52,000,000 bond! A path to the strengthening the existing school was suggested by those seeking an alternative plan that would primarily address life and safety issues. This group included the Vice Chancellor of Facilities Services from the University of California Berkeley. This option, outlined in engineering reports and costing a fraction of the proposed new school, was never pursued by the District. The bond proponents claim the building is unsafe, yet ironically, their own plan will house students at Carquinez for the next 3-5 years. Carquinez is a critically important facility in the JSUSD. Here's why: . Carquinez's design has allowed its use as a K-8 elementary, a 4-6 intermediate, and a 6-8 middle school . Carquinez provided classrooms for high school classes during JSHS construction . Carquinez offers a spacious parking area that allows the schools and community to accommodate large events. This would be sacrificed for a much smaller structure. . Ample space exists at Carquinez to design new science labs. . Carquinez Grammar School once had a successful vocational program, offering wood shop and domestic skills. These classes were abandoned and their equipment removed. Vocational programs at JSHS exist, and are increasing in number and size. Carquinez students currently participate in the JSHS "Careers Academy", which has gained regional praise. We agree that the JSHS modernization project should be completed, and probably would have been if the Board had approved a proposed bond measure to accomplish that goal in 2012. Complete JSHS modernization first. Vote NO Francine Bremer, Resident, Friends of Carquinez School Harold Burnett, Resident Friends of Carquinez School Jeff Airoldi, Resident, Friends of Carquinez School Jacki Matejka, Resident, Friends of Carquinez School Nancy Reiser, Resident, Friends of Carquinez School	. The State of California has approved Carquinez School for use in the John Swett Unified School District. Carquinez is NOT an earthquake "collapse hazard." The District refused to pursue a $15,000,000 option to strengthen Carquinez, opting for a $52,000,000 building plan. . There are no State matching funds currently available for NEW construction. . This plan will spend millions for an artificial turf field, while a new field, costing millions, exists at JSHS and is closed to the public. . The District failed to make promised upgrades to the JSHS gymnasium, but plans to spend millions on a new Carquinez gymnasium. . Roughly 60% of Carquinez is being used currently. The proposed new school is smaller. . Inefficient use of Carquinez classrooms reduces average classroom size by up to 42 square feet. . Demolition of Carquinez will eliminate future possibilities for K-8 grade reconfiguration. . Carquinez already promotes "21st Century Learning." It has two computer labs, computers in all classrooms, and has successfully administered computer-based State student testing. . High school classes have been conducted at Carquinez with no complaints about classroom size. . The District recently spent $1,500,000 for HVAC and roofing upgrades at Carquinez. . The District ignores basic maintenance/capital improvements at Carquinez, forsaking better bathrooms, new energy-efficient windows and doors, and grounds upkeep. . Two years ago the District knew the JSHS modernization project was short on funds, but refused to put a measure before the voters to complete construction. Work on JSHS has stopped. . Measure M takes the District to its borrowing limit. . Architectural "soft costs" for the new facility have not been determined, likely pushing estimates higher. . The proposed plan defoliates much of the Carquinez property. Many mature trees and shrubs, including majestic Sequoias, will be sacrificed. Let's come up with an improved, sensible, and affordable plan for school safety and modernization. Vote NO on Measure M Francine Bremer, Resident, Friends of Carquinez School Harold Burnett, Resident Friends of Carquinez School Jeff Airoldi, Resident, Friends of Carquinez School Jacki Matejka, Resident, Friends of Carquinez School Nancy Reiser, Resident, Friends of Carquinez School Rebuttal to Arguments Against Although we serve as members of John Swett Unified School District's Board of Education, we are signing this statement as individuals because it is important that everyone knows we are in full support of Measure M. Like most of our friends and neighbors, we believe that the education and safety of our children should be our number one priority. There is, however, a small but vocal minority among us who are intent on giving less and less to our schools in order to achieve their own special agenda. Here are the facts: . Measure M Protects Our Children. Carquinez Middle School has serious earthquake hazards + documented by structural experts + creating real and immediate life safety risks to our children, teachers and staff. We have a moral and legal obligation to address this issue immediately. . Measure M Is The Best Plan. Measure M is the most cost-effective solution to meet this critical need. The "$15 million retrofit" does not exist. To be compliant with State law, any retrofit would cost $5 million more than building a new and better school. . Our Support Is Based On Facts + Not Opinions. Don't be misled by misinformation. The gymnasium will be shared with John Swett High. There are no plans to destroy mature trees. Middle School playing fields will be grass, not synthetic turf. Our community needs Measure M. We, as citizens, have a responsibility+ a duty + to ensure our children receive a quality education in a safe environment. Please join us in voting YES on Measure M. William A. Concannon, JSUSD Board Member Jerrold Parsons, JSUSD Board Member Brian Colombo, JSUSD Board Member James Delagadillo, JSUSD Board President

Tax Rate Statement from Rob Stockberger, Superintendent

An election will be held in John Swett Unified School District (the"District") on November 4, 2014 to authorize the sale of $52,000,000 in general obligation bonds. The following information is submitted in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the California Elections Code. 1. 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 $.059 per $100 ($59.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2015-16. 2. 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 $.059 per $100 ($59.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2018-19. 3. 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 $0.059 per $100 ($59.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. 4. The best estimate of the average tax rate required to fund this bond issue, based on a projection of assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $.05748 per $100 ($57.48 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.

