Amador County Unified Schools: Vote Yes on Measure A Bonds - Amador County

Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Agenda Resolution Notice

Commentary on Measure A

#HonestBallots Movement

Your Amador County Registrar of Voters printed and circulated ballots for this measure that didn't conform to the law. The registrar ignored our Notice and Demand to follow the law. The legislature makes this a crime. (See: How 25 County Registrars Committed A Crime.)

If you want to get really steamed up about the collusion between your Registrar and Amador County Unified Schools to lie and cheat in order to steal your taxes, you can read the letter for yourself.

Do you want to give this district a Thanksgiving surprise? Please call or text me (with #HonestBalllots, Amador, 0602450, and your name) at 909-378-5401 right now for details. It's urgent and very time-sensitive.

Are you sure you want vote to support this extravagant measure? It has no accountability.

This campaign was designed by Capitol PFG. We figured out just the right words to get you to you to open up your checkbook.

We'd also like to introduce you to our partners -- bond lawyers, brokers, wealthy investors, architects, management firms, construction companies, and trade unions. We all stand to make a ton of money on these bonds. Our profits come right off the top, before a penny is actually spent on improving the facilities.

We're not just doing it for the money. We like to show off our work in Architectural Digest and other places where the rich and famous congregate.

Remember, we've taken a lot of risk. We gave money to get your governing board members elected, so they'd be sure to remember us when we came around for a hand-out later.

It's just business-as-usual, here in sunny Corruptifornia.

Please don't read the fine print. That's just put in by the lawyers to make what we're going to do to for you legal.

When you see highlighting in the documents below, hover overCriticalExample commentary. it to see the commentary.

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Measure A Question

EXHIBIT A-1

BOND MEASURE
for
AMADOR COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Abbreviated Form)*

"To provide well-rounded, high quality education to all local students, shall Amador County Unified School District upgrade career/technical education, science/computer labs/facilities; remove mold; repair leaky roofs; ensure fire/drinking water safety; construct, acquire facilities, sites/equipment to prepare students for college, vocational jobs/careers by issuing $78,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levy an estimated average 5.9¢/$100 of assessed value ($3,900,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with audits/oversight, be adopted?"

Bonds - Yes Bonds - No

* Limited to 75 words pursuant to California Elections Code section 13247.

The following statement was prepared in the hope the legislature would suspend the law (AB-195) that required districts to inform you of the amount of taxes for which you're voting. It's all about deceiving the voters. The school bonds cartel has no shame. It just wants your money. The ends justify the means.

One of the notorious budget trailer bills was amended in May to allow the district to keep you in the dark. Unfortunately for them, Dan Walters got wind of it and castigated the legislature for their sleazy and unscrupulous conduct. The budget trailer bill never came to a vote before the August 10 filing deadline. So the issue is moot.

EXHIBIT A-2

BOND MEASURE
for
AMADOR COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Abbreviated Form)*

"To upgrade all Amador County Unified School District schools, ensuring that all local students receive a well-rounded, high quality education, by updating aging career/technical education, science/computer labs/facilities; removing mold/lead paint/asbestos; repairing leaky roofs/ decaying walls; ensuring fire/drinking water safety; constructing, acquiring facilities, sites/equipment to prepare students for college, vocational jobs/careers, shall Amador County Unified School District issue $78,000,000 in bonds, at legal rates, requiring audits, citizen's oversight, be adopted?"

Bonds - Yes Bonds - No

* Limited to 75 words pursuant to California Elections Code section 13247.

EXHIBIT A-3

BOND MEASURE
for
AMADOR COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Abbreviated Form)*

"To provide well-rounded, high quality education to all local students, shall Amador County Unified School District upgrade facilities for career/technical education, science/computer labs; remove mold/lead paint/asbestos; repair leaky roofs; ensure fire/drinking water safety; construct, acquire facilities, sites/equipment to prepare students for college, vocational jobs/careers by issuing $78,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levy an estimated annual average 59 dollars/$100,000 of assessed value anticipated through 2054-55, with audits/citizens' oversight?"

Bonds - Yes Bonds - No

* Limited to 75 words pursuant to California Elections Code section 13247.

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Impartial Analysis for Measure A

IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE A

The California Constitution and Education Code authorize school districts to issue bonds for specific purposes if the bond issuance is approved at an election by 55% of those voting on the measure.

Measure A, an Amador County Unified School District ("District") bond measure, seeks voter approval to authorize the District to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $78,000,000 at an interest rate within statutory limits. The purpose of the bonds is to finance the specific school facilities projects described in the measure.

