Pass: 3,650 / 63.9% Yes votes ...... 2,062 / 36.1% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

The Board of Trustees of the Burlingame Elementary School District has proposed this measure which would authorize the District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $48.3 million. The bonds will have an interest rate not exceeding the legal maximum.

Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3)(B) of the California Constitution requires that the District list the specific school facilities projects to be funded from the bond revenue and certify that the Board has evaluated safety, class size reduction, and information technology needs in the development of that list. The District's "Bond Project List" for the proposed bond is attached to the full text of the measure and can be generally described as follows: renovate student restrooms; repair and replace heating and ventilation systems; repair and replace roofs, windows, walls and doors; install electrical system wiring to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems (including security cameras and outdoor lighting); interior and exterior painting; repair and improve portable classrooms; demolition; inspect for and abate any hazardous materials, including asbestos and mold; improve access for people with disabilities; and, construct classrooms and various forms of storage and support space.

In accordance with state law, the measure requires the District to take certain steps to account for the proceeds from the sale of the bonds as set forth in Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution and Education Code sections 15272 et seq. The District must appoint a citizens' oversight committee and conduct annual independent performance and financial audits to assure that funds are spent only on the listed school and classroom improvements and for no other purposes.

A "yes" vote on this measure would authorize the Burlingame Elementary School District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $48.3 million for: renovate student restrooms; repair and replace heating and ventilation systems; repair and replace worn-out roofs, windows, walls and doors; install electrical system wiring to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems (including security cameras and outdoor lighting); interior and exterior painting; repair and improve portable classrooms; demolition; inspect for and abate any hazardous materials, including asbestos and mold; improve access for people with disabilities; and, construct classrooms and various forms of storage and support space.

A "no" vote would preclude Burlingame Elementary School District from issuing bonds of up to $48.3 million.

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

Although our great local Burlingame elementary schools are a source of pride for all of us, roofs, classrooms, restrooms and other school facilities were constructed over 50 years ago and require repairs and improvements.

Burlingame School District must repair, improve and upgrade leaky roofs, fire safety systems, classrooms, restrooms and computer learning technology in order to continue providing an excellent education for local students.

We know that the investments we make in our schools today will keep our students on top, and benefit our property values and our community in the future, whether or not we have children in school.

Vote Yes on Measure A - the only way to make vital repairs to our local schools. Without Measure A, the district cannot qualify for state matching funds to complete these essential projects.

Measure A will:

• Repair leaky roofs in classrooms and other school buildings

• Improve fire safety for local students

• Fix heating and ventilation systems for improved energy efficiency

• Make major repairs and renovations to deteriorating school restrooms

• Update technology in classrooms so that all local students receive a 21st century education

• Save taxpayers money by improving existing buildings instead of constructing new schools

• Remove hazardous materials, such as asbestos, from classrooms and school buildings

• Provide citizen oversight, ensuring that bond funds are spent wisely on voter-approved projects

Join us and vote Yes on Measure A to repair and upgrade neighborhood schools so that local students continue to achieve!

/s/ David Lewin July 20, 2007 Chairman + Burlingame Chamber of Commerce

/s/ William Reilly July 20, 2007 Retired Fire Chief, Central County F.D.

/s/ Annette J. De Maria July 31, 2007 Burlingame School District Teacher

/s/ Karen Key August 6, 2007 Thirty year Burlingame Resident

/s/ Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. July 19, 2007 BSD Parent

In 1993 the District passed a $12 million bond to "rehabilitate all District schools", including "efficient and reliable...heating and ventilating systems" plus "necessary safety modifications in all the schools".

In 1997 they passed a $6 million bond to repair and renovate "classrooms...laboratories and libraries...roofs, lighting, and electrical and mechanical systems", which proponents described as "completing modernization". What happened???

Bonds -- The worst way to fund maintenance

Measure A would not "ensure that local funds stay in our schools". Almost 56 cents of every dollar spent would go for interest payments to lenders-- a financial arrangement known for keeping poor people poor.

