Three Rivers Union Elementary Schools: Vote Yes on Measure E Bonds - Tulare County - 2018 General Election
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Why didn't Three Rivers Union Elementary tell you specifically what it will do with the $4,000,000 in Measure E?

We Could Really Use Your Help!

Real Grassroots Against Measure E

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    Argument Against    Full Text    Tax Rate  

Commentary on Measure E

#HonestBallots Movement

Your Tulare 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 Three Rivers Union Elementary 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, Tulare, 0639210, 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 Isom Advisors (Rex Despain). 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    Argument Against    Full Text    Tax Rate  

Measure E Question

To improve the quality of education; repair or replace leaky roofs; replace outdated and energy-inefficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; and modernize/renovate outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; shall Three Rivers Union School District issue $4,000,000 of bonds at legal interest rates, raising an average $239,000 annually as long as bonds are outstanding, at a rate of 3 cents per $100 assessed value, have an independent citizens' oversight committee with NO money for administrative salaries?

BONDS-YES BONDS-NO

  Commentary    Question    Analysis    Argument in Favor    Argument Against    Full Text    Tax Rate  

Impartial Analysis for Measure E

BOND MEASURE E THREE RIVERS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS

BY DEANNE H. PETERSON, TULARE COUNTY COUNSEL
s/ Aaron Zaheen, Deputy County Counsel

The California Constitution and Education Code authorize a school district to issue bonds for specified purposes if issuance of the bonds is approved at an election by 55% of those voting on it.

The Board of Trustees of the Three Rivers Union Elementary School District (the "Board") proposes this measure, which would authorize the Board to issue and sell general obligation bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $4,000,000. The bonds will have an interest rate not exceeding the legal maximum and will be repaid within the time permitted by law. The Tax Rate Statement printed in this pamphlet contains the Board's best estimates of tax rates required to service the bond debt during the life of the bonds.

The Board's best estimate of the average annual tax rate levy to fund this bond is $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. This means that a property assessed at $250,000 would likely have an annual tax obligation of $75 under this measure.

The California Constitution requires the measure to list specific projects to be funded from the bond revenue and certification that the Board has evaluated safety, class size reduction, and information technology needs in the development of that list.

The Bond Project List can be found in the full text of the measure, and includes, among other projects:

  • ? Abate and remove hazardous construction materials on premises;
  • ? Remediate issues including plumbing, gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic safety, structural issues;
  • ? Ongoing compliance with codes, statutes, and the Americans with Disabilities Act;
  • ? Acquire a site for new construction as well as development, improvement costs, and legal costs for new construction;
  • ? Rental or construction of storage and other space on an interim basis as needed;
  • ? Refinancing or retirement of outstanding lease obligations, or entering into new lease or purchase option agreements;
  • ? New construction should the Board deem that it is more cost effective than replacement of existing facilities; and
  • ? Provision of labor and oversight costs for proposed projects and transportation.

The measure authorizes equipment acquisition, upgrades, repairs, services, construction, and other items related to the listed projects. No proceeds from the bonds shall be used for teacher or administrator salaries or operating expenses.

State law requires that the Board take certain steps to account for the proceeds from the bonds. Accordingly, the Board will direct the funds to be deposited into a special account, appoint an independent citizens' oversight committee, conduct annual independent performance and financial audits to ensure that funds are spent only for the purposes listed in the Bond Project List and for no other purposes, and prepare annual reports listing the amount of funds collected and expended and the status of any funded project.

A "yes" vote on this measure would authorize the Board to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $4 million for the purposes listed in the project list.

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

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

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  Commentary    Question    Analysis    Argument in Favor    Argument Against    Full Text    Tax Rate  

Argument in Favor of Measure E

MEASURE E THREE RIVERS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Three Rivers Union Elementary School is the most important asset in our community and should be our number one priority. From higher achieving students, to greater neighborhood safety, quality schools make a difference. While our teachers and staff do a great job in educating our children, many classrooms and school facilities in the Three Rivers Union School District are outdated and inadequate to provide students with the facilities they need to succeed. This is why our children need your YES vote on Measure E!

