FULL TEXT OF BOND MEASURE C
SAN RAFAEL CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES AND EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENT BOND MEASURE
By approval of this measure by at least fifty-five percent (55%) of the registered voters voting thereon, the San Rafael City Elementary School District ("District") shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $152,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed below in the Bond Project List, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified herein.
SECTION I: KEY FINDINGS
- The Board of Education ("Board") of the District is committed to maintaining the quality of education for all students in our local schools.
- The Board has determined that classrooms, including science, technology and career and job training classrooms, need to be upgraded to support 21st century instructional standards, including LED lighting, technology infrastructure to support assistive listening systems; interactive TV and projectors; and reconfigurations and renovations for collaborative group learning opportunities as well as independent learning settings.
- The Board believes that it is critical to replace aging portable classrooms and repair or replace aging roofs, both to meet modern safety standards and provide up-to-date technology infrastructure to support instructional technology.
- The District is committed to supporting climate resilience by energy conservation, cogeneration and alternate energy supply sources at District facilities including, without limitation, upgrading outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and improve classroom air filtration and air quality, which is necessary for student health and safety.
- The District has identified the need to update classrooms, restrooms and playgrounds to provide space for preschool instruction for all children in the District.
- Any Proposition 39 local bond measure proposed by the District is legally required to include mandatory taxpayer protections, including an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee and mandatory audits to ensure funds are spent as promised and that none of the money can be spent on administrators' salaries or pensions.
- In making basic repairs to aging schools, every dollar received from a local measure must only benefit local San Rafael City Schools, be controlled locally and cannot be taken away by the State of California ("State").
- The State is unable to provide the District with enough money for the District to adequately maintain its educational facilities notwithstanding ongoing efforts to obtain such monies.
- The Board and District has solicited extensive stakeholder and community input on school priorities from parents, teachers, staff, the community and civic leaders.
SECTION II: ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES
The provisions in this section are included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers of the District may be assured that their money will be spent to address specific facilities needs of the District, all in compliance with the requirements of Article XIII A, section 1(b)(3) of the State Constitution, and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Section 15264 et seq. of the California Education Code).
Evaluation of Needs. The Board of Education has evaluated the facilities needs of the District, and has identified projects to finance from a local bond measure at this time. The Board of Education hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List.
Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board of Education shall establish a new or empower an existing independent Citizens' Oversight Committee in accordance with Education Code sections 15278-15282 and applicable Board policy, to ensure bond proceeds are expended only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within sixty (60) days of the date when the Board of Education enters the results of the election in its official minutes.
Annual Performance Audit. The Board of Education shall conduct or cause to be conducted an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects described in the Bond Project List.
Annual Financial Audit. The Board of Education shall conduct or cause to be conducted an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects described in the Bond Project List.
Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this measure and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board of Education 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 shall cause a report to be filed with the Board of Education no later than January 1 of each year, commencing on the first January 1 after bonds have been issued and proceeds spent, stating (I) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in the past fiscal year, and (2) the status of any project funded or to be funded from bond proceeds. The report may be incorporated into the annual budget, annual financial report, or other appropriate routine report to the Board.
SECTION III: BOND PROJECT LIST
This Bond Project List, which is an integral part of this proposition, describes the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. All information contained within this "Section III: Bond Project List" comprises the list and description of permissible projects and expenses that may be paid from bond proceeds.
In order to meet all identified facility needs, the District intends to complete projects using a combination of funding sources, including joint use funds or contributions, development impact fees, and state funding (if available). The District will pursue state matching funds if and when they become available, and if received, they will be used for and mainly applied to projects on the Bond Project List or other high priority capital outlay expenditures as permitted in Education Code section 17070.63(c). While no specific project is dependent on the receipt of state funding for completion, approval of this measure does not guarantee that all projects on this Bond Project List at all listed sites will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this measure. The District's proposal for the projects assumes the receipt of some state matching funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.
Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this measure shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, replacement, furnishing and equipping of school facilities on the Bond Project List, which is organized as shown below by project categories (Categories A-C). Unless otherwise specified below within a category, projects listed below may be completed at any and all elementary and/or middle school sites and facilities where such project is determined necessary, and projects are authorized to be performed at each and all of the District's elementary and/or middle schools, campuses and buildings, administrative and support facilities, including, without limitation, the following school sites and properties:
- Old Gallinas School
- Bahia Vista Elementary School
- Coleman Elementary School
- Glenwood Elementary School
- Laurel Dell Elementary School
- San Pedro Elementary School
- Short Elementary School
- Sun Valley Elementary School
- Venetia Valley K-8 School
- James B. Davidson Middle School
Specific projects to be funded by the bond measure include, without limitation, the following:
CATEGORY A: PROJECTS TO SUPPORT 21ST CENTURY INSTRUCTIONAL STANDARDS INCLUDING UPGRADES TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND CAREER/JOB TRAINING CLASSROOMS
- Construct, improve, expand and/or modernize and equip preschool and transitional kindergarten (TK) buildings and facilities, administrative buildings, libraries, computer labs, and multipurpose rooms.
- Upgrade classrooms and facilities with technology infrastructure to support assistive listening systems and interactive TV and projectors.
- Renovate, reconfigure, and/or repurpose existing classrooms and buildings to accommodate 21st Century learning methods, including reconfiguration and renovation for collaborative group learning opportunities as well as independent learning settings.
- Construct, furnish and equip flexible classrooms (including outdoor learning environments) and collaboration spaces.
- Renovate, repair and upgrade school libraries to accommodate modem technology.
CATEGORY B: PROJECTS TO MODERNIZE AND UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY AND UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE, IMPROVE BUILDING FUNCTIONS AND SYSTEMS AND INSTALL ENERGY EFFICIENCY SYSTEMS
- Provide updated classroom audio/visual (AV ) technology for content delivery and presentation, which may include projectors and/or large format flat-screen monitors, sound and voice amplification systems, and ceiling mounted speakers.
- Improve and install school site network and communications infrastructure, cabling, hardware and other equipment in order to enhance network-based content and curriculum delivery, network security, and communications.
- Upgrade or replace outdated or deteriorating heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve air quality.
- Repair or replace aging roofs.
- Construct, upgrade, reconfigure and equip buildings and facilities for outdoor classroom learning opportunities, including improvements to and equipping of courtyards, walkways, and shade structures.
- Replace other outdated and deteriorating utility infrastructure, including electrical, lighting, plumbing, and sewer systems; modernize boiler rooms.
- Purchase and/or install energy efficiency equipment and energy conservation facilities, including solar energy generation systems, microgrids, power distribution and energy storage systems and high-performance windows, LED lighting and rooftop mechanical screens to improve energy efficiency and implement sustainability and best/green energy practices.
- Improve site accessibility and install ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
- Perform site work, including hardscape improvements, installation of artificial turf fields, installation of new marquees and other signage, turf, concrete patch and repair, paving, and interstitial exterior spaces, lighting, wayfinding, and fencing.
CATEGORY C: PROJECTS TO COMPLETE BASIC FACILITY UPGRADES AND TO MEET CURRENT ACADEMIC AND HEALTH & SAFETY STANDARDS AND STUDENT WELLNESS
- Modernize, upgrade or replace outdated fire systems, security alarms, security cameras, and access barriers.
- Modernize, renovate and expand restrooms for students and staff.
- Replace outdated or aging flooring, countertops and other surfaces in classrooms and buildings.
- Modernize and upgrade gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, physical education support spaces, locker rooms and equipment.
- Reconfigure or expand parking facilities and drop-off locations.
- Repaint school exteriors and interiors and refresh or replace landscaping.
- Construct, install or repair shade structures on school campuses and create sheltered outdoor eating and outdoor learning areas.
- Furnish classrooms and learning spaces with flexible furniture.
- Remove or replace aging portable buildings with new classrooms and classroom buildings.
- Install modular buildings for afterschool care.
