Pass: 894 / 75.57% Yes votes ...... 289 / 24.43% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

If this Measure is approved by a 55% vote, the Ross School District will be authorized to incur bonded indebtedness of up to Six Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($6,750,000) with an interest rate not to exceed the limit set by law. The proceeds of the proposed bonds must be used for the purposes set forth in the Measure and for no other purposes, and will be subject to oversight by a citizens' oversight committee and annual independent audits to assure that the funds are spent only for the school facilities projects listed in the Measure.

Ross School provides an outstanding education for children, but its K-5 classrooms and other facilities (most built in 1941) have outlived their useful lives.

In 2006, the community generously approved a $15 million bond, which serves as the core funding for our current school renovation to replace the deteriorated K-5 classrooms and raise the school above the flood plain.

The project is the culmination of an extensive 10-year process, with input from multiple committees, consisting of parents, faculty and community members. The overall projected costs are in line with comparable public school projects.

The District has worked diligently and successfully to raise additional funds from federal, state, and private sources. However, a funding shortfall still exists to complete the project.

Measure A seeks approval of a supplemental $6.75 million bond to Finish the Job. Completing the project in its entirety would be the most cost-effective and least disruptive option. Without Measure A, only the first floor of the K-5 facility would be completed, necessitating long-term portable classrooms along Ross Common. Additionally, without completion of all classrooms, construction of the privately funded gymnasium/multipurpose room would be delayed indefinitely due to space constraints.

Measure A will:

• Achieve cost efficiencies and avoid future cost escalation (costs increase by approximately $3.5 million if completion of classroom construction is delayed by 5 years)
• Reduce disruption
• Leverage taxpayer dollars with private donations
• Cost approximately $125 or less per year for the majority of homeowners
• Enhance the school's appearance, including moving the main entrance away from Allen Avenue

With a combination of public and private funding, we can complete our school renovation project, provide a safe environment for our children, and enhance our community for future generations.

This is our opportunity to Finish the Job. Please vote YES on Measure A!

Questions? http://www.rossbears.org/

s/THOMAS GAFFNEY
Co-Chair, Citizens Facilities Committee

s/NANCY P. McCARTHY
Citizens Oversight Committee,
Ross District bond (B) & Tamalpais
Union High School bonds

s/MARY POLAND
Marin Art and Garden Center Board of Trustees

s/CARLA G. SMALL
Former PTA President, Ross School

s/ELIZABETH ROBBINS, MD
Ross School District Board of Trustees

(No arguments against Measure A were submitted)

An election will be held in the Ross School District (the "District") on June 3, 2008, to authorize the sale of up to $6,750,000 in bonds of the District, as described in the proposition. If the bonds are approved, the District expects to sell the bonds in two series. (although the District may decide to issue in fewer than two or more than two series). Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California.

1. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first year after the sale of the first series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of this statement, is $0.0150 per $100 ($14.98 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in year 2008-09.

2. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first year after the sale of the last series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of this statement, is $0.0148 per $100 ($14.76 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in year 2010-11.

3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time this statement, is $0.0150 per $100 ($14.98 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in year 2008-09.

The average tax rate over the repayment period of all of the bonds (2008-09 through 2034-35) is estimated to be $0.0149 ($14.88 per $100,000 of assessed value).

Voters should note that estimated tax rate is based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property 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.

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District. 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 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.

Dated: 2/27, 2008

s/TAMMY MURPHY
Superintendent
Ross School District

ROSS SCHOOL DISTRICT RESOLUTION NO. 04-07 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROSS SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERING A SCHOOL BOND ELECTION, AND AUTHORIZING NECESSARY ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of the Ross School District (the "District"), within the County of Marin, California (the "County"), is authorized to order elections within the District and to designate the specifications thereof, pursuant to sections 5304 and 5322 of the California Education Code (the "Education Code");

WHEREAS, the Board is specifically authorized to order elections for the purpose of submitting to the electors the question of whether bonds of the District shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money for the purposes hereinafter specified, pursuant to section 15100 et. seq. of the California Education Code;

WHEREAS, pursuant to section 18 of Article XVI and section 1 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution, and section 15266 of the California Education Code, school districts may seek approval of general obligation bonds and levy an ad valorem tax to repay those bonds upon a 55% vote of those voting on a proposition for the purpose, provided certain accountability measures are included in the proposition;

WHEREAS, the Board deems it necessary and advisable to submit such a bond proposition to the electors to be approved by 55% of the votes cast;

WHEREAS, such a bond election must be conducted concurrent with a statewide primary election, general election or special election, or at a regularly scheduled local election, as required by section 15266 of the California Education Code;

WHEREAS, on June 3, 2008, a statewide election is scheduled to occur throughout the District;

WHEREAS, pursuant to section 15270 California Education Code, based upon a projection of assessed property valuation, the Board has determined that, if approved by voters, the tax rate levied to meet the debt service requirements of the bonds proposed to be issued will not exceed $30 per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation of taxable property;

WHEREAS, section 9400 et seq. of the California Elections Code requires that a tax rate statement be contained in all official materials, including any ballot pamphlet prepared, sponsored or distributed by the District, relating to the election; and

WHEREAS, the Board now desires to authorize the filing of a ballot argument in favor of the proposition to be submitted to the voters at the election; and

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, determined and ordered by the Board of Trustees of the Ross School District as follows: Section 1. Specifications of Election Order. Pursuant to sections 5304, 5322, 15100 et seq., and section 15266 of the California Education Code, an election shall be held within the boundaries of the District on June 3, 2008, for the purpose of submitting to the registered voters of the District the following proposition:

By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $6,750,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List attached hereto as Exhibit A, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below. Bonds will be issued in one or more series.

ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS

The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers of the District may be assured that their money will be spent wisely 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 Trustees has updated its facilities plan in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the District, and to determine which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board of Trustees hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List contained in Exhibit A.

Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board of Trustees shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (section 15278 et seq. of the California Education Code), to ensure bond proceeds are expended only for the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board of Trustees.

Annual Performance Audits. The Board of Trustees shall cause to conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A.

Annual Financial Audits. The Board of Trustees shall cause to conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A.

Special Bond Proceeds Account; Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board of Trustees 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 no later than January 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 2009, stating (1) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in that year, and (2) the status of any project funded or to be funded from bond proceeds. The report may relate to the calendar year, fiscal year, or other appropriate annual period as the Superintendent shall determine, and may be incorporated into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board.

BOND PROJECT LIST FOR MEASURE A

The Bond Project List attached to this resolution as Exhibit A shall be considered a part of the ballot proposition, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition. The Bond Project List, which is an integral part of this proposition, lists the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the Bonds. Listed repairs, rehabilitation projects and upgrades will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, construction management, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. In addition, certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including State grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Therefore the Board of Trustees cannot guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects.

FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS

No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only 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.

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, pursuant to section 53410 of the California Government Code.

Other Terms of the Bonds. When sold, the bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum, and that interest will be made payable at the time or times permitted by law. The bonds may be issued and sold in several series, and no bond shall be made to mature more than 25 years (if issued pursuant to the provisions of the California Education Code) or 40 years (if issued pursuant to the provisions of the California Government Code) from the date borne by that bond.

Section 2. Abbreviation of Proposition. Pursuant to section 13247 of the California Elections Code and section 15122 of the California Education Code, the Board hereby directs the Registrar of Voters to use the following abbreviation of the bond proposition on the ballot: "To provide funding to complete necessary school facilities improvements in one phase, including second- story classrooms, eliminating the need for longterm portable classrooms along Ross Common and creating space for a privately-funded gymnasium/community center, shall the Ross School District be authorized to issue up to $6.75 million in bonds at interest rates within the legal limit as specified in the Bond Project List, with a Citizens' Oversight Committee to monitor all financial activity?"

Section 3. Voter Pamphlet. The Registrar of Voters of the County is hereby requested to reprint Section 1 hereof (including Exhibit A hereto) in its entirety in the voter information pamphlet to be distributed to voters pursuant to section 13307 of the California Elections Code. In the event Section 1 is not reprinted in the voter information pamphlet in its entirety, the Registrar of Voters is hereby requested to print, immediately below the impartial analysis of the bond proposition, in no less than 10-point boldface type, a legend substantially as follows: "The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure A. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the Marin County Registrar of Voters at (415) 499- 6456 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you."

Section 4. Required Vote. Pursuant to section 18 of Article XVI and section 1 of Article XIII A of the State Constitution, the above proposition shall become effective upon the affirmative vote of at least 55% of those voters voting on the proposition.

Section 5. Request to County Officers to Conduct Election. The Registrar of Voters of the County is hereby requested, pursuant to section 5322 of the California Education Code, to take all steps to call and hold the election in accordance with law and these specifications.

Section 6. Consolidation Requirement; Canvass.
(a) Pursuant to section 15266(a) of the California Education Code, the election shall be consolidated with the statewide election on June 3, 2008.
(b) The Board of Supervisors of the County is authorized and requested to canvass the returns of the election, pursuant to section 10411 of the California Elections Code.

Section 7. Delivery of Order of Election to County Officers. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the District is hereby directed to deliver, no later than March 7, 2008 (which date is 88 days prior to the date set for the election), one copy of this Resolution to the Registrar of Voters of the County together with the Tax Rate Statement (attached hereto as Exhibit B), completed and signed by the Superintendent, and shall file a copy of this Resolution with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of the County.

Section 8. Ballot Arguments. The members of the Board are hereby authorized, but not directed, to prepare and file with the Registrar of Voters a ballot argument in favor of the proposition contained in Section 1 hereof, within the time established by the Registrar of Voters.

Section 9. Further Authorization. The members of this Board, the Superintendent, and all other officers of the District are hereby authorized and directed, individually and collectively, to do any and all things that they deem necessary or advisable in order to effectuate the purposes of this resolution.

Section 10. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of February, 2008, by the following vote:
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
ABSENT: 0
APPROVED:

s/KENNETH R. FINEMAN
President of the Board of Trustees of the Ross School District
Attest:

s/TAMMY MURPHY
Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Ross School District

EXHIBIT A
ROSS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND PROJECT LIST FOR MEASURE A

Facilities and additional infrastructure improvements to elementary classrooms and other facilities at Ross School not covered by the current bond issue, State and/or Federal funding, including construction of second-story classroom space along Ross Common.