Contents. Ballot Measure Full Text Ballot Proposition Tax Rate Statement Impartial Analysis Statement in Favor of Measure...

Transcription

1 Contents Ballot Measure... 2 Full Text Ballot Proposition... 3 Tax Rate Statement... 6 Impartial Analysis... 7 Statement in Favor of Measure... 8

2 Ballot Measure EXHIBIT A HANFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS REPAIR MEASURE: To repair and upgrade aging elementary/middle school facilities by repairing outdated classrooms, upgrading inadequate electrical systems, restrooms, improving access for disabled students, provide access to computers/ modern technology, replacing aging portable classrooms and repairing, constructing, acquiring classrooms, facilities, sites and equipment, shall Hanford Elementary School District issue $24,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, requiring independent audits, citizens oversight, no money for administrators, all funds staying local, without increasing current tax rates. Bonds Yes Bonds No

3 Full Text Ballot Proposition EXHIBIT B FULL TEXT BALLOT PROPOSITION OF THE HANFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2016 The following is the full proposition presented to the voters by the Hanford Elementary School District. HANFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS REPAIR MEASURE: To repair and upgrade aging elementary/middle school facilities by repairing outdated classrooms, upgrading inadequate electrical systems, restrooms, improving access for disabled students, provide access to computers/ modern technology, replacing aging portable classrooms and repairing, constructing, acquiring classrooms, facilities, sites and equipment, shall Hanford Elementary School District issue $24,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, requiring independent audits, citizens oversight, no money for administrators, all funds staying local, without increasing current tax rates. PROJECT LIST The Board of Trustees of the Hanford Elementary School District is committed to improving the quality of education and providing a modern learning environment in local schools with safe, secure and upgraded classrooms which keep pace with 21 st Century technologies and learning standards. To that end, in developing the scope of projects to be funded, the Board evaluated the District s urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, class size reduction, overcrowding, and computer and information technology. The District conducted a facilities evaluation and received public input in developing this Project List. Teachers, staff, community members and the Board have prioritized key health and safety projects so that the most critical facility needs are addressed. below: The Project List includes the types of upgrades and improvements at District schools and sites described Basic School Repair and Upgrade Projects Upgrade inadequate electrical systems. Make health and safety improvements, including fire alarms and lighting. Improve student access to computers and modern technology. Modernize outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities. Replace aging temporary portables with permanent classrooms. Improve accessibility for students with disabilities. Remove asbestos. * * *

4 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, the reduction or retirement of outstanding lease obligations and interim or bridge 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 school facilities may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: repair and replace heating/boiler, plumbing, gas, water/sewer, drainage and ventilation systems; renovate student and staff restrooms; install signage and fencing; acquire land and facilities for educational and administrative purposes; improve outdoor learning spaces and shade structures; repair and replace worn-out roofs, windows, walls, doors, doorframes and drinking fountains; improve school facilities for disability access; install or upgrade wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrade or construct a new school or classrooms and support facilities, including administrative, physical education, cafeteria, multi-purpose rooms, classrooms, and auditorium; replace portable classrooms; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications, intercoms, and security systems; resurface or replace hard courts, asphalt, playgrounds, turf and drainage/irrigation systems and campus landscaping; improve or expand parking and traffic circulation flow; enhance fire and maintenance access roads; interior and exterior painting and floor covering; construct various forms of storage and support spaces; upgrade classrooms; repair, upgrade or install interior and exterior lighting systems; improve athletic fields, playfields, parking lots, and play apparatus; and replace outdated security fences and security systems. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, servers, switches, routers, network security/firewall, wireless technology systems and other miscellaneous equipment. The allocation of bond proceeds will be affected by the final costs of each project. 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. 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 or geological stabilization 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. 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 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.

5 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.

