Measure JJ (Nov. 2018)

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 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:

1. improve student safety and security;
2. renovate 40-year old restrooms that are so deteriorated, many children do not use them;
3. repair dry rot, termite and other structural damage to our schools so children are safe;
4. repair or replace leaky roofs;
5. upgrade old wiring in order to bring our schools up to current safety standards; and
6. adhere to specific FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY safeguards such as:
   1. Sacramento must be prohibited from taking any of the funds raised,
   2. All expenditures must be subject to annual independent financial audits,
   3. No funds can be used for administrators' salaries and pensions,
   4. All funds must be subject to local control,
   5. An independent citizens' oversight committee must be appointed to ensure that all funds are spent only as authorized.

The Project List includes upgrades and improvements at the following schools: August Boeger Middle School, Ida Jew Academies, Mt. Pleasant Elementary School, Robert Sanders Elementary School, Valla Vista Elementary School.

School Renovation, Repair and Student Safety Projects

Goal and Purpose: Since protecting quality education in local schools and the health, safety and security of our children on campuses requires renovating, repairing and upgrading outdated school buildings, bathrooms, classrooms, computers, technology, school libraries and equipment to give all children have the resources they need to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest advances in technology and education, local schools will benefit from projects including:

• Repair or replace old leaky roofs.
• Make schools safe from asbestos and other hazards.
• Upgrade old wiring in order to bring our schools up to current safety codes.
• Replace 40-year old restrooms and toilets.
• Replace old, inefficient heating ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
• Replace unsafe sidewalks.

School Health and Safety and Energy Efficiency School Projects

Goal and Purpose: Since good, safe and up-to-date schools help protect and improve local property values and reduce maintenance and operating costs, returning more money to the classroom, schools and school sites will benefit from a variety of health and safety projects, such as:

Student Safety

• Replace antiquated fire alarm and safety communication system.
• Upgrade schools to meet accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities.
• Repair or replace unsafe playground equiment.
• Improve parking and traffic circulation for student safety.
• Install fencing for student safety.

Energy Efficiency–Returning Savings to the Classrooms

• Replace old and inefficient windows, lighting, irrigation, heating and ventilation systems which waste money and use the savings to prevent cuts to teacher and instructional programs.
• Install energy efficient systems to save money and return the savings to the classroom.

Academic and Instructional Technology and Wiring Projects To Continue Improving Student Achievement

Goal and Purpose: Since some school buildings are over 50 years old, schools, technology and equipment need to be updated so that our school district students have the same opportunities as others to succeed. Improved computer technology will allow teachers and students to use up-to-date teaching methods and enhance instruction in core academic subjects:

• Provide or upgrade science labs at the middle schools.
• Provide updated classroom computer technology.
• Upgrade and expand wireless systems, telecommunications, Internet and network connections.
• Upgrade classroom technology and teaching equipment to enhance instruction.
• Ensure that all classrooms, have up to date electrical wiring to support 21st Century technology.

The listed projects will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency, and escalation for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the listed projects stated above, the Project List also includes the payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility assessment reviews, environmental studies, construction documentation, inspection and permit fees, and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by bond projects. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, computers, projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgrade voice-over-IP, intercoms, audio/visual equipment, phone systems, call manager and network security/firewall, and other miscellaneous equipment and software. The repair of school facilities includes, campus accessibility, utilities, and grounds, playground equipment, security fencing, hard court surfaces, shade structures for student assembly and protecting students from inclement weather during lunch, libraries, District support facilities, fire sensors; upgrade plumbing systems; athletic and play fields turf may be upgraded for safety and operational efficiency; renovate and paint interior and exterior building surfaces to extend their useful life; security, safety and communication systems and equipment; fire alarms and bells; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system upgrades; window and floor coverings (including tiles and carpeting); upgrade irrigation systems; improvements and furnishings and/or other electronic equipment and systems. The Project List also includes the refinancing of any outstanding lease obligations, or the bridge loans taken to initiate voter approved projects. 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 completed. Demolition of existing facilities and reconstruction of facilities scheduled for repair and upgrade may occur, if the Board determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration and landscaping, may occur in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, redirecting fire access, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.

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. 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.

