Panama-Buena Vista Union Schools: Vote Yes on Measure H Bonds - Kern County - 2018 general Election
Are you a good listener? Keep your ear to the ground and let us know. Sign Up                                        Can you really invalidate your November 8, 2024 bond or tax elections? Teleconference: Setting Aside an Unlawful Election every Sunday night through February 2025. Registration required.                                        FPPC Complaint Workshop. Teleconference: First Wednesday of every month, except holidays. Next workshop: 2024-12-04. Registration required.                                        
Sign In

Use Ctrl-- (ctrl minus sign) to reduce text size, or Crtl-+ (ctrl plus sign) to increase.


Why didn't Panama-Buena Vista Union tell you specifically what it will do with the $90,000,000 in Measure H?

We Could Really Use Your Help!

Real Grassroots Against Measure H

Visit our web page.

Send us a message.

Give us a call (or send a text) 909-378-5401.

  Commentary    Question    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution  

Commentary on Measure H

#HonestBallots Movement

Your Kern 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 Panama-Buena Vista Union 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, Kern, 0606390, 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 Clifford Moss LLC (Bonnie Moss). 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, it to see the commentary.

  Commentary    Question    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution  

Measure H Question

To improve school safety and security, construct/equip new school facilities to relieve severe overcrowding, and repair/upgrade older classrooms, labs, facilities and instructional technology supporting student achievement/college readiness in math, science, engineering, technology, arts, shall Panama-Buena Vista Union School District issue $90 million in bonds, at legal rates, an estimated 3 cents per $100 assessed value (averaging $18 million annually) for approximately 20 years to improve neighborhood K-8 schools, with citizen oversight and all money locally controlled?

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.

To improve school safety and security in neighborhood K-8 schools, construct and equip new classrooms and school facilities to relieve severe overcrowding, and repair and upgrade older classrooms, labs, facilities and instructional technology supporting student achievement and college readiness in math, science, engineering, technology and arts, shall Panama-Buena Vista Union School District issue $90 million in bonds at legal rates, with mandatory annual audits, independent citizen oversight, no money for administrators' salaries or pensions, and all money locally controlled?

  Commentary    Question    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution  

Full Text of Measure H

A-1
4128-3800-3220.6

EXHIBIT A

FULL TEXT OF BOND PROPOSITION

PANAMA-BUENA VISTA UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL SAFETY, MODERNIZATION, CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT MEASURE

This proposition may be known and referred to as the "Panama-Buena Vista Union School District School Safety, Modernization, Construction and Improvement Measure" or as "Measure __". [designation to be assigned by County Registrar of Voters]

BOND AUTHORIZATION

By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the voters of the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District (the "District") voting on the proposition, the District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $90,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed under the heading entitled "BOND PROJECT LIST" below (the "Bond Project List"), and qualify to receive State of California matching grant funds, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below.

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 to address specific school facilities needs of the District, all in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution, and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Sections 15264 and following of the California Education Code (the "Education Code")).

Evaluation of Needs. The Board of Trustees of the District (the "Board") has prepared a facilities needs assessment in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the District at each campus and facility, and to determine which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List.

Limitations on Use of Bonds. 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, including, to the extent permitted by law, the acquisition or lease of real property in connection with an existing financing or future financing of the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List, including the A-2
4128-3800-3220.6
prepayment of existing or future interim lease, certificate of participation or lease revenue bond financings, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses.

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 for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date that the Board enters the election results on its minutes pursuant to Section 15274 of the Education Code. In accordance with Section 15282 of the Education Code, the citizens' oversight committee shall consist of at least seven members and shall include a member active in a business organization representing the business community located within the District, a member active in a senior citizens' organization, a member active in a bona fide taxpayers' organization, a member that is a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District, and a member that is both a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District and active in a parent-teacher organization. No employee or official of the District and no vendor, contractor or consultant of the District shall be appointed to the citizens' oversight committee.

Annual 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 the Bond Project List. These audits shall be conducted in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States for performance audits. The results of these audits shall be made publicly available and shall be submitted to the citizens' oversight committee in accordance with Section 15286 of the Education Code.

