Western Placer Unified Schools: Vote Yes on Measure H Bonds - Placer County - 2018 General Election
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Why didn't Western Placer Unified tell you specifically what it will do with the $60,000,000 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    Analysis    Argument in Favor    Rebuttal in Favor    Argument Against    Rebuttal Against    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution    Notice  

Commentary on Measure H

#HonestBallots Movement

Your Placer 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 Western Placer 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, Placer, 0642140, 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 a member of the school bonds cartel. 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    Analysis    Argument in Favor    Rebuttal in Favor    Argument Against    Rebuttal Against    Full Text    Tax Rate    Agenda    Resolution    Notice  

Measure H Question

To improve local schools and student safety with funding that cannot be taken by the State, upgrade safety and security communication systems, qualify for State matching funds; provide health science labs/classrooms, college/job training facilities; aquatic center/physical education facilities, shall Western Placer Unified School District issue $60,000,000 in bonds with an estimated $3,600,000 in taxes raised annually on average for 32 years at average projected tax rates of 2.5¢ per $100 of assessed value, requiring independent audits and oversight?

Previous Western Placer Union High School District bond measures have consistently been different than the typical school bonds cartel measures. I attribute this difference to the apparent fact that district staff, not school bonds cartel lawyers, write the measures.

It's curious that the ballot statement which appears above was the one adopted by the board, but district staff changed it to a more conforming statement prior to the filing deadline.

As a result, district staff appear to actually read the law. This is the only school measure ballot statement of the 140 school bond measures placed on the ballot in 2018 that conforms to Elections Code 13119(a). It also conforms to Elections Code 13119(b), but not 13119(c).

Unfortunately, district staff did not conform the ballot with Education Code 15122 or 15272. So close, but no cigar.

Final Ballot Statement

Shall the measure to improve schools and student safety with funding that cannot be taken by the State, upgrade safety/security communication systems, quality for State matching funds; provide health science labs/classrooms, college/job training facilities; aquatic center/physical education facilities, shall Western Placer Unified School District issue $60,000,000 in bonds with an average of $3,600,000 raised annually for 32 years at average tax rates of 2.5¢ per $100 of assessed value, requiring independent audits/oversight be adopted?

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

Impartial Analysis for Measure H

IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS BY PLACER COUNTY COUNSEL

This measure, if approved by fifty-five percent of the voters voting thereon, would authorize the sale of general obligation bonds by the Western Placer Unified School District (herein, the "District") in the amount of up to $60,000,000 (sixty million dollars) in aggregate principal amount. The proceeds of the bonds would be used for the purposes described in the text of Measure H, which precedes this analysis. Principal and interest on the bonds would be paid from a tax placed on the taxable property within the District. The District's estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to fund this bond issue follows this analysis.

A general obligation bond is a form of borrowing used to fund school facilities. By law, local general obligation bonds, financed through an increase in local property taxes, can be used for renovating, reconstructing, and building new facilities and for acquiring certain new equipment. To authorize such bond issuance, school districts can seek either two-thirds or 55% voter approval. If districts seek the 55% approval, as has been done by the District in this case, they must meet additional accountability requirements.

In order to meet these additional accountability requirements, the District Board of Trustees has committed to the following:

  • • use of bond proceeds shall be only for the purposes set forth in the ballot measure, and not for administrators' or teachers' salaries or pensions or other operating expenses;
  • • safety, class size reduction, and information technology needs have been evaluated prior to determining that bond issuance was necessary;
  • • annual independent performance audits of the expenditure of the bond proceeds will be conducted to ensure the bond funds were expended only on the specific identified projects and;
  • • annual independent financial audits of the expenditure of the bond proceeds will be conducted until all bond proceeds have been expended, and; • a Citizens' Oversight Committee will be established to monitor expenditure of bond proceeds.

The District has confirmed that the proposed bonds would bear interest at a rate not exceeding the statutory limit per annum and the maturity of the bonds will not exceed the statutory maximum.

A "YES" vote on this Measure would authorize the District to borrow money through the sale of bonds in an amount not exceeding $60,000,000, such bonds to be repaid by revenue derived from an annual tax levied upon the taxable property within the District.
A "NO" vote on this Measure is a vote against authorizing the sale of bonds by the District.

This analysis is submitted by the Office of the County Counsel of Placer County pursuant to the requirements of Section 9500 of the Elections Code of the State of California.

