League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Fresno County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Measure B Bond Central Unified School District Needs 55% to pass Pass: 12065 / 63.40% Yes votes ...... 6965 / 36.60% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure B

Arguments Against Measure B

Our schools are the most important assets in our community and should be our number one priority. From higher achieving students to greater safety to improved property values, quality schools make a difference. While our teachers and staff do their best in educating our students, many classrooms and school facilities in the Central Unified School District are severely overcrowded, outdated, and inadequate to provide students with the education they need to succeed. While facilities have been improved and maintained over the years, new schools must be built to relieve student overcrowding and many classrooms and facilities need major upgrades and improvements so they can reflect today's safety, technological, and educational standards. Your YES vote on Measure B will create a lasting, positive impact on the quality of our schools, neighborhoods and values of our homes. Measure B will improve classrooms and school facilities throughout the District by: Constructing new schools to reduce student overcrowding Replace outdated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems Making health and safety upgrades, including replacing fire alarm systems Upgrading outdated and deteriorating electrical, plumbing, and sewer systems Constructing permanent classrooms to replace temporary outdated portable classrooms By law, Measure B has taxpayer protections in place. Passing Measure B will qualify Central Unified to receive up to $75.0 million in matching state funds All spending will be annually audited and reviewed by an independent citizens' oversight committee Funds can only be spent to improve our schools and not for teacher or administrative salaries Measure B deserves our support. It will not only maintain the quality of our schools, but also maintain the quality of our community and improve property values ­ and that's something we can all support. Please join us and VOTE YES ON MEASURE B! s/ Curtis Rindlisbacher Parent/Attorney s/ Blong Xiong Council President, City of Fresno s/ Randy Rocca Farmer/Businessperson/Parent s/ Julia Shields Parent/Businessperson s/ Cherie Smith Parent/Businessperson Rebuttal to Arguments For Why are we asking you to VOTE NO on Measure B? Measure B is the same proposal that voters rejected in June. Back then, it was called Measure E. Why are we concerned? THEY SAY no funds will be spent on administrative salaries. THEY DON'T TELL YOU that before the last bond measure campaign began, the School administrator was given a $35,000.00 pay raise. We said DEVELOPERS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE for overcrowding and the need for new schools. THEY SAY the District currently requires developers to pay the maximum fees allowed by law. THEY DON'T TELL YOU that when the Central School Board voted to raise developer fees by 55 cents per square foot at their May 13, 2008 meeting, it was also stated that should the bond measure pass, DEVELOPER FEES WOULD BE LOWERED by $1.73 per square foot ­ ONE DAY AFTER THE ELECTION. The school board by its actions, told Developers that if the bond measure passes their developer fees would be lowered, saving them MILLIONS of DOLLARS, SHIFTING THE BURDEN TO THE TAXPAYERS. THEY DIDN'T TELL YOU who funded their last campaign. Public documents on file with the Fresno County Elections Office show that special interest groups gave most all of the $127,000.00 donated to promote the last bond measure. That included Developers, out of town Lawyers, Builders, and the Bond Underwriter Company. We support our schools and teachers, but we need responsibility in our district. VOTE NO on Measure B. s/ Randy Cervelli s/ Dean Foglio s/ Elaine Long s/ Keith Koligian