We don't want that for our kids, who would pay and pay for 32 years.

Matching funds from state bonds -- Another deal with the Devil.

When California issues tax-free bonds, it sacrifices future income tax revenue, and commits to 30 years of interest payments. Each $1 million bond reduces the General Fund approximately $2.5 million.

Because roughly 45% of that money would go to schools otherwise (Prop 98), districts ultimately lose roughly $1.1 million in regular revenue for every $1 million of debt-fueled matching funds issued.

Flimflam

Existing bonds cost $18.30 per $100,000 of assessed value. Although Measure A would be over 2.5 times larger, they tell voters it would cost just $30 per $100,000.

We estimate total cost of the proposed bond at $1,100,000 per classroom, or $7,900 per household.

/s/ Christopher "Kit" Schmidt August 27, 2007 Lincoln '72

/s/ David Peters August 23, 2007 Operations Manager

Yes! --and with good reason.

Thanks to revenue growth that far outpaced inflation, our schools have plenty of money to work with.

In 2005-2006 (the most recent year for which data is available from Ed-Data*) the District had $186,000 in General Fund revenue for the average class of 22.4 students, of which $64,000 was used to pay the teacher's salary and benefits.

That left $122,000 per class for other spending, like annual building maintenance and improvement, if the District chose to make those a priority, rather than spending so much on ancillary staff. (The District has approximately 103 classrooms, and employed approximately 230 people.)

And that's pretty much what their budget looks like every year, except the picture gets rosier and rosier.

During the past decade, while attendance has been flat (declining slightly, from 2,398 students to 2,296 in 2005-2006), revenue has been burgeoning:

The General Fund increased 65%, from $11,550,076 to $19,024,981, for an average annual increase of about 5.1%, while inflation averaged only 2.5%.

If the trustees want to increase spending on building maintenance and improvement, it is entirely within their power today, without another hike in the property tax rate.

Vote `no'. They have plenty of money already.

• http://www.ed-data.k12.ca.us/dev/District.asp

Without Measure A, local schools cannot receive state matching funds to complete extensive repairs required to fix leaky roofs, improve school fire safety and upgrade classrooms and restrooms that were constructed over 50 years ago.

The Burlingame School District operates with one of the leanest budgets in our area. Yet this budget can only provide for ongoing maintenance, not major repairs required to fix aging schools.

Measure A's opponent is not a Burlingame resident and objects to all bond measures, ignoring our schools' particular needs. The opponent disregards the fact that school budgets are comprised mostly of state funds restricted to specific academic purposes, which cannot be used for school repairs and upgrades.

Measure A is necessary to improve classrooms and schools in our excellent Burlingame School District by:

• Repairing leaky roofs

• Improving school fire safety

• Fixing heating and ventilation systems to improve energy efficiency

• Renovating deteriorating school restrooms

• Updating classroom learning technology

• Saving taxpayers money by improving existing buildings instead of constructing new schools

• Removing hazardous materials, such as asbestos, from school buildings

• Providing citizen oversight to ensure that bond funds are spent wisely on voter-approved projects

Investments in our great local schools contribute to the quality of life and high property values that we enjoy in Burlingame.

Please join us and Vote Yes on Measure A to support local schools.

/s/ Joe La Mariana August 22, 2007 Past Chair, Burlingame Chamber of Commerce

/s/ Andreanna Yanez-Vierra August 22, 2007 Burlingame School District Teacher

/s/ Mike Shaffer August 23, 2007 Battalion Chief

/s/ Shihua Wang August 23, 2007 Burlingame School District Parent

/s/ Donna Wills Colson August 23, 2007 Director, Burlingame Community for Education

1. The best estimate of the tax which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the first series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 3 cents per $100 ($30 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2007-08.

2. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the last series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 3 cents per $100 ($30 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2014-2015.

3. 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 cents per $100 ($30 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The tax rate is expected to remain the same in each year.

The District's best estimate of the average tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue over all of the years the bonds will be outstanding is $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

Voters should note that the estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property in the District as shown on the 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.