Although our school has been well maintained over the years, aging classrooms and facilities must be upgraded since many do not meet 21st century standards. Measure E would allow the District to improve our school and the quality of education provided to local children. By investing in our school, we can meet today's educational standards and improve our community.

If passed, Measure E will provide funding to make facility improvements at our school by:

  • ? Repairing or replacing leaky roofs
  • ? Modernizing/renovating outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities
  • ? Replacing outdated and energy-inefficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
  • ? Upgrading P.E. facilities and playgrounds for school and community use
  • ? Replacing temporary portables with permanent classrooms

Measure E makes financial sense and protects taxpayers.

  • ? All funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state.
  • ? By law, spending must be reviewed and annually audited by an independent citizens' oversight committee.
  • ? Funds can only be spent to improve our local school, not for teacher or administrator salaries.

Measure E upgrades and renovates old and inadequate classrooms, improves the education of local children, and maintains the quality of our community. That's something we can all support. Please join us and VOTE YES ON MEASURE E!

s/ Carol Kristina Roper
Owner, Sierra Valley Cultural Planning

s/ Elizabeth S. Clark
Doctor

s/ Allison Millner
Owner, Sierra Subs and Salads/TRUS Alumni

s/ Alex Garcia
Pastor, First Baptist Church

s/ Mark Frick
Law Enforcement

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  Commentary    Question    Analysis    Argument in Favor    Argument Against    Full Text    Tax Rate  

Argument Against Measure E

No Argument Against Filed.

  Commentary    Question    Analysis    Argument in Favor    Argument Against    Full Text    Tax Rate  

Full Text of Measure E

BOND MEASURE E THREE RIVERS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

FULL TEXT

INTRODUCTION

To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State; repair or replace leaky roofs; replace outdated and energy-inefficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; modernize/renovate outdated classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; and replace temporary portables with permanent classrooms; shall Three Rivers Union School District issue $4,000,000 of bonds at legal interest rates, with an independent citizens' oversight committee, annual audits and NO money used for teacher or administrator salaries?

BOND AUTHORIZATION

By approval of this measure by at least 55 percent of the registered voters voting on the measure, the Three Rivers Union School District will be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $4.0 million in aggregate principal amount at interest rates not to exceed legal limits and to provide financing for the specific types of school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List described below, subject to all the accountability requirements specified below.

ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS

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

Evaluation of Needs. The School Board has identified detailed facilities needs of the District and has determined which projects to finance from a local bond. The School Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List shown below.

Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. Following approval of this measure, the Board of Trustees will establish an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee, under Education Code Sections 15278 and following, to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the types of school facilities projects listed below. The committee will be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the School Board.

Performance Audits. The School Board will conduct annual, independent performance audits to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed below.

Financial Audits. The School Board will conduct annual, independent financial audits of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed below.

Government Code Accountability Requirements. As required by Section 53410 of the Government Code, (1) the specific purpose of the bonds is set forth in this Full Text of the Measure, (2) the proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used only for the purposes specified in this measure, and not for any other purpose, (3) the proceeds of the bonds, when and if issued, will be deposited into a building fund to be held by the Tulare County Treasurer, as required by the California Education Code, and (4) the Superintendent of the District shall cause an annual report to be filed with the Board of Trustees of the District not later than January 1 of each year, which report shall contain pertinent information regarding the amount of funds collected and expended, as well as the status of the projects listed in this measure, as required by Sections 53410 and 53411 of the Government Code.

NO TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES

Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this measure shall be used only for the purposes specified in Article XIII A, Section 1(b)(3), those being for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, and the acquisition or lease of school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses.

STATE MATCHING FUNDS

The following statement is included in this measure pursuant to Education Code Section 15122.5: Approval of this measure does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects that are the subject of bonds under this measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this measure. The District's proposal for the project or projects described below may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which, if available, could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.

