League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Sonoma County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Measure P School Bonds Wilmar Union School District 55% Approval Required Pass: 1,075 / 64.0% Yes votes ...... 604 / 36.0% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure P

Arguments Against Measure P

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 teachers and staff do their best in educating our children, many classrooms and school facilities in the Wilmar Union School District are outdated and inadequate to provide children with the facilities they need to succeed. Our students need your yes vote on Measure P! Although staff has done a great job of maintaining school facilities over the years, 30-50 year-old classrooms must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st century standards. A local school improvement measure would allow the District to improve the quality of the school facilities and education provided to local children. Therefore, we must invest in our elementary school so it meets today's safety, technological, and educational needs. If passed, Measure P will make critical facility improvements at Wilson School by; making health, safety and handicapped accessibility improvements, modernizing outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities, replacing energy inefficient windows and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, improving student access to computers and modern technology, and repairing or replacing deteriorating plumbing systems. Measure P makes financial sense and protects taxpayers. By law, spending must be reviewed and annually audited by an independent citizens' oversight committee and all bond funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. In addition, funds can only be spent to improve Wilson School, not for teacher or administrator salaries. Measure P upgrades and repairs old, inadequate classrooms, 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 P! s/ Rick Warner,Realtor, WUESD Board Member s/ Stacey Lakritz,CPA, Past PTA Co-President s/ (John) Paul Praetzel, Past Owner, Praetzel's Furniture s/ David Weinstock, Owner, Dave's Auto Repair s/ Lisa Liddle Gravesen, Board Member, Wilmar VFD Rebuttal to Arguments For Measure P's proponents describe inadequate school facilities in need of repair, outdated classrooms in need of modernization, and the need for computers and modern technology. They do not, however, describe any steps taken to plan for these easily anticipated expenses. The silence is deafening. None of these items came about by surprise. All are predictable and expected. Administrators have simply failed to plan for the future and want you to pay for their short-sightedness. Don't bemisled by claims that tax rates will not increase. Bond principal, interest, and fees paid the investment bankers must all be repaid and will be added to your tax bill. It gets worse. Administrators want to borrow money today that will be repaid in 40 years. Money that will be used to purchase computers, solar panels and other equipment having useful lives well short of 40 years. Future generations will be making the payments on this equipment long after it has been depleted and replaced by yet more short-term equipment funded by yet more long-term borrowing. It's a vicious circle and our children pay for it. Contrary to a common misunderstanding that we oppose all taxes and bonds, we in fact support districts that establish replacement reserve funds to avoid the need for future borrowing and tax increases. We are also receptive to bond funding when the maturity of the bond matches the useful lives of the improvements and equipment being made or acquired. Neither is the case here. Vote no on P. SONOMA COUNTY TAXPAYERS' ASSOCIATION s/ Dan Drummond, Executive Director s/ Jack Atkin, President

Bonds are loans and must be repaid just like your mortgage or car loan. But unlike those loans, bonds are repaid from higher taxes. Bonds are typically issued to facilitate the acquisition of assets having an expected useful life equal to or exceeding the life of the loan. Bonds thus allow the borrower to spread the cost of the asset over its expected useful life. But just as you would not take out a 30 year mortgage to buy a car, neither should the school district take out 40 year bonds to finance equipment (computers and other technology) and improvements (solar panels and updated electrical and plumbing systems) that have useful lives well short of forty years. Doing so only places on our children and grandchildren the burden of paying tomorrow for assets that will have long since been sent to the landfill. Further, the fact that a roof and other major building components do not last forever should surprise no one. Providing for a sound roof, functioning heating system and other elements of the physical plant should be every bit as much a part of the annual budgeting as staff salaries and utility bills. Because roofs are not replaced every year, a portion of the replacement cost should be placed in a dedicated replacement reserve fund each year so that funds are available when needed. Without an adequately funded reserve only three things can happen - and they are all bad - the District must either defer maintenance, divert funds intended for educational programs to building maintenance, or raise taxes (issue bonds). Using bonds to fund the acquisition of short shelf-life items and failing to maintain an adequate reserve simply passes on to future generations the bill for today's needs. Vote no. SONOMA COUNTY TAXPAYERS' ASSOCIATION s/ Dan Drummond, Executive Director s/ Jack Atkin, President Rebuttal to Arguments Against Modern schools are critical to providing an excellent education, preserving property values for taxpayers, and maintaining quality communities. Don't let our opponents mislead you. They don't have the facts, and don't even live in our community. Here are the facts: Fact: The District has done a good job of maintaining its facilities over the years with the resources provided to it. The District has always found alternate funding sources to improve facilities without going to voters; this is no longer an option. Fact: By law, the types of school improvements that are being proposed must, and will, be consistent with the term of the bonds. Measure P bonds will have 25-30 year terms, not 40 years as was inaccurately stated. Fact: The State requires the District to keep a deferred maintenance fund to deal with maintaining facilities, which it has done. Because the State continues to reduce funding for public education, we are asking local voters to take local control and protect the quality of education at Wilson School. Some of the most respected individuals and groups have reviewed Measure P and support it including local elected officials, community leaders, and business owners. They know that the tax deductible amount of Measure P is a small fraction of the increased property values that good schools provide. Measure P is a cost-effective way to improve the quality of education while providing students the excellent school they need for their future success. Join us in Voting Yes on Measure P. s/ Stacey Lakritz,CPA, Past PTA Co-President s/ David Weinstock,Owner, Dave's Auto Repair s/ Lisa Liddle Gravesen,Board Member, Wilmar VFD s/ (John) Paul Praetzel,Past Owner, Praetzel Furniture s/ Rick Warner,Realtor, WUESD Board Member

