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Smart Voter
Sonoma County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
Measure F
Bonds
Rincon Valley Union School District

55% Approval Required

Pass: 6,816 / 66.8% Yes votes ...... 3,393 / 33.2% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Jul 9 6:44pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (39/39)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement | Full Text

To continue critical renovation, modernization and safety upgrades to District schools, add classrooms to avoid overcrowding, make needed upgrades to libraries, science and computer labs, improve access to classroom technology, improve energy efficiency to save money, and renovate, construct, acquire classrooms, sites, facilities and equipment, shall Rincon Valley Union School District issue $35,000,000 in bonds at legal interest rates with citizens' oversight, annual audits, no money for administrator salaries, and all funds benefiting high quality education for local students?

Impartial Analysis
The California Constitution allows school districts to borrow money by issuing bonds to pay for construction, repair, replacement, and acquisition of school facilities if 55 percent of the voters who vote on the measure approve the sale of the bonds. The Rincon Valley Union School District Board of Trustees has called for an election and placed on the ballot the question of whether to issue bonds in the amount of $35 million for construction, upgrades, and improvements at District school sites.

Money raised by bond sales can be used for the purposes and projects stated in the Project List set forth in the Measure. Projects include adding, repairing and upgrading existing classrooms, libraries, science and computer labs, and other facilities; upgrading classroom computers and instructional technology; improving earthquake and fire safety systems; improving school energy efficiency; and upgrading campus security. As required by state law, the measure prohibits using bond proceeds for teacher or administrator salaries or other operating expenses. The inclusion of a project on the Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be funded or completed.

If the Measure is adopted, the District's Board will conduct annual, independent financial and performance audits to ensure that bond proceeds have been expended only on the projects on the Project List. In addition, an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee will be established within sixty days of the entry of the election results on the Board's minutes. The proceeds of the bonds will be maintained in a separate account in the County Treasury, and the Board must receive an annual report on the status of projects undertaken and the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in that year. These requirements are set out in the Measure.

If the Measure is approved, the District expects to sell the bonds in series over time. The funds to repay the bonds would be raised by an increase in property taxes based upon the value of land and improvements in the District. The interest rate on the bonds would depend on the market rate at the time the bonds are sold, but cannot exceed the rate set by state law. The Tax Rate Statement prepared by the District Superintendent, which follows this analysis, estimates the property tax levies required to pay off the bonds. The estimated tax levies are a projection, and could go up or down, depending on a number of factors including the timing and amount of bond sales, and changes in assessed value of property in the District.

BRUCE D. GOLDSTEIN County Counsel

By: s/ Jeffrey M. Brax Deputy County Counsel

 
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Arguments For Measure F
Rincon Valley schools have supported the educational needs of our community'schildren for over 60 years. Student test scores in the Rincon Valley School District are consistently among the highest in Sonoma County. Many of our schools have been designated California State Distinguished Schools. Our teachers, principals and staff have been recognized for their excellence in education. However, our schools and classrooms need significant facility upgrades if they are to meet the educational needs of students today and in the future. A Yes vote on Measure F will provide funds to better equip our schools for the high-quality instruction our students deserve.

Passage of Measure F will help the District pay for facilities and repairs that are needed to keep our schools safe and well-maintained, leaving more money for retaining quality teachers and academic programs.

Measure F will add classrooms to avoid overcrowding and accommodate increasing student enrollment. Measure F will also allow the district to replace old, portable classrooms with permanent facilities, reflecting the permanent nature of the District's enrollment growth over the last ten years. A Yes vote on Measure F will also allow the district to upgrade access to classroom technology so that our students are prepared to excel in the 21st Century.

Measure F includes annual audits and citizens' oversight to ensure the bond monies are spent as promised. An Independent Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee will monitor and review all bond expenditures. This committee of local residents will be tasked with ensuring all bond funds are spent as planned for the benefit of local students. No funds will be used for administrator or teacher salaries.

Quality educational facilities protect and enhance our property values and support our students. Good schools make great communities.

Please join us with your Yes vote on Measure F.

s/ Tom Ford Retired Sonoma County Treasurer-Tax Collector

s/ Caroline Keller Oakmont Resident

s/ Diane Moresi Retired Rincon Valley Superintendent

s/ Keith Christopherson Nor-Cal Construction Services

s/ Tom Scott General Manager Oliver's Market

(No arguments against Measure F were submitted)

Tax Rate Statement
To: The voters voting in the June 3, 2014 election on the question of the issuance of $35,000,000 General Obligation Bonds of the Rincon Valley Union School District.

You are hereby notified in accordance with Section 9401 of the Elections Code of the State of California of the following:

1. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments during the first fiscal year after the first sale of bonds (Fiscal Year 2014-2015), based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election and taking into account estimated future growth, is the following:

$.03000 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $30.00 per $100,000.

2. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments during the first fiscal year after the last sale of bonds and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election and taking into account estimated future growth, is as follows:

$.03000 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $30.00 per $100,000.

First fiscal year after last sale of bonds: 2020-2021

3. The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments on the bonds and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election and taking into account estimated future growth, is as follows:

$.03000 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $30.00 per $100,000.

Year of highest tax rate: Tax is projected to be the same every year. The attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only. 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 date 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. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on the bond market at the time of sale. Actual future assessed valuations 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. Accordingly, the actual tax rates and the years in which such rates are applicable may vary from those presently estimated as above stated.

s/ Casey D'Angelo Superintendent Rincon Valley Union Elementary School District

REQUIRED STATEMENT REGARDING STATE MATCHING FUNDS MEASURE F

Approval of Measure F does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Rincon Valley Union School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure F will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure F. The District's proposal for the project or projects assumes the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure. California Education Code §15122.5

Full Text of Measure F
EXHIBIT B

PROJECT LIST

The Board of Trustees of the Rincon Valley Union School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, class size reduction, and computer and information technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The District conducted facilities evaluations as reflected in two Facilities Evaluations accepted by the Board of Trustees on December 10, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference, and received public input and review in developing this Project List. The Board concludes 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) Replace aging, portable and temporary classrooms; (ii) Update science and computer labs and provide student access to up-to-date classroom technology; (iii) Construct classrooms to avoid overcrowding; (iv) Replace aging and inadequate heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems to improve energy efficiency and invest the savings to improve the quality of education; and (v) Retain all bond money to be used in our local community and not be taken by the State.

The Project List describes the types of upgrades and improvements to be authorized at the following school sites (year school constructed): Austin Creek (2000), Binkley(1972), Madrone(1966), Matanzas(1959), Sequoia(1960), Spring Creek(1958), Village(1957) and Whited(1952).

School Construction, Renovation, Repair and Upgrades

Goal and Purpose: To make basic repairs to aging schools so that schools are safe and up-to-date, allowing students to have the resources they need to excel:

  • Construct classrooms to avoid overcrowding.
  • Upgrade older windows, heating, plumbing, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical and lighting systems with building code compliant, energy efficient systems which will save money.
  • Replace existing wiring systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes and increase capacity.
  • Construct combination gym and auditorium.
  • Upgrade aging classrooms and restrooms; replace portable classrooms with permanent or modular classrooms.
  • Update libraries, science and computer labs.
  • Repair or replace leaky roofs, as necessary

Upgrading of Classroom Technology Goal and Purpose: To provide up-to-date science and technology classrooms to prepare our students to excel in the 21st Century:
  • Improve technology infrastructure and increase student access to computers and modern technology.
  • Upgrade and expand telecommunications, Internet and network connections.
  • Replace or upgrade outdated electrical wiring systems.
  • Acquire and construct dedicated computer labs.

Health, Safety and Energy Efficiency

Goal and Purpose: Since good, safe and up-to-date schools help protect local property values and retain quality teachers, schools will benefit from a variety of safety projects, and academic programs will benefit from the savings generated by energy efficient utility systems such as: Student Safety

  • Upgrade fire alarm systems, school telephone and emergency communication systems.
  • Upgrade schools to meet handicap accessibility requirements.
  • Upgrade classrooms to meet current fire and earthquake safety codes.
  • Install new security systems, such as outdoor lighting, fencing, gates and classroom door locks.
  • Replace existing doors, doorframes and hardware.
  • Upgrade school site parking, utilities and grounds.
  • Remove hazardous materials.
  • Improve student play structures to meet safety standards.

Energy Efficiency Returns Savings to the Classroom
  • Replace existing window systems with energy efficient systems to reduce costs.
  • Install energy efficient systems, including, but not limited to, solar panels to reduce energy/utility costs and return savings to educational programs.
  • Replace outdated heating and ventilation systems.
  • Install new energy and water management systems to improve efficiency and save money.
  • Improve insulation and weather proofing to reduce costs.

The listed projects will be completed as needed. 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, 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; library renovations; replace/upgrade existing signage, fencing, sound walls, storage cabinets, bells and clocks; install a compressed natural gas filling station for school buses; repair and replacement of heating and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky windows, floors, walls, doors and drinking fountains; installation wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrades to or construction of support facilities, including administrative facilities; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, blacktop surfaces, turf and irrigation systems and campus landscaping and play fields; constructing and equipping playgrounds; expand parking; install interior and exterior painting and floor covering; demolition; and construction or remodeling of various forms of support spaces, upgrade classrooms, bleachers, kitchens, repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace outdated stechnology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, digital white boards, upgrade voiceover- IP, call manager and network security/firewall, wireless technology systems and other miscellaneous equipment.The allocation of bond proceeds may be affected by the District's receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project.The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District's control. Some projects throughout the District, 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.

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 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.


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Created: July 9, 2014 18:44 PDT
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