INFORMATION ABOUT ESTIMATES AND PROJECTIONS INCLUDED IN BALLOT

This measure authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance the types of projects set forth on the Bond Project List set forth below, to be repaid by tax collections for the years that bonds are outstanding. The measure presented to District voters on the Ballot, as set forth above under the heading "INTRODUCTION", includes information regarding the expected average amount of money to be raised annually to pay issued bonds, the estimated rate of the approved tax per $100 of assessed valuation, and the year through which it is approximated the proposed tax will be levied and collected. Each of these estimates and approximations are provided as informational only. Such amounts are estimates only, and are not maximum amounts or limitations on the terms of the bonds or the tax rate or duration 54-E7
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supporting repayment of bonds. The approximations and estimates provided depend on numerous variables which are subject to variation and change over the term of the District's overall facilities and bond financing plan, including but not limited to the amount of bonds issued and outstanding at any one time, the interest rates applicable to issued bonds, market conditions at the time of sale of the bonds, when bonds mature, timing of project needs and changes in assessed valuations in the District. As such, while such estimates and approximations have been provided based on information currently available to the District and its current expectations, such estimates and approximations are not limitations and are not binding upon the District.

BOND PROJECT LIST

Scope of Projects. Bond proceeds will be expended on the modernization, renovation, expansion, acquisition, construction/reconstruction, rehabilitation, and/or replacement of school facilities of the Three Rivers Union School District, including the furnishing and equipping of such school facilities. This measure authorizes bond projects to be undertaken at all District sites, including current and future sites.

School Facility Project List. The items presented on the following list are the types of projects authorized to be financed with voter-approved bond proceeds. Specific examples included on this list are not intended to limit the broad types of projects described and authorized by this measure. The types of projects authorized are:

  • ? Repair or replace leaky roofs
  • ? Install additional and/or replace outdated heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and lighting systems to be more energyefficient
  • ? Replace temporary portables with permanent classrooms
  • ? Renovate, construct, repair, expand and/or upgrade classrooms, restrooms and school facilities, including cafeteria and kitchen
  • ? Upgrade P.E. facilities and playgrounds for school and community use
  • ? Repair or replace deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems, including drilling new well and distribution/irrigation system
  • ? Replace inadequate wiring and electrical systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes, increase capacity, andrelieve currently overloaded electrical systems
  • ? Make health and safety improvements, including Federal and State-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibilityupgrades and as mandated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA) including site access, parking, restrooms, relocation ofsome existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, etc.
  • ? Install, repair, upgrade, or replace safety and security systems for students and staff
  • ? Modernize outdated classroom interiors including tile/asbestos abatement, new paint, carpet/vinyl, white marker boards, tackablesurfaces, increased secure storage capacity for instructional materials and equipment, etc.

Miscellaneous Projects

  • ? Abate and remove hazardous materials identified prior or during construction
  • ? Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization (such as plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic,structural, etc.)
  • ? Other improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act, and access requirements of theAmericans with Disabilities Act
  • ? Necessary site acquisition and preparation/restoration in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, orinstallation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utilitylines (such as gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, and communication lines), trees and landscaping, relocating fireaccess roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property
  • ? Rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis, as needed to accommodate constructionmaterials, equipment, and personnel, and interim classrooms (including relocatables) for students and school functions or otherstorage for classroom materials displaced during construction
  • ? Acquisition of any of the facilities on the Bond Project List through temporary lease or lease-purchase arrangements, or executepurchase option under leases for any of these authorized facilities, or refinancing or retirement of outstanding lease obligations
  • ? For any project involving rehabilitation or renovation of a building or the major portion of a building, the District shall be authorizedto proceed with new replacement construction instead, if the Board of Trustees determines that replacement and newconstruction is more economically practical than rehabilitation and renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expectedremaining life, and other relevant factors
  • ? All work necessary and incidental to specific projects described above, including demolition of existing structures

Each of the bond projects described in this Bond Project List include the costs of furnishing and equipping such facilities, and all costs which are incidental but directly related to the types of projects described above. Examples of incidental costs include, but are not limited to: costs of design, engineering, architect and other professional services, facilities assessments, inspections, site preparation, utilities, landscaping, construction management and other planning and permitting, legal, accounting and similar costs; independent annual financial and performance audits; a customary construction contingency; demolition and disposal of existing structures; the costs of interim housing and storage during construction including relocation and construction costs incurred relating to interim facilities; rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis for materials and other equipment and furnishings displaced during construction; costs of relocating facilities and equipment as needed in connection with the projects; interim classrooms and facilities for students, administrators, and school functions, including modular facilities; federal and state-mandated safety upgrades; addressing unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization and other necessary improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act; 54-E8
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access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; costs of the election; bond issuance costs; and project administration during the duration of such projects, as permitted by law.

The scope and nature of any of the specific projects described above may be altered by the District as required by unforeseen conditions that may arise during the course of design and construction. In the event that a modernization or renovation project is more economical for the District to be undertaken as new construction, this bond measure authorizes land acquisition, relocation and construction and/or reconstruction, and all costs relating thereto, for said reason or, alternatively, based on other considerations deemed in the best interest of the District by the Governing Board. In addition, this measure authorizes the acquisition of real property, including necessary rights of ways or other real property interests, required to expand District facilities, to provide access to school or other District facilities, or to provide additional school or related facilities. In addition, authorized projects include reimbursements for paid project costs and paying and/or prepaying interim or previously obtained financing for the types of projects included on the project list, such as bond anticipation notes, and including payment and prepayment of lease payments relating to projects and/or equipment previously financed.

Approval of the District's bond measure does not guarantee that all of the identified projects within this Bond Project List will be funded beyond what can be completed with local funds generated by the bond measure. The District plans to pursue funds from the State of California, if available, to complete certain of the identified facilities projects.

The order in which school facilities projects are listed in the foregoing Bond Project List does not suggest an order of priority. Project priorities will be determined by the Board of Trustees. The District is unable to anticipate all unforeseen circumstances which may prevent some of the projects listed above from being undertaken or completed.

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Measure E Tax Rate Statement

BOND MEASURE E THREE RIVERS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

TAX RATE STATEMENT

BY SUSAN P. SHERWOOD, SUPERINTENDENT, THREE RIVERS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

An election will be held in the Three Rivers Union School District (the "District") on November 6, 2018, to authorize the sale of up to $4.0 million in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the measure. If such bonds are authorized and sold, principal and interest on the bonds will be payable only from the proceeds of ad valorem 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. Such information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within the District, and other demonstrable factors.

Based upon the foregoing and projections of the District's assessed valuation, the following information is provided:

  1. 1. The best estimate of the average annual tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue over the entireduration of the bond debt service, based on a projection of assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $0.03 per $100 of assessed valuation (or $30 per $100,000 of assessed value). The final fiscal year in which it is anticipated thatthe tax will be collected is 2053-54.
  2. 2. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on a projection ofassessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $0.03 per $100 of assessed valuation (or $30 per $100,000 of assessed value). It is estimated that such rate would be levied starting in fiscal year 2019-20 and following.
  3. 3. The best estimate of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all the bondsare issued and sold is approximately $8.3 million.

Voters should note the estimated tax rate is based on the assessed value (not market value) of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls. 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. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

The attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only, which amounts are not maximum amounts and are not binding upon the District. The actual debt service, tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those used to provide the estimates set forth above, due to factors such as variations in the timing of bond sales, the par amount of bonds sold and market interest rates available at the time of each sale, actual assessed valuations over the term of the bonds, and other factors. The date and amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on the need for project funds and other considerations. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on conditions in the bond market at the time of sale. Actual future assessed valuations 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.

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