6 Tax Rate Statement Tax Rate Statement An election will be held in the Hanford Elementary School District (the "District") on November 8, 2016 to authorize the sale of $24,000,000 in general obligation bonds. If such bonds are authorized and sold, principal and interest on the bonds will be payable only from the proceeds of tax levies made on the taxable property in the District. These estimates are based on projections derived from information obtained from official sources and other demonstrable factors. 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 following information is submitted in compliance with Sections of the California Elections Code. i. 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 $ per $100 ($25.50 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year ii. 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 $ per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year iii. 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 $ per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation, which is projected to be the same in every fiscal year the bonds remain outstanding. iv. The best estimate from official sources of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all the bonds are issued and sold will be approximately $52.4 million. Based upon the forgoing and projections of the District s assessed valuation, 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 and other factors. Actual assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the Kings County Assessor in the assessment and the equalization process. Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property in the District as shown 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. Dated: Joy C. Gabler Superintendent Hanford Elementary School District

7 Impartial Analysis [82677] HANFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT NOVEMBER 2016 BOND MEASURE U (IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS BY COUNTY COUNSEL PURSUANT TO SECTION 9500 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE) Voter approval of this Measure will authorize the governing board of the Hanford Elementary School District (the District ) to issue and sell bonds in the maximum amount of Twenty-four Million Dollars ($24,000,000.00), bearing interest at legal rates and with maturity dates within the legal limits. The bond proceeds may be expended to upgrade, modernize, replace, and improve District facilities. The bond Project List ( List ) in the Measure describes the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds from the sale of the bonds. The District may use bond proceeds only for the purposes specified in the Measure. These include, but are not necessarily limited to, upgrading electrical systems, making health and safety improvements, improving access to technology, modernizing facilities, replacing portables, removing asbestos, and improving access for students with disabilities. The bond proceeds may not be used for purposes not specified in the List, including teacher or administrator salaries or other school operating expenses. Inclusion of a project on the List does not guarantee the project will be funded or completed. This Measure would require annual, independent performance and financial audits of the use of bond proceeds and appointment of a citizens oversight committee. Information regarding the estimated tax rate to repay these bonds is found in the Tax Rate Statement prepared by the District. The actual tax rate necessary to pay the Bond Measure may vary depending on the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold at each sale and actual increases in assessed valuations. The Measure makes no change to existing law and it must be approved by at least 55% of the eligible votes cast or the bonds will not be issued. This Measure was placed on the ballot by order of the governing board of the District. COLLEEN CARLSON County Counsel

8 Statement in Favor of Measure Argument in Favor of Measure U Hanford Elementary School District Everyone knows the importance and value of having quality schools. From higher achieving students, to greater neighborhood safety and improved property values, quality schools make a difference. While our staff does a great job in educating our students, many classrooms and school facilities at the Hanford Elementary School District are outdated and inadequate to provide children with the facilities they need to succeed. This is why our children need your YES vote on Measure U! Although our local schools have been well maintained over the years, aging classrooms and facilities must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st century standards. Measure U would allow the District to improve our schools and the quality of education provided to local students without increasing the current tax rate. By continuing to invest in our schools, we can meet today s safety, technological, and educational standards and better our community. If passed, Measure U will make critical facility improvements to our schools by: Upgrading inadequate electrical systems. Make health and safety improvements, including fire alarms and lighting. Improving student access to computers and modern technology. Modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities. Replacing aging temporary portables with permanent classrooms. Measure U makes financial sense and protects taxpayers: Measure U improves school facilities and can be accomplished without raising the current tax rate. All funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state or used for teacher or administrator salaries. By law, spending must be reviewed and annually audited by an independent citizens' oversight committee. Measure U upgrades and renovates old and inadequate school facilities, improves the education of local children, and maintains the quality of our community. That's something we can all support. Please join us and VOTE YES ON MEASURE U! Word Count: 299 Rosie Hernandez, Kings County Clerk s Recorder Manager Judith Wait, President of Children s Storybook Garden & Museum Gregory Blake, Retired USN/CDCR Michael Robinson, President of Robinson Interiors