The complete, detailed list of projects can be found in the full text of Measure A and includes, among other projects: the construction, rehabilitation, or replacement of classrooms and facilities at all school sites; improvement of student safety and security systems; upgrades to technology and communications infrastructures; repair and replacement of HVAC systems, plumbing, sewer/gas lines, roofs and gutters, sidewalks and parking lots; removal or mitigation of hazardous materials such as mold, lead paint, and asbestos; installation of energy efficient systems and landscape and water conservation improvements; the acquisition of new furniture and equipment; and upgrades to physical education and athletic facilities. Proceeds from the bond sale may only be used for the projects listed in the measure, and cannot be used for teacher or administrator salaries or other operating expenses.

Repayment on the bonds will be made through an increase to the annual ad valorem taxes placed on all non-exempt real property within the District. The amount of the increase is determined by the amount needed to repay the principal and interest on the bonds. According to the Tax Rate Statement submitted by the District, the best estimate of the annual tax rate levy to repay the bonds is $59 per $100,000 of assessed valuation on the County's tax rolls. The District estimates that the total amount to be repaid, including principal and interest, if all the bonds are issued and sold is $140,400,000. The final year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is Fiscal Year 2054-2055.

The District is required to take certain steps to account for the proceeds from the bonds, which include appointing an independent citizens' oversight committee, depositing the proceeds in a special account, conducting annual independent performance and financial audits to ensure that funds are spent only for the purposes listed in the measure and for no other purposes, and preparing annual reports listing the amount of funds collected and expended and the status of any funded project.

A "yes" vote on this measure would authorize the District to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $78,000,000 for the projects described in the measure.

A "no" vote would prevent the District from issuing the bonds.

This measure passes if 55% of those voting on the measure vote "yes."

/s/ Gregory Gillott, Amador County Counsel

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure A. If you desire a copy of the full text of the measure, please call the Amador County Elections office at (209) 223-6465 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

You may also access the full text of Measure A at the following website: www.amadorgov.org/home/showdocument?id=31744

Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Agenda Resolution Notice

Argument in Favor of Measure A

YES on A repairs and upgrades schools here in Amador County. Every penny stays local and no funds can be taken away by the State.

Many classrooms serving students in lone, Jackson, Pine Grove, Pioneer, Plymouth, Sutter Creek and surrounding areas are more than 60 years old and need basic repairs and safety improvements. Voting Yes on A fixes broken plumbing and bathrooms, leaky roofs, aging electrical systems, outdated wiring for computer technology and improves access for students with disabilities.

Our schools have outdated security and fire safety systems. Measure A upgrades alarms, safety lighting, fencing, door locks and emergency communications systems to keep our children safe.

To succeed in the let century economy, students need a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math, but many science labs are old and outdated. Yes on A upgrades classrooms and labs to help students succeed in community college, university or the job market.

Students who don't go to college need job training and technical skills to compete for good jobs. Yes on A provides equipment, technology and classrooms for career technical education programs.

Voting YES on Measure A will:

0 Remove mold, asbestos and lead paint
0 Update aging fire safety and school security systems
0 Maintain safe drinking water
0 Repair leaky roofs and decaying walls
0 Upgrade deteriorating bathrooms, plumbing, sewer and gas lines
0 Improve access for students with disabilities
0 Replace aging portables with permanent classrooms
0 Update classrooms and science/computer labs to support science, technology, engineering and math instruction
0 Provide career technical education classrooms/equipment to prepare students for good jobs

Measure A Requires Strict Accountability

0 All funds must stay in Amador County to benefit local schools
0 No funds can be taken by the State
0 Independent citizens' oversight and annual audits are required
0 Funds cannot be spent on administrators' salaries/benefits

Vote Yes on A for Amador County schools and students.

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Argument Against Measure A

No Argument Against Filed.

Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Agenda Resolution Notice

Full Text of Measure A

FULL TEXT BALLOT PROPOSITION
OF THE AMADOR COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOND MEASURE ELECTION NOVEMBER 6, 2018

The following is the full proposition presented to the voters by the Amador County Unified School District.

INTRODUCTION

Some Amador County Unified School District classrooms and buildings were built more than 60 years ago and are in urgent need of basic repairs and safety upgrades; including broken plumbing and bathrooms, leaky roofs, aging electrical systems, outdated wiring for computer technology and limited access for disabled students. This bond measure includes strict accountability requirements including a Citizens' Oversight Committee and independent annual financial and performance audits. No money from this measure will go towards administrators' salaries or pensions and all funds will stay local and cannot be taken by Sacramento.