The foregoing information is based upon the District's projections and estimates only. 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 the bonds. The dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on its need for construction funds and other factors, including the legal limitations on bonds approved by a 55% vote. 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 valuation 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.

Dated: August 3, 2007

Dr. Sonny H. Da Marto Superintendent

PRIORITY SCHOOL PROJECTS LIST

The Board of Trustees of the Burlingame Elementary School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, energy efficiency and computer technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. In developing the scope of projects, teachers, staff and community members have prioritized the key health and safety needs so that the most critical facility needs are addressed. The Board conducted a facilities evaluation and received public input and review in developing the scope of facility projects to be funded. This input concluded that if these needs were not addressed now, the problem would only get worse. In approving this Priority School Projects List, the Board of Trustees makes six important policy determinations:

(i) in repairing aging schools, priority shall be given to basic repairs, such as leaky roofs and upgrading heating and ventilation systems to make them more energy efficient; and

(ii) the District must install and upgrade fire prevention, security and emergency response systems at every school so that all students are safe; and

(iii) the District must maximize its resources through efficient facility and financial management, seek energy and utility cost savings, must aggressively apply for State matching funds, and must spend any local bond money on projects within the District and shall not allow bond monies to be transferred to the State or any other agency; and

(iv) the District must replace deteriorating, school restrooms at 50-year old sites, with modern facilities; and

(v) the District must improve technology in classrooms; and

(vi) the District shall insist that all of its schools be healthy and safe from fire dangers, earthquake risks, hazardous materials such as asbestos and mold.

The Bond Project List is on file at the District Office of the Superintendent and include the following projects:

PRIORITY SCHOOL PROJECTS

Project costs for repair and renovation of all existing school facilities include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following: renovate student restrooms; repair and replace heating and ventilation systems; repair and replace worn-out roofs, windows, walls and doors; install electrical system wiring to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems (including security cameras and outdoor lighting); interior and exterior painting; repair and improve portable classrooms; demolition; inspect for and abate any hazardous materials, including asbestos and mold; improve access for people with disabilities; and, construct classrooms and various forms of storage and support space.

Burlingame Intermediate School (Constructed in 1953)

• Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs.

• Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems.

• Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs.

• Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms.

• Upgrade classroom technology.

• Renovate, upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any.

• Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, and upgraded field surfaces.

• Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs.

• Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems.

• Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs.

• Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms.

• Upgrade classroom technology.

• Renovate, upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any.

• Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, and upgraded field surfaces.

• New relocatable classrooms for art and science classes.

• Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs.

• Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems.

• Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs.

• Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms.

• Upgrade classroom technology.

• Renovate, upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any.

• Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, and upgraded field surfaces.

• Acquire new relocatable classroom for after-school enrichment program.

• Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs.

• Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems.

• Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs.

• Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms.

• Upgrade classroom technology.

• Renovate, upgrade classrooms, multi-purpose room, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any.

• Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, and upgraded field surfaces and play structures.

• Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs.

• Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems.

• Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs.

• Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms.

• Upgrade classroom technology.

• Renovate, upgrade classrooms, multi-purpose room, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any.

• Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, and upgraded field surfaces.

• Repair/replace leaking or deteriorating roofs.

• Install new or improve existing student fire safety systems.

• Upgrade heating and ventilation system for energy efficiency and install new solar panels to reduce energy costs.

• Upgrade aging and/or deteriorating restrooms.

• Upgrade classroom technology.

• Renovate, upgrade classrooms, buildings, including support areas, physical education facilities and auditorium, upgrade facilities to improve access for students and teachers with disabilities, remove hazardous materials, if any.

• Enhance student safety with improved security systems and emergency communication systems, outdoor lighting, and upgraded field surfaces.

• Add space or acquire new relocatable classroom for art and science classes.

• Upgrade multi-purpose room.

• Acquire instructional, maintenance and operational equipment.

• Refinance outstanding lease obligations to save interest costs, through such action as relocating the District central office.

• Upgrade District technology systems.

FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY. 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.