Annual 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 the Bond Project List. These audits shall be conducted in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States for financial audits. The results of these audits shall be made publicly available and shall be submitted to the citizens' oversight committee in accordance with Section 15286 of the Education Code.

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 no later than January 1 of each year, commencing on the first January 1 after the sale of the first series of bonds, stating (a) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in that year, and (b) 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 of the District shall determine, and may be incorporated into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board.

A-3
4128-3800-3220.6

FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS

Joint-Use Projects. The District may enter into agreements with other public agencies or nonprofit organizations for joint use of school facilities financed with the proceeds of the bonds in accordance with Education Code Section 17077.42 (or any successor provision). The District may seek State grant funds for eligible joint-use projects as permitted by law, and this proposition hereby specifies and acknowledges that bond funds will or may be used to fund all or a portion of the local share for any eligible joint-use projects identified in the Bond Project List or as otherwise permitted by California State regulations, as the Board shall determine.

Single Purpose. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Education Code Section 15100, 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 California Government Code Section 53410.

Bonds may be Issued in Excess of Statutory Bonding Limit. Issuance of all of the authorized bonds might require the outstanding debt of the District to exceed its statutory bonding limit of 1.25% of the total assessed valuation of taxable property in the District. In that event, the District intends to seek a waiver of its bonding limit from the State Board of Education, which has the power to waive certain requirements of the Education Code applicable to the District. By approval of this proposition, the voters have authorized the District to seek such a waiver, and to issue authorized bonds in excess of the 1.25% limit as the State Board of Education may approve. No such waiver has yet been sought or granted.

Other Terms of the Bonds. When sold, the bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum, and that interest shall 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 the statutory maximum number of years from the date borne by that bond.

COVENANT WITH RESPECT TO MEASURE P BONDS

On November 6, 2012, voters of the District approved the issuance of bonds of the District in the aggregate principal amount of $147,000,000 (the "Measure P Bonds"). The District has previously issued four series of Measure P Bonds, leaving $77,105,000 principal amount of Measure P Bonds which have been authorized but unissued by the District (the "Unissued Measure P Bonds"). The District intends to issue one more series of Measure P Bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $18,000,000 (the "Expected Measure P Bonds"), and following such issuance, there will be approximately $59,105,000 principal amount of Unissued Measure P Bonds (such remaining amount after the issuance of not to exceed $18,000,000 being referred to herein as, the "Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds"). However, Section 15268 of the Education Code requires that, at the time of issuance of any series of Measure P Bonds, the District must project that the tax rate levied to pay debt service on such Measure P Bonds, together with debt service due on other series of Measure P Bonds which A-4
4128-3800-3220.6
have previously been issued, will not exceed $30 per year per $100,000 of taxable property when projected by the District to increase in accordance with Article XIIIA of the California Constitution. Due to the limitations imposed by Section 15268 of the Education Code, the Board has determined that, after said additional portion of the Measure P Bonds are issued, the District will not in the immediate future be able to make such tax rate projections and therefore will be prevented from issuing the Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds.

Since there is a need to continue constructing, modernizing and improving District school facilities, the Board has determined to submit to the electors of the District the question whether a new issue of bonds authorized by this proposition shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money to complete the educational projects for which the Measure P Bonds have been authorized and other projects as described in the Bond Project List. In order to ensure that local taxpayers are not overburdened, the Board has determined it is in the best interest of the District to covenant, if bonds authorized by this proposition are approved by the voters, that (i) once the Expected Measure P Bonds are issued, the Board will take all actions which are required to petition the Board of Supervisors of the County to cancel the Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds, and (ii) the District under all circumstances, shall not authorize the issuance of or issue any of the Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds.

ESTIMATED BALLOT INFORMATION

The District is required by law to include in the statement of the measure to be voted on estimates of the amount of money to be raised annually to repay the bonds and the rate and duration of the tax to be levied for the bonds. As of the time this proposition was placed on the ballot, the District estimated $18,000,000 of money would be raised annually on average for the repayment of the authorized bonds for approximately 20 years at a projected tax rate of 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that such information is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District. The amount of money to be raised annually and the rate and duration of the tax to be levied for the bonds 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.