Students who don't go to college need job skills training, technical knowledge, and specialized skills to compete for good-paying jobs. This measure will support career technical education programs that require equipment, technology and classroom space to ensure our students can compete in the labor market.

In order to succeed in the twenty-first century economy, our students need skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. But many of our county schools' science labs are over 40 years old. This measure will upgrade classrooms so that all students have access to the technology needed to help them develop the vital skills required to be successful at community college or university and compete in a twenty-first century economy.

Many schools in our area have outdated security and safety features, including aging electrical and fire safety systems, as well as inadequate safety lighting, fencing, and emergency communications systems. This measure will allow our schools to make basic security upgrades that will help to keep our children safe. This measure will ensure that our schools are able to retain and attract quality teachers.

By upgrading and building new classrooms, the best teachers will want to teach in our community because classrooms will be up-to-date and have greater access to new technology to support twenty-first century instruction needs. The District's school's vocational and career education programs are effectively connecting students with local employers, like Jackson Rancheria and Sutter Amador Hospital. This measure will enable our local schools to update classroom technology so that students expand the skills and training necessary to improve their internship and career opportunities.

The Board of Trustees of the Amador County Unified School District is committed to providing all students with a well-rounded and high-quality education in local schools by providing facilities for career and technical education and preparing students for 21st Century Learning and attracting and retaining quality teachers. To meet this goal, the Board evaluated the District's urgent and critical facilities needs, including fire safety issues, basic repairs, and computer and information technology in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The District conducted

a facilities evaluation and received stakeholder input in developing this Project List. Teachers, principals, staff, community members and the Board have prioritized preparing students for college, vocational jobs and career success so that the most critical facility needs are addressed.

The Amador County Unified School District Facilities Plan shows the district has more than $160 million in facility needs, including the need to rehabilitate many schools, some that are now over 60 years old and in need of significant improvements. Upgrade needs include fixing deteriorating classrooms, leaky roofs, water pipes, plumbing, bathrooms, and electrical wiring; removing asbestos and lead paint; and replacing outdated fire safety systems. 21st Century Learning needs include technological upgrades to classrooms, science labs and computer labs to meet modern educational standards.

Therefore, in approving the Project List below, the Board of Trustees determines that the District must:

1) Remove mold, lead paint, and asbestos, repair leaky roofs and decaying walls.
2) Ensure fire safety.
3) Ensure school drinking water continues to be safe.
4) Upgrade outdated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) labs.
5) Update electrical systems and wiring for computers and internet access.
6) Improved accessibility for disabled students.
7) Replace deteriorated infrastructure including sewer and gas lines, plumbing and restrooms.
8) Adhere to fiscal accountability safeguards such as:

a. All funds must be used locally to the benefit of local students.
b. All expenditures must be subject to annual independent financial audits.
c. No funds used for administrators' salaries or pensions.
d. An independent citizens' oversight committee must be appointed to ensure that all funds are spent only as authorized.

BONDS

To provide well-rounded, high quality education to all local students, shall Amador County Unified School District upgrade career/technical education, science/computer labs/facilities; remove mold; repair leaky roofs; ensure fire/drinking water safety; construct, acquire facilities, sites/equipment to prepare students for college, vocational jobs/careers by issuing $78,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levy an estimated average 5.9�/$100 of assessed value ($3,900,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with audits/oversight, be adopted?

PROJECT LIST

Bond funds will be expended on projects to provide safe, secure and up-to-date facilities and equipment, to repair and replace aging infrastructure, to update school grounds, safety and security systems, to repair and replace plumbing, provide facilities to support 21st Century

Learning, and to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources. The Project List includes the following types of upgrades and improvements at schools and sites, District-wide:

Ione Elementary School, located at 415 S. Ione Street, Ione, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� Construct new, permanent classroom buildings ("New Classrooms")
� Code compliance and safety upgrades to facilities, including restrooms, fire alarms, seismic safety or other retro-fitting (e.g., gas/water shutoff valves), and/or paving ("Code and Safety Improvements")
� Infrastructure upgrades, including exterior enclosures ("Upgrade Exterior Enclosures")
� Replace or retrofit roofing systems ("Roofing Upgrades")
� Replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") and/or make other utility systems upgrades, such as EMS ("HVAC Upgrades")
� Technology installation and upgrades, including electrical service or distribution, lighting, receptacles, phones, television, and/or data systems ("Technology Upgrades")
� Create accessible paths of travel (paving, thresholds, and landings), upgrade door frames and related hardware, upgrade and improve restrooms, casework, signage, and/or other facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA Compliance Upgrades")
� Modernize existing facilities, including replacement of floor, wall, and ceiling finishes and addition of casework ("Modernize Classrooms")