Gerald O. Carden, County Counsel

By: Brian R. Wirtz, Deputy County Counsel

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

Argument in Favor of Measure H

MH2

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE H

If you value maintaining the quality of education in our Lincoln, Auburn, Thermalands, Sun City, Catta Verdera, 12 Bridges, Foskett Ranch, and Sheridan communities, there's nothing more important on the November ballot than Measure H. Please VOTE YES.

Measure H provides a prudent, responsible plan to continue modernizing all Western Placer Unified School District (WPUSD) schools for improved student safety and equal access to quality instruction and learning.

Measure H will:

  • • Upgrade school safety and security, including security lighting, fencing, fire safety, and emergency communication systems
  • • Provide classrooms and labs for health sciences, Career Technical Education, college, and job training courses
  • • Improve access to colleges and careers in fields like medical/biomedical research, physiology, engineering, technology, and agriculture
  • • Upgrade deteriorated play equipment, physical education facilities, and fields to improve student safety
  • • Construct an aquatic center
  • • Increase access to school facilities for individuals with disabilities

Taxpayer safeguards are REQUIRED:

  • • ALL funds STAY LOCAL for WPUSD schools
  • • The State CANNOT take this funding away
  • • NO funds are allowed for administrators' salaries or pensions
  • • Independent Citizens' Oversight and audits ensure funds are spent properly

Passing Measure H also qualifies Western Placer Unified School District to receive millions in State matching funds when they become available, leveraging local taxpayer dollars even further.

Our community has generously supported WPUSD in the past and our local schools are improving with that support. Measure H continues the progress so all our children get the same access to success in school, college, careers and life.

Whether or not you have school-age children, improving Western Placer schools is a wise investment. The longer we wait to make these improvements, the more expensive they will be. Good schools protect property values and keep our community strong.

Join teachers, parents, WPUSD alumni, business, community leaders, and residents in VOTING YES to support safe, quality, Western Placer schools.

Please VOTE YES on Measure H.

Paul Carras,
WPUSD Board President/Sun City Resident

Paul Long,
WPUSD Vice-President/Thermalands Resident

Brian Haley,
WPUSD Board Clerk/Sheridan Resident

Kris Wyatt,
WPUSD Board Member/Community Champion

Damian Armitage,
WPUSD Board Member/Lincoln Crossing Resident

By: Scott Leaman,
Superintendent, Western Placer Unified School District

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

Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure H

REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE H

WARNING: Measure H is a major tax increase!

The proponents failed to mention that a "YES" vote is a vote to increase your property taxes. How can we trust such dishonest people with our hard-earned money?

The Argument in Favor of this tax increase sounds just like the arguments for the two bonds that passed in 2014 and 2016. They said the same kind of stuff in 1993 when they passed Measure Q, which we are still paying off after 25 years.

The special interests that control this debt-ridden school district refuse to live within their means. Every two years, they demand more money to pay for the same things over and over again, making all the same promises, even though their budgets have been growing like never before and they keep setting new spending records every year.

President Ronald Reagan said, "Government does not tax to get the money it needs; government always finds a need for the money it gets." Our government has an insatiable appetite for more and more taxpayers' money and they will always find ways to spend it or give it away.

We need to tell this school district to stop borrowing and start paying down the mountains of debt they have created.

Vote for fiscal sanity and a debt-free future for our children. Tell WPUSD to live within its means like taxpayers do. Say NO to higher taxes!

Vote NO on Measure H!

Kathy Arts,
Lincoln Resident

Carol Wilson,
Lincoln Resident

Dianne Herfindahl,
Lincoln Resident

Jennifer Thuesen,
Lincoln Resident

Ronald F. Bergstrom,
Lincoln Resident

By: Ken Campbell,
Former Chair, Placer County Republican Party/Lincoln Resident

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

Argument Against Measure H

MH3

ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE H

Unbelievable! Here they go again with another tax increase!

In 2014, this district passed Measure A, a 60-million-dollar bond, but they claimed that was not enough. In 2016, they proposed another 60-million-dollar bond as Measure N, and the voters approved that, too. Now they are demanding yet another 60-million-dollar bond! Clearly, these people will not stop until we stop them! We are still paying off the debt from three previous bonds, but they want to borrow more and more. It is time for them to learn to live within their means, the way taxpayers do.