BOND PROJECT LIST

The Bond Project List below lists the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. The Bond Project List shall be considered a part of the bond proposition and shall be reproduced in any official A-5
4128-3800-3220.6
document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition. Listed projects will be completed as needed at a particular school or facility site according to Board-established priorities, and the order in which such projects appear on the Bond Project List is not an indication of priority for funding or completion. Any authorized repairs shall be capital expenditures. The Bond Project List does not authorize non-capital expenditures. Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance, construction-related costs, such as project and construction management, architectural, engineering, inspection and similar planning and testing costs, demolition and interim housing costs, legal, accounting and similar fees, costs related to the independent annual financial and performance audits, a contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs, and other costs incidental to or necessary for completion of the listed projects (whether the related work is performed by the District or third parties). 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 of California grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Therefore, the Board cannot guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects. Alternatively, if the District obtains unexpected funds from non-bond sources with respect to listed projects, such projects may be enhanced, supplemented or expanded to the extent of such funds. Some projects may be subject to further government approvals, including by State officials and boards and/or local environmental or agency approval. Inclusion of a project on the Bond Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be completed (regardless of whether bond funds are available).

The specific projects authorized to be financed with proceeds of the bonds under this proposition are as follows:

SCHOOL SAFETY, MODERNIZATION, CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

The following projects are authorized to be financed District wide:

  • ? Upgrade, expand and/or acquire and install safety and security systems, including fencing, gates, locks, security lighting, security alarm, and video surveillance.
  • ? Modernize, upgrade, renovate, replace, rehabilitate, re-configure, expand, acquire and install, and/or upgrade classrooms, classroom buildings, labs, restrooms, common areas and grounds and school support facilities (including library, multipurpose room/auditorium, kitchen, food storage, preparation and service, cafeteria and office/staff support facilities, whether permanent, portable or modular, including interior and exterior (as applicable) doors, windows, door and window hardware, roofs, rain gutters and downspouts, walls, ceilings and floors and finishes, paint, siding, insulation, casework, cabinets, secured storage, carpets, drapes, window coverings, infrastructure, lighting, sinks, drinking fountains, fixtures, signage, fencing, landscaping, furniture and equipment.
  • ? Renovate, replace, upgrade, acquire, install and/or integrate major site/building/utility systems, equipment and related infrastructure and housing, including lighting, electrical (including wiring and related infrastructure for modern technology), heating, refrigeration, cooling and ventilation, water, sewer, gas, irrigation, drainage, and energy efficiency/management monitoring systems, A-6
    4128-3800-3220.6
    networks, fixtures, equipment and controls.
  • ? Acquire land, rights-of-way and/or easements made necessary by development and construction of new school facilities.
  • ? Construct new elementary and junior high schools and related facilities and grounds, including necessary supporting infrastructure.
  • ? Construct science, technology, engineering, arts and math ("STEAM") education facilities, including classrooms, classroom buildings and labs to accommodate STEAM education at new and existing school sites.
  • ? Construct additional classrooms/classroom buildings at existing school sites, whether permanent, portable or modular.
  • ? Construct learning centers for special education students, including classrooms, classroom buildings, labs, restrooms, common areas, grounds, special education support facilities (including library, multipurpose room, kitchen, food storage, preparation and service, and office/staff support facilities) at new and/or existing school sites.

All or portions of these projects may be used as joint-use projects within the meaning of Section 17077.42(c) of the Education Code (or any successor provision).

MISCELLANEOUS

All listed bond projects include the following as needed:

  • ? Removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint as needed.
  • ? Construction and/or installation of access improvements for disabled persons, as required by state and federal law.
  • ? Planning, designing and development necessary for listed bond projects.
  • ? Acquisition of any rights-of-way, easements, and/or real property made necessary by listed bond projects, or lease of real property for the listed school facilities projects.
  • ? Necessary onsite and offsite preparation or restoration in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable buildings, including demolition of structures; removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, drainage, utility lines (gas, water, sewer, electrical, data and voice, etc.), trees and landscaping; relocating fire access roads.
  • ? Address other unforeseen conditions revealed by construction, renovation or modernization (including plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic and structural deficiencies, etc.).
  • ? Acquire or construct storage facilities and other space on an interim basis, as needed to accommodate construction materials, equipment, and personnel, and interim classrooms (including relocatables/portables) and temporary housing for students and school functions or other storage for classroom materials displaced during construction.
  • ? For any project involving renovation, rehabilitation or repair of a building or the major portion of a building, the District shall be authorized to proceed with new replacement construction/re-construction instead (including any necessary demolition), if the Board of Trustees of the District determines that replacement and new construction/re-construction is more practical than renovation, rehabilitation and repair, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, comparative cost and other relevant factors.
  • A-7
    4128-3800-3220.6

  • ? Furnishing and equipping of classrooms and other school facilities; furnishing and equipping shall include initial purchases, and scheduled and necessary replacements, upgrades and updating of technology.
  • ? All other costs and work necessary and incidental to the listed bond projects.
  • ? Acquisition of all or a portion of any school site or facility, or an interest therein, or make lease payments with respect to any school site or facility, encumbered in order to finance or refinance the listed school facilities projects.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Severability. If any provision of this bond proposition, or part thereof, is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect, and to this end the provisions of this bond proposition are severable.

Headings. The headings or titles of the sections of the bond proposition, including any headings or titles included in the bond project list, are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning, construction or effect of the bond proposition.

  Commentary    Question    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution  

Measure H Tax Rate Statement

B-1
4128-3800-3220.6

EXHIBIT B

TAX INFORMATION STATEMENT

An election will be held in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District (the "District") on November 6, 2018, to authorize the sale of up to $90,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the proposition. If the bonds are approved, the District expects to issue the bonds in multiple series over time. 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 through 9405 of the California Elections Code.

  1. 1. The best estimate of the average annual tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $0.03 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The final fiscal year in which the tax to be levied to fund this bond issue is anticipated to be collected is fiscal year 2038-39.
  2. 2. 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 of filing of this statement, is $0.03 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation, which is projected to be the same in every fiscal year that the bonds remain outstanding.
  3. 3. The best estimate of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all of the bonds are issued and sold is approximately $126,000,000.

Voters should note that estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value, which could be more or less than the assessed value. In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption, such as the homeowner's exemption, will be taxed at a lower effective tax rate than described above. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone payment of taxes. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors 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 average annual tax rate, the highest tax rate and the year or years in which they will apply, and the actual total debt service, may vary from those presently estimated due to variations in the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold, 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, including the legal limitations on bonds approved by a 55% affirmative vote. 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: __________, 2018. _____________________________________
Superintendent
Panama-Buena Vista Union School District

  Commentary    Question    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution  

Measure H Agenda Description

Minutes of July 24, 2018 (complete item)

Regular Board Meeting
Panama-Buena Vista Union SD
July 24, 2018 7:00PM

7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Quick Summary / Abstract:
The public may address the Board on LCAP Reports or any matter pertaining to the school district, that is not on the agenda, at this time. The public may address the Board on each of the remaining items, on the agenda, as these items are taken up. Unless otherwise determined, by the Board, each person is limited to three minutes per item. If a large number wish to speak on a specific item, the Board may limit the total input to twenty minutes on any item. Persons wishing to speak should complete a green sheet and hand it to the Board Secretary.
Minutes:
Mr. Michael Turnipseed, Executive Director of Kern County Tax Payers Association, commented favorably about the District's proposed bond measure on the November 2018 General Election ballot.
8. REPORTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT, STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS
8.1. Superintendent's Report
Quick Summary / Abstract:
The Superintendent will report to the Board about various matters involving the District. There will be no action taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda. No discussion except questions or matters referred to staff.
Minutes:
Ms. Bonnie Moss representing Clifford Moss, provided final context for discussion prior to the Board's proposed action to place a bond measure on the November ballot. Dr. Silberberg followed Ms. Moss with his report, focusing first on combating chronic absenteeism in Kern County by combining the efforts of six districts. P-BVUSD, Bakersfield City, Kern High, California State University, Bakersfield, Kern Community College District and Kern County Superintendent of Schools have formed Kern Pledge. By combining their efforts along with Foster and Homeless Youth Services, Kern Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce and First 5 Kern, to work collaboratively to focus on students from early elementary to college level. He reported on past and current initiatives to curb absenteeism and highlighted future efforts. He related the reduction in funding based on absenteeism. The superintendent continued with his report by focusing on the outcome from the District's recent hiring process. He mentioned the number of contracts offered to new hires with years of service in other districts. Concluding his report, Dr. Silberberg reminded the Board of upcoming events in preparation for the school year start. These include New Teacher Welcome at Stonecreek JHS on August 8 and the All-Staff event at the Harvey Auditorium on August 14.
10. OLD BUSINESS
10.1. Resolution No. 18-25 Calling for School Bond Election
Actions:
Motion
Passed with a motion by Mr. Keith Wolaridge and a second by Mr. John Lake.
Vote:
Yes Dr. Dean Haddock.
Yes Mr. John Lake.
Yes Mrs. Ana Rojas.
Yes Mr. Greg White.
Yes Mr. Keith Wolaridge.
Quick Summary / Abstract:

