League of Women Voters of California
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Measure D San Mateo Union High School District Bonds For Repair and Renovation San Mateo Union High School District Bond (2/3 Approval Required) 58,979 / 72.2% Yes votes ...... 22,730 / 27.8% No votes
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| Information shown below: Fiscal Impact | Yes/No Meaning | Impartial Analysis | Arguments | | ||||||
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To repair and rehabilitate school facilities to meet current health, safety and instructional standards, including replacing deteriorated plumbing, inadequate heating, ventilation, roofs, windows and lighting, refurbishing bathrooms, safety systems, classrooms, and computer and science laboratories, and to establish an independent oversight committee to guarantee that funds are spent only on school improvements, shall the San Mateo Union High School District issue $137,500,000 in bonds, at interest rates within the legal limit?
To: The voters voting in the November 7, 2000 election on the question of the issuance of $137,500,000 General Obligation Bonds of the San Mateo Union High School District: You are hereby notified in accordance with Section 9401 of the Elections Code of California of the following: 1. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments during the first fiscal year after the first sale of bonds (Fiscal Year 2001-2002), based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election and taking into account future growth, is the following: $.01683 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $16.83 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. 2. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments during the fiscal year after the last sale of bonds and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply (Fiscal Year 2007-2008), based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election and taking into account future growth, is as follows: $.01683 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $16.83 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. Year after the last sale of bonds: 2007-08. 3. The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund principal and interest payments on the bonds and the year in which such rate would apply, based on assessed valuations at the time of the election and taking into account future growth, is as follows: $.01683 per $100 of assessed valuation, which equates to $16.83 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. Year of highest tax rate: Tax is projected to be the same every year.
This measure would authorize the San Mateo Union High School District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $137.5 million. The bonds will have an interest rate not to exceed the legal maximum and shall mature in no more than 40 years. The Board of Trustees has listed the specified purposes of the bonds to be: financing the repair and rehabilitation of school facilities to meet current health, safety and instructional standards, including replacing plumbing, heating, ventilation, roofs, windows and lighting; refurbishing bathrooms, safety systems, classrooms, computer and science laboratories, and to establish an independent oversight committee to guarantee that funds are spent only on school improvements.
A "yes" vote on this measure would authorize San Mateo Union High School District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $137.5 million for the specified purposes of the financing the repair and rehabilitation of school facilities to meet current health, safety and instructional standards, including replacing plumbing, heating, ventilation, roofs, windows and lighting; refurbishing bathrooms, safety systems, classrooms, computer and science laboratories, and to establish an independent oversight committee to guarantee that funds are spent only on school improvements.
A "no" vote would prevent San Mateo Union High School District from issuing bonds of up to $137.5 million. This measure passes if two-thirds (2/3) of those voting on the measure vote "yes."
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News and Analysis San Francisco Chronicle
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| Arguments For Measure D | Arguments Against Measure D | ||
| Our local high schools are among the oldest in the Bay Area - some over 70 years old. Classrooms are crowded, and many need significant repair. Over the years, the school district has, within limited resources, kept them in good working order, but the age of facilities, their condition and classroom size, have created a critical need for renovation.
Classrooms, science laboratories and school libraries are inadequate. Electrical systems are old and circuits blow regularly. New electrical wiring is needed to access technology. Bathrooms built years ago are antiquated and unsightly; intercoms and fire alarm systems do not meet current safety codes; aging roofs and windows that leak damage classrooms. Following the defeat of previous bond measures to rehabilitate local high schools, a task force was established, including former opponents, to re-examine the physical condition of the schools. After studying the needs of the schools, the task force recommended a modest and cost effective plan that addresses the most pressing and urgent needs of the schools. Over $50 million in improvements that are needed, but not immediately critical, were eliminated to lower the cost and tax rate. Measure D will:
An independent citizens' oversight committee will oversee the projects to ensure every dollar is spent properly and that buildings are maintained in proper condition. All money raised by Measure D is tax deductible and will stay in our community to benefit local children. We urge your Yes vote.
/s/Jackie Speier
There is a better solution. A single high school district serving six cities is unnecessary. Localization -- combining existing high schools with existing cities' elementary districts would provide a more stable, responsive, cost-effective and fairer system. Advantages:
VOTE NO ON MEASURE D http://www.hsbond.com
/s/Marilyn Gomes
| The bond to repair San Mateo Union High School District's facilities failed twice in the past two years - last time losing in four of the District's six cities. The same problems of poor planning, financial mismanagement and credibility remain.
Poor Planning
Vote NO on Measure D http://www.hsbond.com
/s/Bobbie Snavely
Since then, a citizen's task force re-evaluated the physical condition of our schools and recommended a new plan to cover the most critical health, safety and classroom renovations. They worked hard to scale down plans, eliminating over $50,000,000 from previous proposals. There are no frills, no expensive "wish lists", no blank checks. Even these opponents do not refute the critical need to renovate the schools. Opponents say, "tear the schools down - rebuild them from the ground up!" Do they really think it would be cheaper/better to do so? They never mention where the money to do this would come from. Opponents say, "sell schools!" All schools are presently used for instruction. Every school district in California (including Palo Alto) that has sold sites to developers eventually regretted the decision. Selling schools to fund repairs is irresponsible and not a legitimate option. Current law requires local funding to qualify for state matching funds. If Measure D fails, future state funds will be given to other school districts that have matching funds. Our quality of life is dependent on good schools. Good schools help maintain property values. Please support Measure D.
/s/ T. Jack Foster
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Created: January 25, 2001 02:35
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