Bonds are not free money. Measure H is a massive tax increase. Proposition 13 does not protect homeowners from tax increases to pay back voter-approved bonds like this one. If some people cannot pay higher taxes for the next 30 years, government will take away their homes and sell them to pay the taxes. The people who want higher taxes always argue that each new bond only costs a small amount, but when you add up all the bonds and taxes they keep passing, it's a lot of money that many of us cannot afford.

Furthermore, it's irresponsible for us to continue borrowing money that our kids will be paying back over 30 years from now, even after their own children have graduated from school. Future generations will have their own spending needs, so it is wrong for us to spend all the money now and leave them with the bill!

Vote No! Send a message to the politicians and special interests who control this district that we will not stand for their reckless spending, irresponsible borrowing, and endless tax increases. Their budget has grown explosively in the last three decades and they have already taken enough from taxpayers in the district.

Ken Campbell,
Former Chair, Placer County Republican Party/Lincoln Resident

Thomas N. Hudson,
Executive Director, California Taxpayer Protection Committee

Phyllis Jean Wing,
Placer County Taxpayers Assn./Lincoln Resident

Daniel P. Catania,
Chairman Liberty California/Lincoln Resident

Ed Rowen,
President PCRA/Lincoln Resident

By: Ken Campbell,
Former Chair, Placer County Republican Party/Lincoln Resident

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

Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure H

REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE H

Measure H's opponents are either misinformed about the District's management or being intentionally deceptive. Apparently, they haven't visited Western Placer Unified School District schools recently, or they would know that Measure H is a needed and worthy investment.

We must continue to invest in our children and schools to protect the outstanding education they receive. Measure H is designed to fix the schools we already have, making them safe and up-to-date for improved teaching and learning.

Measure H is the result of a transparent, multi-year facilities planning process that included community members, teachers, students and parents. This detailed facilities plan catalogs the most critical needs of every school in our district.

Measure H will:

  • • Upgrade school safety/security, including security lighting, fencing, fire safety, and emergency communication systems
  • • Provide classrooms/labs for health sciences, Career Technical Education, college, and job training courses
  • • Construct an aquatic center
  • • Improve access to colleges/careers in fields like medical/biomedical research, physiology, engineering, technology, and agriculture
  • • Upgrade deteriorated play equipment, physical education facilities, and fields to improve student safety
  • • Increase access to school facilities for individuals with disabilities

Passing Measure H qualifies Western Placer USD to receive millions in State matching money. Without Measure H, those funds will go to districts that have passed local measures.

Mandatory taxpayer safeguards including: Independent Citizens' Oversight and annual audits ensure funds are spent properly.

Don't be deceived by the opponents inaccurate and misleading statements. Take a positive step to protect the outstanding quality of education in our Western Placer Unified School District.

Vote YES on Measure H.

By: Paul Carras,
WPUSD Board President

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

Full Text of Measure H

117

EXHIBIT A

WESTERN PLACER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOND PROJECT LIST

The Western Placer Unified School District ("District") currently serves a population of almost 7,000 students in 11 schools. The District is focused on providing a top-quality education to prepare students for college and 21st-century careers. Rigorous academic programs emphasize science, technology, language and math. Exceptional teachers, a strong curriculum, safe and up-to-date classrooms and the support of our local community are key to maintaining our students' success.

It is imperative that our students are housed in safe schools. In addition, our students would benefit from complete, comprehensive, and efficient schools. We need to act locally to build safe and modern schools to ensure our students have the educational opportunities they deserve.

Student Safety and Security Improvement Projects

  • • Safety and security systems installation and/or replacement projects are planned to be completed at school sites throughout the District and may include:
    • Installation of enhanced door security locks, controlled access systems, fencing, gates, public address/ communications systems, security cameras, window coverings, intruder and fire alarms, sidewalks/ fire vehicle access

Youth Athletics and Aquatics Center Projects

  • • Youth athletic improvements are planned to be completed at the following school sites:
    • o New High School - Phase 2
      • o Construction of health and biomedical career training classrooms and labs, stadium completion, lighting, field and hardcourt surface installation, parking for fields and public library, construction of auxiliary gymnasium and new aquatics center
    • o Lincoln High School
      • • Stadium improvements, scoreboard installation, hardcourt improvements, baseball field fencing, weight room/team room improvements
    • o Glen Edwards Middle School
      • • Replace and repair decomposed granite track, natural grass fields, and irrigation systems
    • o New Elementary School
      • • Installation of athletic playing fields and backstops
    • o Districtwide Physical Education Facilities
      • o Outdoor safety enhancements and improvements of fields and playgrounds, installation of outdoor and athletic equipment