Jackson Elementary School, located at 220 Church Street, Jackson, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Pine Grove STEM Elementary School, located at 20101 Highway 88, Pine Grove, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades

� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Pioneer VAPA Elementary School, located at 24625 Highway 88, Jackson, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Plymouth Elementary School, located at 18601 Sherwood, Plymouth, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Sutter Creek Primary & Elementary School, located at 340 Spanish Street, Sutter Creek, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Ione Junior High School, located at 450 S. Mill Street, Ione, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Jackson Junior High School, located at 747 Sutter Street, Jackson, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Shenandoah Valley Charter (ACOE), located at 10010 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Amador High School, located at 330 Spanish Street, Sutter Creek, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades

� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Argonaut High School, located at 501 Argonaut Lane, Jackson, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

Independence High School, located at 525 Independence Drive, Sutter Creek, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

North Star Independent Study School, located at 525 Independence Drive, Sutter Creek, California � new construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of classrooms, facilities, and improvements, including:

� New Classrooms
� Code and Safety Improvements
� Upgrade Exterior Enclosures
� Roofing Upgrades
� HVAC Upgrades
� Technology Upgrades
� ADA Compliance Upgrades
� Modernize Classrooms

In addition to the projects listed above, the following list describes the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds at all District sites.

ALL DISTRICT SITES

� Update, renovate, reconstruct, repair and/or upgrade classrooms, aging science labs, equipment and computer systems to meet current standards and support academic and career pathways necessary to prepare students to compete in a global economy;
� Repair, or replace, old, leaky roofs and gutters, worn-out floors, doors, ceilings, walls, windows, lighting and restrooms;
� Replace deteriorated sewer and gas lines;
� Improve student safety and security systems, including lighting, fencing, gates, communication systems, cameras, classroom door locks, etc.;
� Provide and maintain up-to-date technology, data and communications software and equipment, including cloud-based technology and upgrade instructional technology in the classroom for improved student learning;
� Upgrade technology infrastructure and electrical service capacity and distribution to relieve overloaded electrical systems so that it can handle modern instructional technology;
� Improve telephone, data, video, and communication systems;
� Repair or replace plumbing, fixtures, appliances, irrigation systems and drains with efficient alternatives such as low-flow fixtures and dual-flush toilets to improve water efficiency and reduce usage and costs;
� Construct, expand, reconstruct, repair and/or renovate existing facilities to accommodate new or expanded programs, including classrooms, restrooms, technology centers, multi-purpose educational buildings, performing arts buildings, learning labs, media centers, health centers and other academic, college and career pathways;
� Repair, remove, update, upgrade and/or replace portable classrooms;
� Repair, upgrade and/or replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems with building code compliant energy efficient systems improving air quality and reducing operating costs, allowing the district to retain qualified teachers and programs;
� Make school site safety improvements to include repairing or replacing sidewalks, concrete and asphalt surfaces;
� Improve, repair and/or replace parking lots, pick-up and drop off area, and ingresses/ egresses, including, but not limited to: new parking, re-lining and re-sealing parking lots, redesigning pick-up and drop-off areas, widening roads, etc.;
� Make health and safety renovations and/or improvements including, but not limited to removal or mitigation of hazardous materials � including, but not limited to, mold, lead paint and asbestos;
� Handicap accessibility improvements to meet current health, safety and instructional standards;

� Building improvements, including but not limited to: restrooms, structural repairs and improvements, food service storage, preparation and serving areas, food service equipment, administrative areas, counseling areas, student services areas, multi-purpose buildings, education support facilities, storage and warehouse facilities, locker rooms, including showers and lockers, portable classrooms (including acquisition), etc.;
� Physical education and athletic facility upgrades, including but not limited to: gymnasiums and team-rooms, field and other outdoor lighting, tennis courts, tracks and fields, pools and pool equipment (including chlorine rooms), bleachers, etc.;
� Landscape and water conservation improvements including but not limited to: tree mitigation, walkways, walkway covers, ramps, soil stabilization, soil mitigation, fencing, new or upgraded irrigation systems, uneven paving and concrete, etc.;
� Construction, acquisition, repair and/or installation of shade structures to enhance the outdoor student educational environment;
� Furniture and equipment acquisition and/or replacement
� Install energy efficient systems, such as solar photovoltaic panels, dual-pane windows, solar tube skylights, automatic hand dryers, and energy-efficient water heaters and other appliances to save money and natural resources; and
� Upgrade intruder alert and fire alarm systems, including fire safety equipment and sprinklers to make students safe in the event of an emergency.