Approval is requested of Resolution No. 18-25 calling for an election to authorize the issuance of up to  $90,000,000 of general obligation bonds.

Minutes:
Resolution No. 18-25 calling for a school bond election was unanimously adopted.
Attachments:
Resolution No. 18-25 Calling for an Election for General Obligation Bonds

  Commentary    Question    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution  

Measure H Resolution

4128-3800-3220.6

BEFORE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PANAMA-BUENA VISTA UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE RESOLUTION NO. 18-25
PANAMA-BUENA VISTA UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
ORDERING A SCHOOL BOND ELECTION, AND AUTHORIZING
NECESSARY ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH

________________________________

WHEREAS, the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District (the "District"), located in the County of Kern (the "County") in the greater Bakersfield area, serves approximately 18,000 children attending school in grades K-8; and

WHEREAS, since 1875, when the District first opened its doors to educate 11 students in makeshift structures at various locations, the District has proudly made teaching and learning excellence its core mission, and today the District operates 24 school sites across its service territory; and

WHEREAS, as part of the District's commitment to educational excellence, the District recognizes that safe, modern school facilities and education technology are essential to providing a quality education, and throughout the years, the District has made school facility maintenance and planning a priority; and

WHEREAS, on November 6, 2012, an election was duly called and regularly held within the boundaries of the District, on the proposition of authorizing the issuance of bonds of the District in the aggregate principal amount of $147,000,000 (the "Measure P Bonds"); and

WHEREAS, at least 55% of the votes cast on the proposition were in favor of issuing the Measure P Bonds; and

WHEREAS, the District has previously issued four series of Measure P Bonds, in the principal amounts of $18,405,000, $28,110,000, $3,380,000, and $20,000,000, leaving $77,105,000 principal amount of Measure P Bonds which have been authorized but unissued by the District (the "Unissued Measure P Bonds"); and

WHEREAS, the District intends to issue an additional portion of Measure P Bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $18,000,000 ("Expected Measure P Bonds"), and following such issuance, there will be approximately $59,105,000 principal amount of Unissued Measure P Bonds (such remaining amount after the issuance of not to exceed $18,000,000 being referred to herein as, the "Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds"); and

WHEREAS, Section 15268 of the California Education Code (the "Education Code") requires that at the time of issuance of any series of Measure P Bonds, the District must project that the tax rate levied to pay debt service on such Measure P Bonds, together with debt service due on other series of Measure P Bonds which have previously been issued, will not exceed $30 per year per $100,000 of taxable property when projected by the District to increase in accordance with Article XIIIA of the California Constitution; and

2
4128-3800-3220.6

WHEREAS, due to the limitations imposed by Section 15268 of the Education Code, the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of the District has determined that, after said additional portion of the Measure P Bonds are issued, the District will not in the immediate future be able to make such tax rate projections and therefore will be prevented from issuing the Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds; and