Tax Rate Statement from Wilmar Union School District Superintendent

An election will be held in the Wilmar Union School District (the "District") on November 6, 2012 to authorize the sale of $4,000,000 in general obligation bonds. The following information is submitted in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the California Elections Code. 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2013-14. 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2017-18. 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. These estimates are based on projections derived from information obtained from official sources. 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 timing of the bond sales and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the needs of the District. Actual assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process. s/ Eric Hoppes Superintendent Wilmar Union School District

Full Text of Measure P

EXHIBIT A This proposition may be known and referred to as the Wilmar Union School District General Obligation Bond of 2012, or Measure P. BOND AUTHORIZATION By approval of this proposition by at least 55 percent of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $4,000,000 in aggregated principal at interest rates below the legal limit, to provide finance for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, subject to all the accountability requirements specified below. BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List attached to this resolution as Exhibit A-1 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. Approval of this Bond Measure (the "Measure") does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the District that are the subject of bonds under the Measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by the Measure. If state matching funds become available, they will be used for and applied to the Bond Project List as per Exhibit A-1. The school district's proposal for the project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure. ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers in 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 XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3), of the State Constitution and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Education Code Sections 15264 and following). Evaluation of Needs. The Board has prepared an updated facilities plan in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the District. The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List contained in Exhibit A-1. Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board shall establish an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the school facilities projects listed in Exhibit A-1. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board. Performance Audits. The Board shall 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-1. Financial Audits. The Board shall 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-1. Special Bond Proceeds Account: Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board 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 of the District shall cause a report to be filed with the Board annually 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 in the annual budget, audit, or another appropriate routine report to the Board. FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of school facilities including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities or 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. The proceeds of the bonds will be deposited into a Building Fund to be held by the Sonoma County Treasurer, as required by the California Education Code. EXHIBIT A-1 BOND PROJECT LIST Bond proceeds will be expended to modernize, replace, renovate, expand, construct, acquire, equip, furnish and otherwise improve the classrooms and school facilities of the District. The specific school facilities projects to be funded include, but shall not be limited to: Make health, safety and handicapped accessibility improvements Renovate, repair, construct and/or upgrade classrooms, restrooms and school facilities Repair or replace outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems with building code compliant, energy efficient systems Replace outdated plumbing systems to meet current codes Improve student access to computers and modern technology Repair or replace outdated windows and upgrade lighting Make irrigation, drainage, and water conservation improvements Install solar panels at school sites to increase energy efficiency Upgrade/construct playgrounds, play structures and P.E. fields and facilities for school and community use Upgrade school site parking, utilities and grounds Upgrade and equip labs, multipurpose rooms, food service facilities, auditoriums, libraries, and other school facilities Replace existing wiring systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes and increased capacity Install, replace or upgrade fire alarm and security systems Federal and State-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades including site access, parking, staff and student restrooms, relocation of some existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, playground equipment, etc. Federal and State-mandated Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safety upgrades including playground equipment replacement Abate and remove hazardous materials identified prior or during construction Upgrade and expand telecommunications Repair, replace and/or upgrade paved surfaces, turf, and other grounds to eliminate safety hazards and improve outside instructional areas 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 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 list; installation of signage and fencing; 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; repair and replacement of heating and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls, doors and drinking fountains; installation wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrades or construction of support facilities, including administrative, physical education/athletic facilities and performing arts buildings and maintenance yards; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, pools, turf and irrigation systems and campus landscaping and play fields; expand parking; install interior and exterior painting and floor covering; demolition; and construction of various forms of storage and support spaces, upgrade classrooms, bleachers, kitchens, repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace outdated security fences and security systems. 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, wireless technology systems and other miscellaneous equipment and software. The allocation of bond proceeds will 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 will 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, such as gyms, fields and performing arts facilities, 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 \A7 53410