* * *

FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY

In accordance with Education Code section 15282, the Board of Trustees will:

� Appoint an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee to include, among others, representation of a bona fide taxpayers' association, a business organization, and a senior citizen organization, to monitor bond expenditures, ensuring funds are spent as promised and specified. No District employees or vendors are allowed to serve on the Citizens' Oversight Committee.
� Conduct annual independent audits to assure that funds are spent only on district projects and for no other purpose;
� Ensure that the expenditure of bond money on these projects is subject to stringent financial accountability requirements;
� Ensure that performance and financial audits will be performed annually,

STATE MATCHING FUNDS

Education Code section 15122.5 requires the following statement to be included in the sample ballot:

"Approval of this bond measure does not guarantee that the proposed projects in the Amador County Unified School District that are the subject of bonds under this measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this bond measure. The Amador County Unified School District's proposal for certain of the projects assumes the receipt of matching state funds, which are subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure."

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.

ANNUAL TAX AMOUNT, RATE, AND DURATION: The bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum. The maturity of the bonds shall not exceed the maximum term allowed by law at the time of issuance. Accordingly, as further set forth in the tax rate statement, the ad valorem tax will be levied at such rates and for so long as may be required to meet the debt service needs of the bonds issued, including such bonds that may be issued to refund any approved bonds.

* * *

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, 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.

The construction of facilities included in the project list above is assumed to include the construction of new schools, classrooms and support sites, including the acquisition of land, necessary furnishings, equipment, technology, and installation of site infrastructure, as needed to accommodate continued growth or shifts in student population and provide additional learning facilities or replace aging facilities.

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: renovate student and staff restrooms; upgrade or install signage, clocks and fencing; repair and replace heating and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies; repair and replace worn-out and deteriorated roofs, windows, walls, doors and drinking fountains; upgrade public address systems; install wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; meet earthquake safety standards; improve water SC110796 Full Text of Ballot Measure
Amador County Unified School District conservation; upgrade or construct support facilities, including administrative, physical education (including upgrading gyms, stadiums, athletic facilities, tracks, bleachers, lockers and equipment rooms), theater, and agricultural education classrooms and labs and performing arts and music classrooms; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurface or replace hard courts, turf, install all-weather turf; irrigation and drainage systems and campus landscaping; replace asphalt and broken pavement; expand or improve parking lots and drop-off areas; replace portable classrooms; interior and exterior painting, floor covering and tile replacement; upgrade or expand school cafeterias; construct various forms of storage and support spaces and classrooms; repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; improve athletic fields and shade structures, including adding solar shade structures, and solar panels; replace or upgrade outdated security fences, gates and security systems (including access control systems); and upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, call manager and network security/firewall, wireless technology systems, and other miscellaneous equipment. 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. 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 section 53410.

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Measure A Tax Rate Statement

TAX RATE STATEMENT CONCERNING MEASURE __

An election will be held in the Amador County Unified School District (the "District") on November 6, 2018, to authorize the sale of up to $78,000,000 in bonds of the District for the school facilities projects described in the bond measure. If such bonds are authorized, the District expects to sell the bonds in one or more series. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable only 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 California Elections Code. Such information is based upon assessed valuations available from official sources and projections based upon experience within the District, and other demonstrable factors. Based upon the foregoing, the following information is provided:

(1) The best estimate from official sources of the average annual tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on estimated assessed valuations which are projected based on experience Within the District or other demonstrable factors, is $0.059 per $100 of assessed valuation ($59 per $100,000 of assessed valuation). The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is Fiscal Year 2054-55.
(2) The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations which are projected based on experience within the District or other demonstrable factors, is $0.059 per $100 of assessed valuation ($59 per $100,000 of assessed valuation). The estimated year in which that rate would apply is Fiscal Year 2019-20.
(3) 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 is $140,400,000 ($78,000,000 of principal and $62,400,000 of interest). This estimate is based on assumptions regarding future interest rates and the term, timing, structure and amount of each series of bonds.

Voters should note that such estimated tax rates are specific to the repayment of bonds issued under this authorization and are and will be in addition to tax rates levied in connection with other bond authorizations approved or to be approved by the District or any other overlapping public agency.