WHEREAS, since there is a need to continue constructing, modernizing and improving District school facilities, the Board has determined to call an election to submit to the electors of the District the question whether a new issue of bonds of the District (the "Proposed Bonds"), in the aggregate principal amount of $90,000,000, shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money to complete the educational projects for which the Measure P Bonds have been authorized and other projects as further described herein; and

WHEREAS, in order to ensure that local taxpayers are not overburdened, the Board has determined it is in the best interest of the District to covenant, if the Proposed Bonds are approved by the voters, that (a) once the Expected Measure P Bonds are issued, the Board will take all actions which are required to petition the Board of Supervisors of the County to cancel the Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds, and (b) the District, under all circumstances, shall not authorize the issuance of or issue any of the Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds; and

WHEREAS, the Board is authorized to order elections within the District and to designate the specifications thereof, pursuant to Sections 5304 and 5322 of the Education Code; and

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 Education Code Sections 15100 et seq.; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 18 of Article XVI and Section 1 of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, and Section 15266 of the Education Code, school districts may seek approval of bonds and levy an ad valorem tax to repay those bonds upon a 55% vote of those voting on a proposition for the purposes hereinafter specified, provided certain accountability requirements are included in the proposition, including (a) that the proceeds from the sale of the bonds be used only for the purposes specified in Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the Constitution, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses, (b) that a list of the specific school facilities projects to be funded be included, which the school district board has certified that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing, and (c) that performance and financial audits be required and there be oversight by an independent citizens' oversight committee to ensure that all funds are spent properly and as promised to the voters; and

WHEREAS, the Board deems it necessary and advisable to submit such a bond proposition to the electors to approve the Proposed Bonds, which, if approved by 55% of the votes cast, would permit the District to issue the Proposed Bonds as provided herein; and

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 at 3
4128-3800-3220.6
which all of the electors of the District are entitled to vote, as required by Section 15266 of the Education Code; and

WHEREAS, on November 6, 2018, a statewide general election is scheduled to be conducted throughout the District; and

WHEREAS, subsection (c) of Section 15100 of the Education Code provides that, before the governing board of a school district may order an election pursuant to Education Code Sections 15100 et seq., it shall obtain reasonable and informed projections of assessed property valuations that take into consideration projections of assessed property valuations made by the county assessor; and

WHEREAS, although the County Assessor does not make projections of assessed property valuations beyond next succeeding tax year, the Board has been presented with projections of assessed property valuations of the property within the boundaries of the District in connection with developing the bond proposition that take into consideration, among other things, the long-term historical average growth rates of assessed property valuations of the property within the boundaries of the District and the Board finds those projections to be reasonable and informed; and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that, based upon such projections of assessed property valuation, if approved by voters, the tax rate levied to meet the debt service requirements of the Proposed Bonds will not exceed the maximum tax rate permitted by Section 15268 of the Education Code; and

WHEREAS, the current intent of the Board is that, if approved by voters, no Proposed Bond will be made to mature more than 11 years from the date borne by that bond; and

WHEREAS, the Board acknowledges and covenants that, prior to and following the issuance of the Proposed Bonds, the District will, to the extent permitted by law, apply and continuously enforce a prequalification of bidders procedure on all new projects described in Exhibit A so that the District can be confident that all contractors, at all times, are qualified to bid on, work on, and complete such projects, and that, in conjunction with the foregoing, the District will promote fair and open competition for all District construction projects so that all contractors and workers, whether union or non-union, are treated equally in the bidding and awarding of District construction contracts; and

WHEREAS, Section 9400 et seq. of the California Elections Code (the "Elections Code") requires that a tax information statement be contained in all official materials, including any voter information guide 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 bond proposition to be submitted to the voters at the election; and

WHEREAS, if a project or projects to be funded by the Proposed Bonds will require State of California matching grant funds for any phase, the sample ballot must contain a statement, in the form prescribed by law, advising the voters of that fact, and the Board finds that 4
4128-3800-3220.6
completion of all or a portion of certain of the projects listed in the bond proposition set forth herein will require State matching grant funds for any phase thereof;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, determined and ordered by the Board of Trustees of the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District as follows:

Section 1. Recitals. All of the above recitals are true and correct.

Section 2. Election.