Full Text of Measure M

INTRODUCTION "To bring educational facilities and classrooms up to current earthquake safety standards; increase student access to classroom technology and science labs; improve vocational education facilities; complete John Swett High School renovations; and construct a new middle school: shall John Swett Unified School District be authorized to issue $52,000,000 of bonds at rates below legal limits, with oversight and audits, no money for administrator salaries, and all funds spent locally and not taken by the State and spent elsewhere?" BOND AUTHORIZATION By approval of this measure by at least 55 percent of the registered voters voting on the measure, the District will be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $52 million in aggregate principal amount at interest rates not to exceed legal limits and to provide financing for the specific types of school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List described below, subject to all the accountability requirements specified below. 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 School Board has identified detailed facilities needs of the District and has determined which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The School Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List shown below. Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. Following approval of this Measure, the School Board will establish an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee, under Education Code Sections 15278 and following, to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the types of 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 School Board. Performance Audits. The School Board will conduct annual, independent performance audits to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed below. Financial Audits. The School Board will conduct annual, independent financial audits of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed below. Government Code Accountability Requirements. As required by Section 53410 of the Government Code, (1) the specific purpose of the bonds is set forth in this Full Text of the Measure, (2) the proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used only for the purposes specified in this Measure, and not for any other purpose, (3) the proceeds of the bonds, when and if issued, will be deposited into a building fund to be held by the Contra Costa County Treasurer, as required by the California Education Code, and (4) the Superintendent of the District shall cause an annual report to be filed with the Board of Trustees of the District not later than January 1 of each year, which report shall contain pertinent information regarding the amount of funds collected and expended, as well as the status of the projects listed in this Measure, as required by Sections 53410 and 53411 of the Government Code. NO TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this measure shall be used only for the purposes specified in Article XIII A, Section 1(b)(3), being 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. STATE MATCHING FUNDS The following statement is included in this measure pursuant to Education Code Section 15122.5: Approval of this measure does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects that are the subject of bonds under this measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this measure. The District's proposal for the project or projects described below may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure. BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List shown below is a part of the ballot measure and must be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond measure. Bond proceeds will be expended to modernize, replace, renovate, construct, acquire and rebuild the District's facilities as described in the following list. Whenever specific items are included in the following list, they are presented to provide an example and are not intended to limit the generality of the broader description of the types of authorized projects. RENOVATION, MODERNIZATION, REPAIR AND COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION AT JOHN SWETT HIGH SCHOOL The facilities and improvements to be financed by the bonds issued for the District include the modernization, replacement, renovation, construction, acquisition and other improvements to facilities, including furnishing and equipping, at the site of John Swett High School. Such projects shall include but shall not be limited to: Make health and safety improvements, including removing asbestos and other hazardous materials Improve building safety by performing seismic retrofits to comply with today's building standards, codes and other applicable laws Renovate and equip vocational education facilities Upgrade electrical systems to achieve energy efficiency Improve student access to computers and modern technology, including the acquisition of computers, devices, modern teaching and other digital equipment Build and equip modern science labs Upgrade outdated fire alarm systems Make handicap accessibility (ADA) upgrades and improvements to school sites, including restrooms and classrooms Repair/replace old and deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems including waterlines, storm drains and valves Renovate and repair outdated restrooms Make repairs and improvements to classrooms and school facilities, including gymnasiums and auditoriums Upgrade outdated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems to improve energy efficiency Replace old windows with new windows Make upgrades to the kitchen facilities, including appliances Improve student safety by installing additional fencing, security, and monitoring systems Improve safety and traffic flow of student drop-off and pick up locations, including improving and constructing parking lots Replace old portable classrooms with new classrooms Make general site improvements, including replacing deteriorating concrete sidewalks/steps and other landscaping Repair/replace deteriorating roofs ACQUISTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CARQUINEZ MIDDLE SCHOOL Bond proceeds will also be used to construct a new middle school, including the construction and acquisition of all related facilities, furnishings and equipment, currently expected by the District to be constructed at the existing Carquinez Middle School site. Such project includes, but is not limited to, the following: . Pre-construction expenses such as architects, engineers and other professional fees . Construction of a new middle school and all related facilities, including but not limited to administrative, parking, P.E. and other athletic facilities, such as soccer fields and a track . Construction and equipping of a new gymnasium to be shared by the middle and high school for games and other events Each of the bond projects described in this Bond Project List include all costs incidental but directly related to the specific projects described above. Such costs include, but are not limited to, demolition of existing structures, rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis for materials and other equipment and furnishings displaced during construction, interim classrooms and facilities for students, administrators, and school functions but only to the extent such facilities are deemed necessary by the Board as a result of unforeseen conditions, addressing unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization and other necessary improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act, access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, costs of the election, bond issuance costs and project administration during the duration of such projects, including administration by District personnel. For any project listed above with respect to construction at an existing District site, the District is authorized to identify an alternate site and/or acquire land for such purpose and construct the approved project at such site if the District has determined that the existing site does not satisfy any requirements of the Division of State Architect or other State laws, codes and regulations applicable to public school sites. Approval of the District's bond measure does not guarantee that all of the identified projects within this Bond Project List will be funded beyond what can be completed with local funds generated by the bond measure and does not guarantee that the projects will be completed in any particular order. The District will also pursue funds from the State of California to complete certain of the identified facilities projects. The order in which school facilities projects are listed above does not suggest an order of priority. Project priorities will be determined by the District Board. The District is unable to anticipate all unforeseen circumstances which may prevent some of the projects listed above from being undertaken or completed.