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

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Measure A Agenda Description

Agenda of August 8, 2018 (complete item)

AGENDA
AMADOR COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
CLOSED SESSION 6:00 PM OPEN SESSION 6:30 PM

14.0 DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

14.1 Resolution ACUSD 18/19-003 Ordering Potential Bond Measure Election � Discussion/Action (Mr. Critchfield)

The Board has considered placing a 55% bond measure on the November ballot for several months. Community information study sessions were held to discuss the possible bond measure. The Resolution will call an election to be held within the District on November 6, 2018, and consolidate said election with the statewide gubernatorial election of the same date. The Measure, if approved by 55 percent or more of the registered voters voting at the election, will authorize the District to issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $78,000,000.00 for the purpose of raising money for the improvement, upgrade, renovation, and replacement of the District's existing schools, facilities, and construction of additional schools, and paying costs incident thereto, as set forth more fully in a ballot proposition approved pursuant to the Resolution. If the Board adopts the Resolution, it will be forwarded to the County so that appropriate steps can be taken to place the Measure on the November 6, 2018 ballot. 32

Amador County Public Schools
[x] District County
____________________________________________________________

August 8, 2018

AGENDA ITEM #: 14.1 Motion: ________________
Second: ________________
Vote: ________________

SUBJECT:

Resolution ACUSD 18/19-003 Ordering Potential Bond Measure Election � Discussion/Action

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Board has considered placing a 55% bond measure on the November ballot for several months. Community information study sessions were held to discuss the possible bond measure.

The Resolution will call an election to be held within the District on November 6, 2018, and consolidate said election with the statewide gubernatorial election of the same date. The Measure, if approved by 55 percent or more of the registered voters voting at the election, will authorize the District to issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $78,000,000.00 for the purpose of raising money for the improvement, upgrade, renovation, and replacement of the District's existing schools, facilities, and construction of additional schools, and paying costs incident thereto, as set forth more fully in a ballot proposition approved pursuant to the Resolution.

If the Board adopts the Resolution, it will be forwarded to the County so that appropriate steps can be taken to place the Measure on the November 6 ballot.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

The Measure, if approved by 55 percent or more of the registered voters voting at the election, will authorize the District to issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $78,000,000.00.

RECOMMENDATION:

Superintendent Slavensky recommends the Board of Trustees adopt Resolution ACUSD 18/19-003 to place a 55% General Obligation Bond Measure on the November 2018 ballot.

PRESENTED BY:

Jared Critchfield, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services

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Measure A Resolution

RESOLUTION NO. ACUSD 18/19-003

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF AMADOR COUNTY
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERING AN ELECTION,
ESTABLISHING SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ELECTION ORDER, AND
REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION WITH ANY OTHER ELECTIONS
OCCURRING ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018

WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of the Amador County Unified School District (the "District"), it is advisable to call an election to submit to the electors of the District the question of whether the bonds of the District shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money for the improvement, upgrade, and renovation of the District's existing schools and the acquisition and construction of additional classrooms and school facilities; and

WHEREAS, some District classrooms and buildings were built more than 60 years ago and are in urgent need of basic repairs and safety upgrades; including broken plumbing and bathrooms, leaky roofs, aging electrical systems, outdated wiring for computer technology and limited access for disabled students; and

WHEREAS, this bond measure includes strict accountability requirements including a Citizens' Oversight Committee and independent annual financial and performance audits. No money from this measure will go towards administrators' salaries or pensions and all funds will stay local and cannot be taken by Sacramento; and

WHEREAS, students who do not go to college need job skills training, technical knowledge, and specialized skills to compete for good-paying jobs. This measure will support career technical education programs that require equipment, technology and classroom space to ensure our students can compete in the labor market; and

WHEREAS, in order to succeed in the 21st century economy, our students need skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. But many of our county schools' science labs are over 40 years old. This measure will upgrade classrooms so that all students have access to the technology needed to help them develop the vital skills required to be successful at community college or university and compete in a 21st century economy; and

WHEREAS, many schools in our area have outdated security and safety features, including aging electrical and fire safety systems, as well as inadequate safety lighting, fencing, and emergency communications systems. This measure will allow our schools to make basic security upgrades that will help to keep our children safe; and

WHEREAS, this measure will ensure that our schools are able to retain and attract quality teachers. By upgrading and building new classrooms, the best teachers will want to teach in our community because classrooms will be up-to-date and have greater access to new technology to support 21st century instruction needs; and