  1. (a) Specifications of Election Order; Required Certification. Pursuant to Education Code Sections 5304, 5322, 15100 et seq., and 15266, and Section 18 of Article XVI and Section 1 of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, a special election shall be held within the boundaries of the District on November 6, 2018, for the purpose of submitting to the registered voters of the District the bond proposition contained in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein. In accordance with Section 1 of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, and as provided in the text of the bond proposition, the Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the bond project list set forth in the bond proposition.
  2. (b) Covenants with Respect to Measure P Bonds. The Board hereby covenants, if the Proposed Bonds are approved by the voters, that (i) once the Expected Measure P Bonds are issued, the Board will take all actions which are required to petition the Board of Supervisors of the County to cancel the Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds, and (ii) the District, under all circumstances, shall not authorize the issuance of or issue any of the Remaining Unissued Measure P Bonds.

Section 3. Conduct of Election.

  1. (a) Request to County Officers. Pursuant to Section 5303 of the Education Code, the Registrar of Voters of the County (the "Registrar of Voters") is required to, and is hereby requested to, take all steps to hold the election in accordance with law and these specifications.
  2. (b) Abbreviation of Proposition. Pursuant to Sections 13119 and 13247 of the Elections Code and Sections 5322 and 15122 of the Education Code, the Board hereby directs the Registrar of Voters to use the following abbreviation of the bond proposition on the ballot:
  3. "To improve school safety and security, construct/equip new school facilities to relieve severe overcrowding, and repair/upgrade older classrooms, labs, facilities and instructional technology supporting student achievement/college readiness in math, science, engineering, technology, arts, shall Panama-Buena Vista Union School District issue $90 million in bonds, at legal rates, an estimated 3 cents per $100 assessed value (averaging $18 million annually) for approximately 20 years to improve neighborhood K-8 schools, with citizen oversight and all money locally controlled?"
  4. (c) Voter Pamphlet. The Registrar of Voters is hereby requested to reprint the full text of the bond proposition as set forth in Exhibit A in its entirety in the voter information pamphlet to be distributed to voters pursuant to Section 13307 of the Elections Code. In the event the full text of the bond proposition is not reprinted in the voter information pamphlet in its 5
    4128-3800-3220.6
    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:
  5. "The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure __. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the County Registrar of Voters at (661) 868-3590 or the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District at (661) 831-8331, and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you. Measure __ is also available on the Internet at https://www.pbvusd.k12.ca.us/."
  6. (d) Accountability Safeguards. In the event the full text of the bond proposition is not reprinted in the voter information pamphlet in its entirety, the Registrar of Voters is hereby requested to include the following statement in the ballot in compliance with Section 15272 of the Education Code:
  7. "If Measure __ is approved, the Board of Trustees of the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District will appoint a citizens' oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that bond funds are spent only on 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 for no other purposes."
  8. (e) State Matching Funds. The District hereby requests that the Registrar of Voters include the following statement in the ballot pamphlet, pursuant to Section 15122.5 of the Education Code:
  9. "Approval of Measure __ does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure __ will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure __. The 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."
  10. (f) Consolidation Requirement. Pursuant to Section 15266(a) of the Education Code, the election shall be consolidated with the statewide general election on November 6, 2018, and pursuant to Education Code Section 5342 and Part 3 (commencing with Section 10400) of Division 10 of the Elections Code, the Registrar of Voters and the Board of Supervisors of the County are hereby requested to order consolidation of the election with such other elections as may be held on the same day in the same territory or in territory that is in part the same. The District hereby acknowledges that the consolidated election will be held and conducted in the manner prescribed by Section 10418 of the Elections Code.
  11. (g) Canvass of Results. The Board of Supervisors of the County is authorized and requested to canvass the returns of the election, pursuant to Section 10411 of the Elections Code.
  12. 6
    4128-3800-3220.6
  13. (h) Required Vote. Pursuant to Section 18 of Article XVI and Section 1 of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, the bond proposition shall become effective upon the affirmative vote of at least 55% of the voters of the District voting on the proposition.
  14. (i) Election Costs. The District shall pay all costs of the election approved by the Board of Supervisors of the County pursuant to Education Code Section 5421.

