League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara County, CA June 8, 2010 Election
	Measure A School Bond Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District Bond Measure - 55% Approval Required Pass: 19,480 / 77.71% Yes votes ...... 5,587 / 22.29% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure A

Arguments Against Measure A

Our local high schools provide students at Los Altos and Mountain View High Schools with an excellent education. Both high schools rank among the top 3% in the country, according to Newsweek. But over the next ten years, the student population at Los Altos and Mountain View High Schools will grow by at least 25%. At that rate, by 2012, both schools will be overcrowded. Measure A would alleviate this expected overcrowding and improve education for our community's growing student enrollment. And best of all, Measure A will not raise current tax rates. Voting YES on Measure A will:      * Add science labs, classrooms and equipment to prevent overcrowding and ensure our high schools are up-to-date      * Add new classrooms built to modern fire and earthquake standards, as well as upgrade safety systems in our current facilities      * Support core academic programs such as English, math and science through improved classroom technology and facilities Measure A provides for a smart, fiscally conservative plan before our local schools become overcrowded. Measure A will also protect the quality education at our local schools, so we can prepare for these new students and support academic programs such as English, math and science. Financial advantages of Measure A include:      * No increase in tax rates over current levels      * Save over $400,000 per year through energy-efficiency improvements      * Allow the District to qualify to apply for millions of dollars in state matching funds and federal stimulus programs      * All funds from the bond would remain in our local high schools, they could not be taken by the state Los Altos and Mountain View High Schools make our community proud. Please join us in voting YES on Measure A to ensure they remain among the best in the nation -without raising our tax rates. /s/ Robert A. Grimm Former Mayor of Los Altos /s/ Michael P. Stanley President, Mountain View Los Altos High School Foundation /s/ Lesli JW Downey President, Los Altos Mountain View PTA Council /s/ Margaret Abe-Koga Mountain View City Councilmember, Mayor 2009 /s/ Laura Casas Frier Trustee, Foothill-De Anza Community College District Rebuttal to Arguments For      It's sometimes painful to do what's needed. The CFO of my elementary district, Craig Goldman, did that when he aired the issue of growing SHORELINE tax unfairness. Fellow parents in Mountain View-Whisman will feel pain voting NO on this election's bond. But MVW is affected even more by SHORELINE than the high schools. I think precinct results will show we also feel the strongest about SHORELINE tax inequity. Not one high school Trustee could answer; Yes, I've written the city of Mountain View about a permanent tax fix. 1) NINETY SEVEN PERCENT (97%) of school general revenues from Shoreline business property is diverted to SHORELINE DISTRICT. 2) The tithe (10%) schools currently get from SHORELINE through the Joint Powers Agreement is temporary and susceptible to subordination or permanent "suspension". 3) Direct democracy, a vote of the people, is sometimes necessary to correct problems in representative democracy.      You will never have the chance to vote on SHORELINE bonds. Those bonds now take priority over school money, but they only need 4 Mountain View council votes! Parents, hold your nose and vote NO just this one election*. In 5 months, change your vote! The message will be clear. "Permanently fix this tax unfairness." Cap (sunset) SHORELINE at 10% of its property tax revenue.      *balloting costs about 0.2 % of the school money diverted in a decade /s/ Steven Nelson Mountain View parent/homeowner

Think of this property tax extension as a referendum, should Google, Microsoft and the Shoreline District businesses get out of regular school taxes (forever)? Three million $ a year in diverted tax revenue from Shoreline could pay for all the equipment and facilities (pay as you go). There would still be a million $ a year left for cut programs. A short hiatus on this property tax will not cripple the high schools. Send a message, big businesses need to fully participate in local school property tax revenues. The high school's board, the city council of Mountain View, and our local Assemblyman need to hear this message from the voters.      The District will be able to propose this again. A short tax break is appropriate in these financial times. /s/ Steven Nelson MVLA district parent Rebuttal to Arguments Against By 2012, if nothing is done to prepare, Mountain View and Los Altos High Schools will become overcrowded. It is important that we act now to prevent overcrowding and improve education in our local high schools. Measure A is a smart, fiscally-responsible plan. Measure A ensures that we are prepared for this growing student enrollment without raising the current tax rate. That's why local leaders and organizations across the spectrum, including the Los Altos and Mountain View Chambers of Commerce, area PTAs, teachers, retirees and longtime residents of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, all support voting YES on Measure A. Rejecting Measure A will not save taxpayers a dime on next year's taxes. It will only lead to student overcrowding and more expensive solutions in the future. Measure A adds classrooms, science labs and equipment to our local high schools, updates fire and earthquake safety systems and improves classroom technology - all without increasing current tax rates. Additionally, Measure A saves the district over $400,000 per year through energy-efficient systems and allows the district to qualify for millions of dollars in state matching funds and federal stimulus programs. All funds from Measure A would remain in our local high schools - they could not be taken by the state. Best of all, Measure A will not increase current tax rates. Please join us in voting YES on Measure A; a smart, fiscally-conservative solution for the future of Mountain View and Los Altos High Schools. For more information about Measure A, call (877) 369-6689 or visit http://www.bestformvla.org. /s/ Oscar Garcia President, Mountain View Chamber of Commerce /s/ Julia C. Rose President, Los Altos Chamber of Commerce /s/ Keren Robertson LAHS Teacher, MVLA Teacher of the Year 2008/2009 /s/ William Blair MVHS Teacher, MVLA Teacher of the Year 2009/2010 /s/ Susan W. Mielke Los Altos Hills resident, MVLA District parent