WHEREAS, the District's school's vocational and career education programs are effectively connecting students with local employers, like Jackson Rancheria and Sutter Amador Hospital. This measure will enable our local schools to update classroom technology so that students expand the skills and training necessary to improve their internship and career opportunities; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the approval of Proposition 39 on November 7, 2000, Article XIIIA, Section 1, paragraph (b) of the California Constitution ("Article XIIIA") provides an exception to the limit on ad valorem property taxes on real property for bonded indebtedness incurred by a school district that has been approved by fifty-five percent (55%) of the voters of the District voting on the proposition; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to California Education Code section 15264 et seq. (the "Act"), this Board is specifically authorized, upon approval by two-thirds (2/3) of the Board, to submit to the electorate of the District the question of whether bonds of the District shall be issued and sold for specified purposes, upon a fifty-five percent (55%) vote of the electorate in favor on the question, pursuant to paragraph (3) of said subdivision (b) of Section 1 of Article XIIIA and subdivision (b) of Section 18 of Article XVI of the California Constitution; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to California Elections Code section 10403 et seq., it is appropriate for the Board to request consolidation of the election with any and all other elections to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, and to request the election officials of Amador County (the "County") to perform certain election services for the District; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to subdivision (c) of California Education Code section 15100, the Board has obtained reasonable and informed projections of assessed property valuations that take into consideration projections of assessed property valuations made by the County Assessor.

NOW THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE AMADOR COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The Board hereby orders an election and submits to the electors of the District the question of whether general obligation bonds of the District in the aggregate principal amount of $78,000,000 (the "Bonds") shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money for the improvement, upgrade, renovation, and replacement of the District's existing schools, facilities, and improvements, and the acquisition and construction of additional schools, facilities, and improvements, and paying costs incident thereto, as set forth more fully in a ballot proposition approved pursuant to Section 3 below. This Resolution constitutes the order of the District to call such election.

Section 2. The date of the election shall be November 6, 2018.

Section 3. The purpose of the election shall be for the voters in the District to vote on a proposition, alternative full versions of which are attached hereto and marked Exhibits B-1, B-2, and B-3, incorporated by reference herein, and containing the question of whether the District shall issue the Bonds to pay for improvements to the extent permitted by such proposition. As required by California Elections Code section 13247, the abbreviated alternative forms of the 34
SC105980 3 measure to appear on the ballot are attached hereto as Exhibits A-1, A-2, and A-3. The District's Superintendent (or her designee) is hereby authorized and directed to make any changes to the text of the proposition or its abbreviated form as required to comply with the intent of this Resolution, the requirements of elections officials, and requirements of law. In compliance with Proposition 39, policies of the Board, and the Act, the alternative ballot propositions in Exhibits B-1, B-2, and B-3 are subject to the following requirements and determinations:

(a) the proceeds of the sale of the Bonds shall be used only for the purposes set forth in the ballot measure and not for any other purpose, including teacher or administrator salaries or other school operating expenses;
(b) that the Board, in establishing the projects set forth in alternative Exhibits B-1, B-2 and B-3, evaluated the safety, class size reduction, classroom, educational and information technology needs of the District as well as the importance of the projects to improve student safety and environment;
(c) that the Board shall cause an annual, independent performance audit to be conducted to ensure that the Bond monies get spent only for the projects identified in alternative Exhibits B-1, B-2 and B-3 hereto;
(d) that the Board shall cause an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of Bonds to be conducted until all of the Bond proceeds have been expended;
(e) that the Board shall appoint a Citizens' Oversight Committee in compliance with sections 15278, 15280, and 15282 of the Act; and
(f) that the tax levy authorized to secure the Bonds of this election shall not exceed the Proposition 39 limits per $100,000 of taxable property in the District when assessed valuation is projected by the District to increase in accordance with Article XIIIA of the California Constitution.

Section 4. In addition to that general authorization and direction specified by Section 3 of this Resolution, if Senate Bill 863 (2017-18 Reg. Sess.) is chaptered and becomes effective prior to November 6, 2018, the District's Superintendent (or her designee) is hereby authorized to use and deliver Exhibits A-2, B-2 and C-2; alternatively, if Assembly Bill 6 (2017-18 Reg. Sess.) is chaptered and becomes effective prior to November 6, 2018, the District's Superintendent (or her designee) is hereby authorized to use and deliver Exhibits A-3, B-3 and C-3.

Section 5. The authority for ordering the election is contained in California Education Code section 15264, et seq., and Article XIIIA, section 1, paragraph (b), subsection (3) of the California Constitution. The authority for the specification of this election order is contained in California Education Code section 5322.