Exhibit A
Page 1
118

***

Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of the bond issuance, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, furniture, equipment, construction management, and a customary contingency for design and construction costs. Projects may also include the preparation of 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 bond projects. Necessary site preparation/ restoration and landscaping may occur in connection with new constructionr renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, redirecting fire access, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.

For any project involving modernization or renovation of a building or the major portion of a building, the District shall be authorized to proceed with new replacement construction if the Board of Trustees determines that replacement and new construction is economically more practical.

The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District's control. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids 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 performed.

Bond proceeds shall be expended only for the specific purposes identified herein. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff when performing work on or necessary and incidental to the bond projects, but not for other administrator or teacher salaries. The District shall create an account into which proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited and comply with the reporting requirements of Government Code§ 53410.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of the bond proceeds in meeting the need for public school facilities, charter schools receiving allocations of bond proceeds shall have the greatest amount of flexibility possible to lease, purchase, develop, and finance charter school facilities so as long as consistent with State laws applicable to charter school facilities projects and Board approval.

Exhibit A
Page2

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Measure H Tax Rate Statement

119

EXHIBIT B

TAX RATE STATEMENT

An election will be held in the Western Placer Unified School District (the "District") on November 6, 2018, to authorize the sale of up to $60,000,000 in bonds of the Dish'ict for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List established by the District, as described in the proposition. If the bonds are authorized and a State bonding capacity waiver is received, the District expects to sell the bonds in two or more series. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California.

  1. 1. The best estimate from official sources of the average annual tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund that bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors is 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation ($25 per $100,000 of assessed valuation) of all property to be taxed. The best estimate of the final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2049-50.
  2. 2. The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund that bond issue, and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors is 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation ($30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation) of all property to be taxed. The best estimate of the year in which the highest tax rate will apply is anticipated to be 2021-22.
  3. 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 $115,000,000.

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 estimated tax rate is based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on Placer County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those presently estimated, due to variations from these estimates in the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold and market interest rates at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of tl1e bonds. The dates of sale and tl1e amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by tl1e District based on need for construction funds and other factors. The actual interest rates at which tl1e 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 Placer County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process.

Dated: July 3, 2018.

Superintendent
Western Placer Unified School District

Exhibit B

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Measure H Agenda Description

Agenda of July 3, 2018 (complete item)

Western Placer Unified School District
Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
July 3, 2018

6. ?ACTION ?DISCUSSION ?INFORMATION

6.1 Information Page 93 – CAPITAL FACILITIES FUNDING PLAN OVERVIEW – WESTERN PLACER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT – Kilpatrick (17-18 G & O Component I, II, III, IV, V)

?Cathy Dominico from Capital Public Financing Group will present an overview and provide discussion regard the capital facilities funding plan related to the new high school, new elementary school and Glen Edwards Middle School modernization projects. Staff will present information related to the estimated project costs, funding sources and project cash flow.

6.2 Action Page 94 – APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 18/19.01 REQUESTING THE PLACER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ESTABLISH A TAX RATE FOR BONDS EXPECTED TO BE SOLD IN 2018-19 – Kilpatrick (17-18 G & O Component I, II, III, IV, V)

?Resolution No. 18/19.01 requests the Placer County Board of Supervisors establish a tax rate for bonds expected to be sold in 2018-19 to continue to provide funding necessary for the construction of the new high school, new elementary school and modernization of Glen Edwards Middle School.

Roll call vote:

6.3 Action Page 106 – APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 18/19.02 EXPRESSING OFFICIAL INTENT REGARDING CERTAIN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES TO BE REIMBURSED FROM PROCEEDS OF A TAX-EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS – Kilpatrick (17-18 G & O Component I, II, III, IV, V)

?Resolution No. 18/19.02 will allow the District to reimburse itself for expenditures that may be made on Measure A and N projects for the construction of the new high school, new elementary school and Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
July 3, 2018
Agenda_______________________________________________________________
3
modernization of Glen Edwards Middle School from the issuance of the remaining $15 million of Measure A bonds and the remaining $30 million of Measure N bonds this fall.