Tax Rate Statement from the Superintendent

An election will be held in Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District on June 8, 2010, for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the District the question on issuing bonds of the District in a principal amount of $41.3 million (the "2010 Measure A Bonds"). If the 2010 Measure A Bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and interest thereon will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information regarding tax rates is given to comply with Section 9401 of the California Elections Code. Such information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources.      In 1995, the voters of the District approved Measure D. The bonds authorized by Measure D have a current tax rate of $14.70 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. It is estimated that the combined tax rate of the 2010 Measure A Bonds and Measure D bonds will not exceed a tax rate of $14.70 per $100,000 of assessed valuation at any point in time the Measure D bonds and 2010 Measure A Bonds are outstanding. The combined bonds of Measure D bonds and 2010 Measure A Bonds are referred to herein as the "Combined Bonds".      The foregoing is based on projections of the District's assessed valuation. Per California Elections Code requirements, the following three tax rate estimates are required:      1. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the 2010 Measure A Bonds for the first series sold in fiscal year 2010-11 based on estimated assessed valuation available at the time of filing of this statement is 25 cents per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the Combined Bonds in fiscal year 2010-11 based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement is $14.70 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.      2. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the 2010 Measure A Bonds during the last sale in fiscal year 2012-13 based upon estimated assessed valuation available at the time of filing of this statement is $1.34 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the Combined Bonds in fiscal year 2012-13 based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement is $14.70 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.      3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the Measure A Bonds and the Combined Bonds and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on estimated assessed valuation available at that time of filing of this statement is $14.70 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for the year 2029-30.      Attention to all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only. The actual times of sales of said 2010 Measure A Bonds and the amount sold at any given time will be governed by the needs of the District and other factors. The actual interest rates at which the Measure A Bonds will be sold, which in any event will not exceed the maximum permitted by law, will depend upon the bond market at the time of sales. The actual assessed values in the future years will depend upon the value of property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process. Hence, there actual tax rates and the years in which such rates are applicable may vary from those presently estimated as above stated. /s/ Barry R. Groves Superintendent Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District