Goal and Purpose: Since protecting quality education in local schools and the health, safety and security of our children on campuses requires renovating, repairing and upgrading outdated school buildings, bathrooms, classrooms, computers, technology, school libraries and equipment to give all children have the resources they need to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest advances in technology and education, local schools will benefit from projects including:

• Repair or replace old leaky roofs.
• Make schools safe from asbestos and other hazards.
• Upgrade old wiring in order to bring our schools up to current safety codes.
• Replace 40-year old restrooms and toilets.
• Replace old, inefficient heating ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
• Replace unsafe sidewalks.

Goal and Purpose: Since good, safe and up-to-date schools help protect and improve local property values and reduce maintenance and operating costs, returning more money to the classroom, schools and school sites will benefit from a variety of health and safety projects, such as:

Student Safety

• Replace antiquated fire alarm and safety communication system.
• Upgrade schools to meet accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities.
• Repair or replace unsafe playground equiment.
• Improve parking and traffic circulation for student safety.
• Install fencing for student safety.

Energy Efficiency–Returning Savings to the Classrooms

• Replace old and inefficient windows, lighting, irrigation, heating and ventilation systems which waste money and use the savings to prevent cuts to teacher and instructional programs.
• Install energy efficient systems to save money and return the savings to the classroom.

Goal and Purpose: Since some school buildings are over 50 years old, schools, technology and equipment need to be updated so that our school district students have the same opportunities as others to succeed. Improved computer technology will allow teachers and students to use up-to-date teaching methods and enhance instruction in core academic subjects:

• Provide or upgrade science labs at the middle schools.
• Provide updated classroom computer technology.
• Upgrade and expand wireless systems, telecommunications, Internet and network connections.
• Upgrade classroom technology and teaching equipment to enhance instruction.
• Ensure that all classrooms, have up to date electrical wiring to support 21st Century technology.

The listed projects will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency, and escalation for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the listed projects stated above, the Project List also includes the payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility assessment reviews, environmental studies, construction documentation, inspection and permit fees, and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by bond projects. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, computers, projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgrade voice-over-IP, intercoms, audio/visual equipment, phone systems, call manager and network security/firewall, and other miscellaneous equipment and software. The repair of school facilities includes, campus accessibility, utilities, and grounds, playground equipment, security fencing, hard court surfaces, shade structures for student assembly and protecting students from inclement weather during lunch, libraries, District support facilities, fire sensors; upgrade plumbing systems; athletic and play fields turf may be upgraded for safety and operational efficiency; renovate and paint interior and exterior building surfaces to extend their useful life; security, safety and communication systems and equipment; fire alarms and bells; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system upgrades; window and floor coverings (including tiles and carpeting); upgrade irrigation systems; improvements and furnishings and/or other electronic equipment and systems. The Project List also includes the refinancing of any outstanding lease obligations, or the bridge loans taken to initiate voter approved projects. 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 completed. Demolition of existing facilities and reconstruction of facilities scheduled for repair and upgrade may occur, if the Board determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration and landscaping, may occur in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, redirecting fire access, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.

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. 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 accordance with Education Code Section 15272, the Board of Trustees will appoint a citizens' oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that funds are spent only on district projects and for no other purpose. The expenditure of bond money on these projects is subject to stringent financial accountability requirements. By law, performance and financial audits will be performed annually, and all bond expenditures will be monitored by an independent citizens' oversight committee to ensure that funds are spent as promised and specified. The citizens' oversight committee must include, among others, representation of a bona fide taxpayers association, a business organization and a senior citizens organization. No district employees or vendors are allowed to serve on the citizens' oversight committee.

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

By Mariann Engle, Superintendent, Mount Pleasant Elementary School District

An election will be held in the Mount Pleasant Elementary School District (the "District") on November 6, 2018, to authorize the sale of up to $27,500,000 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 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 9400-9405 of the California Elections Code.

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 a projection of assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 3.0 cents per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2055-56.
2. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which 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 3.0 cents per $100($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2019-20.
3. The best estimate 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 approximately $57,885,100.

Voters should note that the estimated tax rate is based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County of Santa Clara official tax rolls. 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 amounts are not binding upon the District. The tax rates, debt service 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 available at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The dates of sale and 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 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.