Roll call vote:

6.4 Action Page 110 – APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 18/19.03 AND CALLING FOR A LOCAL GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND MEASURE FOR NOVEMBER 6, 2018 GENERAL ELECTION – Kilpatrick (17-18 G & O Component I, II, III, IV, V)

?Resolution 18/19.03 call for a general obligation bond measure to be placed on the November 6, 2018 ballot to fund capital improvements related to safety and security improvements projects and youth athletics and aquatics center projects.

Roll call vote:


110

WESTERN PLACER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETING FACT SHEET

MISSION STATEMENT: Empower Students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes for Success in an Ever Changing World.

DISTRICT GLOBAL GOALS

1. Develop and continually upgrade a well articulated K-12 academic program that challenges all students to achieve their highest potential, with a special emphasis on students.

2. Foster a safe, caring environment where individual differences are valued and respected.

3. Provide facilities for all. district programs and functions that are suitable in terms of function, space, cleanliness and attractiveness.

4. Promote the involvement of the community, parents, local government, business, service organizations, etc. as partners in the education of the students.

5. Promote student health and nutrition in order to enhance readiness for learning.

SUBJECT:

Approve Resolution 18/19.03 and Calling for a Local General Obligation Bond Measure for November 6, 2018 General Election

REQUESTED BY:

Scott Leaman, Superintendent /s
Audrey Kilpatrick, Asst. Supt. Business & Operations

DEPARTMENT:

Facilities

MEETING DATE:

July 3, 2018

AGENDA ITEM AREA:

Action

ENCLOSURES:

Yes

FINANCIAL INPUT/SOURCE:

Restricted Facilities Funding/Bond Funds

ROLL CALL REQUIRED:

Yes

BACKGROUND:

Resolution 18/19.03 calls for a general obligation bond measure to be placed on the November 6, 2018 ballot to fund capital improvements related to safety and security improvements projects and youth athletics and aquatics center projects. The capital improvements related to school safety are districtwide at all school sites. Additionally, the bond would fund construction of health science and medical technology CTE classrooms and labs, fields and hardcourts, aquatics center and auxiliary gymnasium at the new high school and district wide improvements to athletic facilities, tracks and fields. A bond project list as presented in Exhibit A provides a detail of the projects by school site or districtwide.

The proposed bond measure, in conjunction with available eligible State funding, would fund the improvements and new construction projects.

The next opportunity for a local general obligation bond election is November 6, 2018. In order to call for a bond election on that date, at tonight's meeting, the Board will consider a resolution formally calling for the election, identifying the ballot language, setting forth the facilities projects to be funded from a bond, and determining the amount of bond authorization requested.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the Board of Trustees approve Resolution 18/19.03 and to call for a local general obligation bond measure on November 6, 2018.

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

Measure H Resolution

WESTERN PLACER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO. 18/19.03

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE WESTERN PLACER
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERING A SCHOOL BOND ELECTION, AND
AUTHORIZING NECESSARY ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH

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

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

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

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

WHEREAS, on November 6, 2018, a general election is scheduled to occur throughout the District;

WHEREAS, pursuant to section 15270 California Education Code, based upon a projection of assessed property valuation, the Board has determined that, if approved by voters, the tax rate levied to meet the debt service requirements of the bonds proposed to be issued will not exceed the legal limit of $60 per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation of taxable property;

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

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, determined and ordered by the Board of Trustees of the Western Placer Unified School District as follows:

Section 1. Specifications of Election Order. Pursuant to sections 5304, 5322, 15100 et seq., and section 15266 of the California Education Code, an election shall be held within the 112 boundaries of the District on November 6, 2018, for the purpose of submitting to the registered voters of the District the following proposition:

BOND AUTHORIZATION

By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $60,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List attached hereto as Exhibit A, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below. Bonds will be issued in one or more series.

ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS

The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers of the District may be assured that their money will be spent to address the specific facilities needs of the District, in compliance with the requirements of Article XIII A, section 1(b)(3) of the State Constitution, and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at section 15264 et seq. of the California Education Code).

Evaluation of Needs. The Board has updated its Facilities Master Plan in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the District, and to determine which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology and other needs in developing the Bond Project List contained in Exhibit A.