Section 6. The District hereby declares its official intent, subject to the further approval of this Board, to use up to the maximum amount permitted by law of the proceeds of the proposed Bonds to reimburse itself for payments it has made for any eligible costs of the projects and uses listed in alternative Exhibits B-1, B-2 and B-3. It is intended that this Resolution shall, among other things, constitute a declaration of "official intent" within the meaning of Section 35
SC105980 4 1.150-2 of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 150 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Section 7. The County Registrar of Voters and the County Board of Supervisors are hereby requested to consolidate the election ordered hereby with any and all other elections to be held on November 6, 2018, within the District. Pursuant to section 5303 of the Education Code and section 10002 of the Elections Code, the County Board of Supervisors is requested to permit the County Registrar of Voters, and other appropriate officials of the County, to render all services necessary in connection with the bond election including, but not limited to, publication of a Formal Notice of School Bond Election pursuant to Education Code section 5363 and related law (the proposed alternative forms of which are attached hereto in Exhibits C-1, C-2 and C-3), the mailing of the sample ballot and tax rate statement (described in section 9401 of the Elections Code), the opportunity to submit ballot arguments in connection with the bond election, the canvassing and certification of the returns of the election, and other ballot requirements pursuant to Elections Code section 15123, for which services the District agrees to reimburse the County as required by law.

Section 8. The Secretary of the Board is hereby directed to deliver a certified copy of this Resolution to the Amador County Registrar of Voters no later than August 9, 2018.

Section 9. The Bonds may be issued pursuant to Education Code section 15264 et seq. or Government Code section 53506. The maximum rate of interest on any Bond shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by Education Code sections 15140 to 15143, as modified by Government Code section 53531.

Section 10. The Board, the Superintendent of the District, and officers of the District are hereby authorized and directed, individually and collectively, to make any changes to the text of the proposition or its abbreviated form as required to comply with the intent of this Resolution, the requirements of elections officials, and requirements of law, and to do any and all things and to execute, deliver, and perform any and all agreements and documents that they deem necessary or advisable in order to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution, including, without limitation, to prepare and submit a tax rate statement and an argument in favor of passage of the ballot measure within the time established by the Amador County Registrar of Voters, which shall be considered the official ballot argument of this Board as sponsor of the proposition. All actions heretofore taken by the officers and agents of the District that are in conformity with the purposes and intent of this Resolution are hereby ratified, confirmed, and approved in all respects.

Section 11. If any section, subsection, phrase or clause of this Resolution, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution, or their application to any other person or circumstance. The Board declares that it would have adopted this Resolution and each section, subsection, phrase or clause thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, phrases or clauses, or their application to any person or circumstance, shall be declared invalid.

Section 12. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PASSED AND ADOPTED on August 8, 2018, by the following vote:

AYES: _________________

NOES: _________________

ABSTENTIONS: _________________

ABSENT: _________________

By: ____________________________________

President, Board of Trustees of the Amador County
Unified School District

ATTEST:

________________________________________

Clerk, Board of Trustees of the
Amador County Unified School District

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Measure A Notice of Election

EXHIBIT C-1

FORMAL NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOND ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the qualified electors of the Amador County Unified School District of Amador County, California, that in accordance with the provisions of the Education Code of the State of California, an election will be held on November 6, 2018 within the District, at which election the following measure shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the District and voted upon:

"To provide well-rounded, high quality education to all local students, shall Amador County Unified School District upgrade career/technical education, science/computer labs/facilities; remove mold; repair leaky roofs; ensure fire/drinking water safety; construct, acquire facilities, sites/equipment to prepare students for college, vocational jobs/careers by issuing $78,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levy an estimated average 5.9�/$100 of assessed value ($3,900,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with audits/oversight, be adopted?

Bonds - Yes Bonds - No"

The bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum. The maturity of the bonds shall not exceed the maximum term allowed by law at the time of issuance (currently 25 years if issued under Education Code section 15140, or 40 years if issued under Government Code section 53508, so long as the bonds are not capital appreciation bonds ("CABs," which CABs are limited to 25 years)). Accordingly, as further set forth in the tax rate statement, the ad valorem tax will be levied at such rates and for so long as may be required to meet the debt service needs of the bonds proposed to be issued, including such bonds that may be issued to refund any approved bonds.

All of the purposes enumerated in the foregoing measure shall be united and voted upon as one single measure, with precincts, places of holding the elections and officers appointed to conduct the elections to be the same as those provided for the statewide gubernatorial general election to be held on November 6, 2018 under the Notice of Election published ________.

This election has been called pursuant to a Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Amador County Unified School District, adopted on ________, 2018. The Elections Official of the County of Amador hereby gives formal notice of the election in accordance with the provisions of Education Code section 15120.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ day of ___________, 2018.

Registrar of Voters
Amador County, California

EXHIBIT C-2

FORMAL NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOND ELECTION

Bonds - Yes Bonds - No"

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ day of ___________, 2018.

Registrar of Voters
Amador County, California

EXHIBIT C-3

FORMAL NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOND ELECTION

Bonds - Yes Bonds - No"

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ____ day of ___________, 2018.

Registrar of Voters
Amador County, California

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