Section 4. Delivery of Order of Election to County Officers. The Clerk of the Board of the District is hereby directed to cause to be filed as soon as practicable, and in any event no later than August 10, 2018 (which date is not fewer than 88 days prior to the date set for the election), one copy of this Resolution to the Registrar of Voters, including the tax information statement attached hereto as Exhibit B, containing the information required by Elections Code Section 9400 et seq., completed and signed by the Superintendent of the District, and shall file a copy of this Resolution with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of the County.

Section 5. Ballot Arguments. The President of the Board, or any member or members of the Board as the President shall designate, are hereby authorized, but not directed, to prepare and file with the Registrar of Voters a ballot argument in favor of the bond proposition, within the time established by the Registrar of Voters, which shall be considered the official ballot argument of the Board as sponsor of the bond proposition.

Section 6. Contractor Bidding Procedures. The Board hereby acknowledges and covenants that, prior to and following the issuance of the Proposed Bonds, the District shall, to the extent permitted by law, apply and continuously enforce a prequalification of bidders procedure on all new projects described in Exhibit A so that the District can be confident that all contractors, at all times, are qualified to bid on, work on, and complete such projects, and that, in conjunction with the foregoing, the District shall promote fair and open competition for all District construction projects so that all contractors and workers, whether union or non-union, are treated equally in the bidding and awarding of District construction contracts.

Section 7. Further Authorization.

  1. (a) General. The members of the Board, the Superintendent of the District, 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 in accordance with the terms hereof and of applicable provisions of law.
  2. (b) Bond Proposition Exemption from Elections Code Section 13119. In the event that legislation becomes effective on or before August 10, 2018, subsequent to the adoption of this Resolution, that exempts or temporarily suspends the bond proposition from the requirements of subsection (b) of Elections Code Section 13119, then (i) the entire ballot statement contained in Section (3)(b) herein shall be deemed deleted and replaced with the following ballot statement:
"To improve school safety and security in neighborhood K-8 schools, construct and equip new classrooms and school facilities to relieve severe overcrowding, and repair and upgrade older classrooms, labs, facilities and instructional technology supporting student achievement and college readiness in math, science, engineering, technology and arts, shall Panama-Buena Vista 7
4128-3800-3220.6
Union School District issue $90 million in bonds at legal rates, with mandatory annual audits, independent citizen oversight, no money for administrators' salaries or pensions, and all money locally controlled?"
and (ii) the section entitled "Estimated Ballot Information" contained in the full text of the bond proposition in Exhibit A attached hereto shall be deemed deleted therefrom in its entirety. To the extent such exemption or suspension becomes effective, the members of the Board, the Superintendent of the District, and all other officers of the District are hereby authorized and directed, individually and collectively, to coordinate and effectuate such replacement of the ballot statement contained in Section (3)(b) and modification to the full text of the bond proposition contained in Exhibit A attached hereto with the Registrar of Voters.

Section 7. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption by a two-thirds vote.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this day, July 24, 2018, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT: APPROVED:

___________________________________
Representative of the Board of Trustees of the
Panama-Buena Vista Union School District

Attest:

___________________________________
Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the
Panama-Buena Vista Union School District

4128-3800-3220.6

CLERK'S CERTIFICATE

I, Greg White, Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, County of Kern, California, hereby certify as follows:

The attached is a full, true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the District duly and regularly held at the regular meeting place thereof on July 24, 2018, and entered in the minutes thereof, of which meeting all of the members of the Board of Trustees had due notice and at which a quorum thereof was present. The resolution was adopted by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

An agenda of the meeting was posted at least 72 hours beforehand at 4200 Ashe Road, Bakersfield, California, a location freely accessible to members of the public, and a brief description of the adopted resolution appeared on the agenda. A copy of the agenda is attached hereto. The resolution has not been amended, modified or rescinded since the date of its adoption, and the same is now in full force and effect.

WITNESS my hand this ______day of ______________, 2018.

Clerk of the Board of Trustees
Panama-Buena Vista Union School District

  Commentary    Question    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution  

 


Copyright © 2015-2024, Richard Michael. All Rights Reserved.