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

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

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

BOND PROJECT LIST

The Bond Project List attached to this resolution as Exhibit A shall be considered a part of the ballot proposition, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition.

The Bond Project List, which is an integral part of this proposition, lists the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the Bonds. Listed repairs, rehabilitation -2-
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projects and upgrades will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, construction management, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. In addition, certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including State grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Therefore the Board cannot guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects.

FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS

No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses.

Single Purpose. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to section 15100 of the California Education Code, and all the purposes shall constitute the specific single purpose of the bonds, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purpose, pursuant to section 53410 of the California Government Code.

Section 2. Brief Statement of Proposition. Pursuant to section 13247 of the California Elections Code and section 15122 of the California Education Code, the Board hereby directs the Registrar of Voters to use the following abbreviation of the bond proposition on the ballot:

"To improve local schools and student safety with funding that cannot be taken by the State, upgrade safety and security communication systems, qualify for State matching funds; provide health science labs/classrooms, college/job training facilities; aquatic center/physical education facilities, shall Western Placer Unified School District issue $60,000,000 in bonds with an estimated $3,600,000 in taxes raised annually on average for 32 years at average projected tax rates of 2.5¢ per $100 of assessed value, requiring independent audits and oversight?"

Section 3. Voter Pamphlet. The Registrar of Voters of the County is hereby requested to reprint Section 1 hereof (including Exhibit A hereto) in its entirety in the voter information pamphlets to be distributed to voters pursuant to section 13307 of the California Elections Code. In the event Section 1 is not reprinted in the voter information pamphlets in its entirety, the Registrar of Voters of the County is hereby requested to print, immediately below the impartial analysis of the bond proposition, in no less than 10-point boldface type, a legend substantially as follows:

"The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure_. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the Placer County Registrar of Voters at (530) 886-5650 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you."

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

Section 5. State Matching Funds. In addition to the amount of Bonds issued, it is the Board's intention to seek State funding, in the event and to the extent it is available.

Section 6. Request to County Officers to Conduct Election. The Registrar of Voters of the County is hereby requested, pursuant to section 5322 of the California Education Code, to take all steps to call and hold the election in accordance with law and these specifications.

Section 7. Consolidation Requirement; Canvass.

  1. (a) Pursuant to section 15266(a) of the California Education Code, the election shall be consolidated with the general election on November 6, 2018.
  2. (b) The Board of Supervisors of the County is authorized and requested to canvass the returns of the election, pursuant to section 10411 of the California Elections Code.

Section 8. Delivery of Order of Election to County Officers. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to deliver, no later than August 10, 2018, one copy of this Resolution to the County Superintendent of Schools and the Registrar of Voters of the County together with the Tax Rate Statement (attached hereto as Exhibit B), completed and signed by the Superintendent, and shall file a copy of this Resolution with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of the County.

Section 9. Ballot Arguments. The members of the Board are hereby authorized, but not directed, to prepare and file with the Registrar of Voters of the County a ballot argument in favor of the proposition contained in Section 1 hereof, within the time established by the Registrar of Voters of the County.

Section 10. Further Authorization. The members of this Board, the Superintendent, and all other officers of the District are hereby authorized and directed, individually and collectively, to do any and all things that they deem necessary or advisable in order to effectuate the purposes of this resolution.

Section 11. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption.

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PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of July, 2018, by the following vote:

AYES:

NAYS:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Attest:

Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the
Western Placer Unified School District

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APPROVED:

President of the Board of Trustees of the
Western Placer Unified School District

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CLERK'S CERTIFICATE

I,, Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the Western Placer Unified School District, of Placer County, California, hereby certify as follows:

The attached is a full, true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the District duly and regularly held at the regular meeting place thereof on July 3, 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:

At least 24 hours before the time of said meeting, a written notice and agenda of the meeting was mailed and received by or personally delivered to each member of the Board of Trustees not having waived notice thereof, and to each local newspaper of general circulation, radio, and television station requesting such notice in writing, and was posted in a location freely accessible to members of the public, and a brief description of the resolution appeared on said agenda.

I have carefully compared the same with the original minutes of the meeting on file and of record in my office. 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 3rd day of July, 2018.

Clerk of the Board of Trustees
Western Placer Unified School District

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Measure H Notice of Election

NOTICE OF ELECTION

NOTICE BY THE PLACER COUNTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS OF OFFICES FOR WHICH CANDIDATES ARE TO BE NOMINATED OR ELECTED AT THE GENERAL ELECTION. NOTICE OF CENTRAL COUNTING LOCATION. NOTICE OF WEEKEND OFFICE HOURS. NOTICE OF LAST DAY TO REGISTER. NOTICE OF VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS ISSUED. NOTICE OF THE SELECTION OF PRECINCTS FOR THE MANUAL TALLY AND OF THE MANUAL TALLY OF BALLOTS TO BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that consolidated with the General Election the following measure shall be put to a vote of the qualified voters in the Western Placer Unified School District:

Measure H – Western Placer Unified School District

Shall the measure to improve schools and student safety with funding that cannot be taken by the State, upgrade safety/security communication systems, quality for State matching funds; provide health science labs/classrooms, college/job training facilities; aquatic center/physical education facilities, shall Western Placer Unified School District issue $60,000,000 in bonds with an average of $3,600,000 raised annually for 32 years at average tax rates of 2.5’ per $100 of assessed value, requiring independent audits/oversight be adopted?

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that direct arguments for or against said measure shall be submitted to the Placer County Elections Office. Said arguments shall not exceed 300 words in length and may be received or withdrawn, but not changed, prior to and including August 21, 2018 at 5:00 PM. The Placer County Registrar of Voters shall cause (if submitted) one argument for and/or one argument against said measure to be printed and shall cause to be enclosed a copy thereof in each County Voter Information Guide. If multiple arguments are submitted either for or against a measure, the Placer County Registrar of Voters shall choose and print one argument in accordance with applicable law or procedure.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, for individuals interested in submitting arguments for or against said measure, the physical address for the Placer County Elections Office is 2956 Richardson Drive, Auburn. The mailing address for the Placer County Elections Office is PO Box 5278, Auburn, CA 95604.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that when the Placer County Registrar of Voters has selected the direct arguments for and against said measure, the Placer County Registrar of Voters shall send copies of the argument in favor of said measure to the authors of the argument against and copies of the argument against to the authors of the argument in favor. The authors may prepare and submit rebuttal arguments not to exceed 250 words. The rebuttal arguments must be filed with the Placer County Registrar of Voters not later than 10 days after the final date for filing direct arguments. The final date for rebuttal arguments is August 28, 2018 at 5:00 PM.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that California Elections Code Section 9600 governs the form of said arguments and/or rebuttals. Arguments and/or rebuttals submitted to the Placer County Elections Office must follow this form. Authors of said arguments/rebuttals may call the Elections Office at 530-886-5650 for more information and a copy of this Elections Code Section.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the last day to register to vote for the General Election is October 22, 2018.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that vote-by-mail ballots will begin to mail on October 8, 2018. (Date may be changed due to the Columbus Day holiday) The last day for the Elections Office to mail a requested vote-by-mail ballot is October 30, 2018.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that at the General Election the polls will be open from the hour of 7:00 AM to the hour of 8:00 PM on the day thereof.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that after the polls are closed on the date of said election, the ballots will be transported to the central counting location at the Placer County Elections Office, 2956 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the opening and processing of the vote-by-mail ballots for said election will take place at the Placer County Elections Office starting October 23, 2018 and continue through Election Night, November 6, 2018.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the canvass will commence on or before 8:00 AM on November 7, 2018 at the Placer County Elections Office.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Elections Office will be open for business the two weekends prior to the General Election (October 27th and 28th and November 3rd and 4th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, in accordance with provisions of the election laws of the State of California, that on November 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM, the Placer County Elections Office will randomly select precincts for a manual tally of one percent (1%) of the precincts casting ballots at the November 6, 2018 General Election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this random selection of precincts is open to the public.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that on November 19, 2018 at 9:00 AM, the Placer County Elections Office will begin a manual tally of one percent (1%) of the precincts casting ballots at the November 6, 2018 General Election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this manual tally is open to the public and shall continue daily (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excluded unless otherwise decided by the County Registrar of Voters) until completed.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that for directions or information regarding the manual tally, interested persons may call the Placer County Elections Office at 530-886-5650 or toll-free in California at 1-800-824-8683.

Ryan Ronco
Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters

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