- Construct, improve and equip courtyards and outdoor learning areas to connect library, multipurpose rooms or other buildings to new support spaces, including grading and ADA improvements.
- Construct, furnish and equip new multipurpose room at middle school, including courtyard improvements.
- Construct or modernize and equip certain facilities with new food counters/serveries and cafeteria equipment.
- Perform various site work improvements, including repair and/or replacement of fencing, gates, and paths of travel; removal of trees; grading, landscaping, hardscaping, asphalt and drainage improvements and other related site improvements.
Listed projects, repairs, improvements, rehabilitation projects and upgrades will be completed only as needed, and the listing of projects does not imply a particular prioritization among such improvements. Projects may be done in phases, based on Board of Education priorities. Listed projects may be completed at any and all District schools, sites, properties (owned or leased) and education buildings where such project is determined necessary. Decisions regarding the scope, timing, prioritization or other facets of project implementation will be made solely by the Board of Education by subsequent action. Where terms such as "renovate," "upgrade," "remodel" "modernize" and "improve" are used in the Bond Project List, the Board of Education has the discretion to determine the best method for accomplishing the project's objective. For any listed project involving renovation or modernization of a building or the major portion of a building, the District may proceed with new replacement construction instead (including any necessary demolition), if the District determines that replacement and new construction is more practical than renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, comparative cost and other relevant factors. In addition, where feasible, projects may be completed in partnership with other agencies on a joint use basis using bond proceeds, including joint use projects located on sites owned by other agencies. Property, buildings and equipment on the bond project list may be acquired or constructed through lease, sale, lease-purchase, lease-leaseback or other project delivery or acquisition methods determined appropriate by the Board.
Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of bond issuance, architectural, engineering, legal and similar planning costs, construction management, bond project staff and consultants, staff development and training expenses associated with learning construction techniques and approaches and new bond-funded equipment and systems, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. Payment of the costs of preparation of facilities planning and project implementation studies, feasibility and assessment reviews, master planning, environmental studies, permit and inspection fees, Division of State Architect (DSA) and/or Title 24 building code requirements, studies and assessments, including ADA and seismic, and temporary housing and relocation costs for dislocated programs or activities caused or necessitated by projects on the Bond Project List are permissible bond expenditures. Land may be acquired for any project, and all projects may be furnished and equipped using bond proceeds to ensure the functionality and usability of facilities and sites constructed or reconstructed with bond proceeds. Bond proceeds may be used to retire any interim funding incurred to advance fund projects described on the Bond Project List.
The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized and projects are completed. Based on the final costs of each project, certain projects described above may be delayed or may not be completed. Necessary site preparation, grading or restoration may occur in connection with acquisition of property, new construction, modernization, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of modular classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads and acquiring any necessary easements, leases, licenses or rights of way to property.
SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
No Operating Expenses. Proceeds from the sale of Bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or replacement of school facilities on the Bond Project List, including the furnishing and equipping of said school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for said school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher or administrator salaries and other school operating expenses in accordance with applicable law.
Single Purpose. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Section 15100 of the California Education Code, and all the enumerated purposes shall constitute the specific single purpose of the bonds and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purpose.
Other Terms of the Bonds. The bonds may be issued and sold in several series, and in accordance with a financing plan determined by the Board of Education pursuant to requirements of law. When sold, the bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum and with a maximum term not exceeding the statutory maximum, provided that the average useful life of bonds sold will not exceed one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the average life of the projects being financed or as otherwise provided by federal tax law. Bond funds may be used to reimburse the District for Bond Project list expenditures incurred prior to the election and bond issuance, in accordance with federal tax law.
Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the financial information contained in this measure is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District, nor are the summary or average payment estimates, if any, provided in the Ballot Label. The actual tax rates, debt service 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 dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on 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 each sale. Actual future assessed valuation 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.
In preparing this information, the District obtained reasonable and informed projections of assessed property valuations that took into consideration projections of assessed property valuations made by the County Assessor, if any, in accordance with Education Code Section 15100(c).