Full Text of Measure A

The following is the full ballot proposition presented to the voters by the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District: "Local High School Improvement Measure. Without increasing current tax rates, shall Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District add classrooms and science labs to prevent student overcrowding, improve instructional technology to support academic programs, lower energy costs by upgrading heating, ventilation, electrical and other systems, improve/add student safety systems, repair, construct and acquire school facilities and equipment, by issuing $41,300,000 in bonds at legal interest rates, with all expenditures subject to independent citizens' oversight?" PROJECT LIST      The Board of Trustees of the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, and computer and information technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The District conducted a facilities evaluation and received public input and review in developing this Project List. Teachers, staff, community members and the Board have prioritized the key health and safety needs so that the most critical facility needs are addressed. The Board concluded that if these needs are not addressed now, the problems will only become more pressing. Therefore, in approving this Project List, the Board of Trustees determines that the District should (i) add science labs, classrooms and equipment to ensure our high schools are up-to-date and can accommodate growing enrollment; (ii) upgrade emergency safety systems to ensure the safety of our students; (iii) reduce operating costs through energy efficiency and invest the savings to improve academic class offerings; (iv) establish a ten-year classroom technology fund; (v) support English, math, science and other academic programs through improved classroom technology and facilities; (vi) retain all bond money to be used in our local community; (vii) ensure comparable academic and extracurricular facilities for all students; and (viii) not raise tax rates above current levels. The Project List is on file at the District Office of the Superintendent and includes the following projects: Projects to Construct New Classrooms and Science Labs and to Convert Existing Spaces to Classrooms to Accommodate Enrollment Growth and Provide Comparable Facilities for All Students Goal and Purpose: To keep both high schools up-to-date, accommodate growing enrollment and provide earthquake-safe and accessibility-compliant classrooms and labs. Construct new classrooms/classroom buildings, which will provide needed classrooms and science labs for classes in math, English, social studies, foreign languages and core science classes. Provide Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility features as mandated by the Division of the State Architect. Build additional student restrooms. Comply with current best building practices for security and fire and earthquake safety. Install updated wiring and equipment to accommodate modern educational technology. Convert existing space to new science labs to maximize the number of student classrooms and to meet specialized instructional needs. District-Wide Instructional Technology Projects For Effective Learning Environments Goal and Purpose: To improve current instructional methods, to integrate modern technology into daily student learning, and to ensure that our schools remain among the best in the State. Provide and maintain upgraded technology, data and communication equipment. Upgrade and expand wireless systems, telecommunications, Internet and network connections. Upgrade and replace computers, hardware and software systems. Student Health and Safety, Earthquake Safety and Energy Efficiency Projects Goal and Purpose: To ensure that all students are safe and learning in a healthful environment and to reduce energy costs so that more money is available for classroom use, both Mountain View High School (originally constructed in 1962) and Los Altos High School (originally constructed in 1955) will benefit from a variety of health, safety and energy efficiency projects.      Student Health and Safety:      * Upgrade fire alarm systems to automatic systems, repair fire safety equipment, and integrate new classrooms in each school's fire safety system.      * Replace/upgrade existing security systems.      * Upgrade emergency communication systems, including warning systems and public address systems.      School Repair:      * Meet handicap accessibility requirements, including ramps, handicapped parking and bleacher access.      * Upgrade classrooms to meet current earthquake safety codes.      * Retrofit electrical systems for classroom technology.      * Upgrade outdated heating and ventilation systems.      * Improve drainage and water systems.      Energy Improvement Expected to Save More Than $400,000 per Year:      * Install energy efficient systems.      * Replace or improve window systems.      * Install solar panels to reduce energy/utility costs and return savings to educational programs.      * Reconfigure classroom lighting and maximize the use of daylight to reduce operational costs.      * Install new energy management systems.      * Replace or upgrade mechanical systems; implement cogeneration technology.      * Improve insulation, weatherproofing and roofs to reduce costs.      * Implement water conservation projects. * * *      The listed projects will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning, program management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency, and escalation for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the listed projects stated above, the Project List also includes the payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility assessment reviews, environmental studies, construction documentation, inspection and permit fees, and temporary housing of District activities displaced by bond projects. 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, and other miscellaneous equipment and software. The repair of school facilities includes the construction of a weight room and a new, energy efficient pool at Mountain View High School so that facilities at the two high schools are comparable. The allocation of bond proceeds may 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 may 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. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids 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 enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration and landscaping 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, redirecting fire access, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.      Bond proceeds shall be expended only for the specific purposes identified herein. 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 the bond projects. 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.      FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY: IN ACCORDANCE WITH EDUCATION CODE SECTION 15272, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL APPOINT A CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND CONDUCT ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDITS TO ASSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT ONLY ON DISTRICT PROJECTS AND FOR NO OTHER PURPOSE. THE EXPENDITURE OF BOND MONEY ON THESE PROJECTS IS SUBJECT TO STRINGENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS. BY LAW, PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL AUDITS WILL BE PERFORMED ANNUALLY, AND ALL BOND EXPENDITURES WILL BE MONITORED BY AN INDEPENDENT CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT AS PROMISED AND SPECIFIED. THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MUST INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, REPRESENTATION OF A BONA FIDE TAXPAYERS COMPLETE TEXT OF MEASURE A - Continued ASSOCIATION, A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND A SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION. NO DISTRICT EMPLOYEES OR VENDORS ARE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.      NO ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES: PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE BONDS AUTHORIZED BY THIS PROPOSITION SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION, OR REPLACEMENT OF SCHOOL FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOL FACILITIES, AND NOT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE, INCLUDING TEACHER AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES.