Bond Measure L (Nov. 2012)
Measure L Proposal
The following is the full proposition presented to the voters by the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District.
"To facilitate math, science, reading/writing programs in local elementary/middle schools by upgrading classrooms, removing asbestos and hazardous materials, repairing dry rot, termite and structural damage, upgrading wiring and fire alarms for safety, repairing deteriorating restrooms, replacing leaky roofs, and acquiring, renovating, constructing classrooms, equipment, sites and facilities, shall Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District issue $25,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizen oversight, no money for administrators' salaries/pensions/benefits, and all money benefiting local schools?"
The Board of Trustees of the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District is committed to safe and secure schools with upgraded classrooms, libraries, science labs, restrooms and technology systems to keep pace with 21st century learning standards. The Board evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, class size and computer and information technology and prepared a Facilities Needs Assessment and Master Plan ("Master Plan") dated May 2012 and incorporated herein, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The District conducted a facilities evaluation and received public input in developing this Project List. Teachers, staff, community members and the Board have prioritized the key health and safety needs so that the most critical facility needs are addressed. The Board concluded that if these needs are not addressed now, the problems will only become more pressing and expensive to address.
Therefore, in approving this Project List and the Master Plan, the Board of Trustees determines that the District should:
(i) renovate 40-year old restrooms that are so deteriorated, many children do not use them;
(ii) make schools safe from asbestos and other hazards;
(iii) repair dry rot, termite and other structural damage to our schools so children are safe;
(iv) repair or replace leaky roofs;
(v) upgrade old wiring in order to bring our schools up to current safety standards; and
(vi) adhere to specific FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY safeguards
Impartial Analysis for Measure L
Approval of Measure L does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Mount Pleasant School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure L will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure L. The school district's proposal for the project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.
Upon approval of 55% of the votes cast by voters in an election, California law permits school districts to issue bonds, secured by the levy of ad valorem taxes on property within a district, for the purpose of 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.
The Board of Trustees (Board) of the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District (District) proposes issuing bonds in the amount of $25,000,000. As identified in the measure, bond proceeds would be used to (1) upgrade classrooms; (2) remove asbestos and hazardous materials; (3) repair dry rot, termite and structural damage; (4) upgrade wiring and fire alarms for safety; (5) repair deteriorating restrooms; (6) replace leaky roofs; and (7) construct, acquire and renovate, classrooms, equipment, sites and facilities.
Proceeds of the bonds could not be used for teacher and administrator salaries, or other school operating expenses. The District would conduct performance and financial audits, and appoint an independent citizens' oversight committee to ensure bond proceeds are expended as promised.
The District's best estimate of the tax rate to be levied to fund the proposed bond issue is $30.00 per $100,000 during the first fiscal year after the first sale of the bonds. The District's best estimate of the tax rate to be levied to fund the proposed bond issue is $30.00 per $100,000 during the first fiscal year after the last sale of the bonds. The District's best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue is $30.00 per $100,000 per fiscal year of assessed valuation.
A "yes" vote is a vote to authorize the issuance and sale of the bonds in the amount of $25,000,000 to be secured by the levy of ad valorem taxes on property located within the District.
A "no" vote is a vote not to authorize the issuance and sale of the bonds in the amount of $25,000,000 to be secured by the levy of ad valorem taxes on property located within the District.
Lori E. Pegg
Acting County Counsel
By: s/ Susan Swain
Lead Deputy County Counsel