In the June primary election, Central Unified School District voters rejected and defeated Bond Measure E, a $152 million proposal that would've been paid off by raising your property taxes. Now, JUST FIVE MONTHS LATER, the politicians and bureaucrats are back again, putting the same measure on the November ballot but this time they've changed the name to Measure B. Many of us had legitimate questions and concerns about Measure E. Board members and administrators were asked: In these uncertain economic times, are all of the projects necessary? They acknowledged that the economy may have been a factor contributing to Measure E's defeat, but they were not willing to come back with a more reasonable proposal at a lower dollar amount addressing the real needs of the school district. If you look at the full text of Measure B you will find that many of the projects have nothing to do with addressing school overcrowding, school security or classroom technology. Four years ago, we supported and passed Measure K. That bond cost $40 million and would "complete various improvements at all schools including updating technology infrastructure" and "build three new schools to accommodate further growth". Measure B will cost taxpayers nearly four times more than Measure K, on top of all other tax increases. Many of us are life long Central residents with children or grandchildren in the District. We care about our schools and community. We have supported the school in the past but it is irresponsible to ask for more than what is truly needed. We need to send the school board and administrators a loud and clear message. Let's have accountability first. VOTE NO on Measure B. s/ Randy Cervelli s/ Larry Diel s/ Dean Foglio s/ Elaine Long Rebuttal to Arguments Against Do not be misled by the "Argument against Measure B". Here are the facts: FACT #1: Each and every Measure B project is critically needed. In fact, the State has found our classrooms to be so overcrowded and outdated, that they've made us eligible for $75 million in State grants so long as we pass a local bond to provide a match. If we ignore our student's safety, technology upgrade needs, and overcrowded schools, they will just cost more in the future. FACT #2: Measure B makes financial sense and is good for our local economy. Measure B keeps our tax dollars in our community, increases job opportunities, boosts local revenues, and helps maintain property values. FACT #3: Measure B funds will be carefully spent and monitored. By law, an independent citizens' oversight committee is required to oversee all expenditures, as well as annual performance and financial audits. FACT #4: Measure B is affordable. The tax rate will be capped with the average homeowner estimated to pay less than $10 per month. FACT #5: Measure B is widely supported throughout the District. Ask your friends and neighbors. Measure B has been endorsed by some of the most respected and knowledgeable members of our community including peace officers, farmers, businessmen and women, teachers, union members, and firefighters. Measure B is a wise investment in our children's future as well as a major boost to our local economy. Please join us in voting YES on Measure B. s/ Devon Kizirian Foundation for Central Schools, Chair / Parent s/ Jeff Harrington Executive Director ­ Highway City Community Development s/ Steve M. Amaro Central Football Quarterback Club - President s/ David Scarabello Farmer, Resident s/ Daniel Ronquillo Foundation for Central Schools

Tax Rate Statement

An election will be held in the Central Unified School District (the "District") on November 4, 2008, to authorize the sale of up to $152,000,000 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 from the proceeds of 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, and assuming the entire debt service will be paid through property taxation: 1. 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 first series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $.0600 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed value for the fiscal year 2009-2010. 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 at the time of filing of this statement, is $.0600 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed value for the fiscal year 2020-2021. 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 $.0600 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed value in fiscal year 2009-2010 and thereafter. Voters should note the estimated tax rate is based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value. 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. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone payment of taxes. 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 are not binding upon the District. 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 date of sale and the 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 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. s/ Michael Berg Assistant Superintendent Central Unified School

Full Text of Measure B

"To replace outdated heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems to improve energy efficiency; upgrade classroom computers and technology; replace aging portables; renovate restrooms; improve student safety and school security; acquire property; build classrooms and schools to reduce overcrowding and qualify the District to receive an estimated $75,000,000 in State matching funds, shall the Central Unified School District issue $152,000,000 in bonds at lowest possible interest rates with annual audits, independent citizens' oversight, and no money for administrators' salaries?" As required by the California Constitution, the proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used only for the 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, and not for any other purpose, such as teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses. Central Unified School District Bond Project List The District intends to complete the following projects, using a combination of bond funding and other anticipated sources, including State matching funds. The Central Unified School District will use bond funds for the following school facility projects: All School and District Sites Improve instructional technology / campus security / communications systems Act in accordance with accessibility and code compliance regulations New Schools Acquire, construct, equip and furnish two new elementary schools, one middle and one high school on property previously acquired by the District or to be acquired, including all related site improvements and facilities. Biola-Pershing Elementary School Renovate Library Media Center Construct multipurpose building Install/upgrade school security fencing and gates Improve/expand physical education playfields, hardcourts and sidewalks Install drinking fountains Provide new sound system Improve student drop off/expand school parking Harvest Elementary School Improve physical education playfields Provide marquee signage Enhance school parking lot security Herndon-Barstow Elementary School Renovate Library Media Center Construct multipurpose building Provide potable water to kindergarten wing Upgrade/provide additional restrooms Improve/expand physical education playfields Expand/renovate student support spaces Houghton-Kearney Elementary School Renovate Library Media Center Construct new cafeteria Upgrade restrooms Improve campus security lighting Improve/expand physical education playfields Improve student drop off/school parking Repair hardcourt surfaces Provide irrigation system Norman Liddell Elementary School Renovate/reconfigure Library Improve school security lighting Improve/expand physical education playfields, hardcourts and shade structure Improve school parking lot Provide marquee signage and sound system Enhance classroom and school exteriors Madison Elementary School Construct Library Media Center Upgrade restrooms Upgrade communications system Renovate cafeteria Improve/expand student drop off, school parking Expand student support spaces Improve/expand physical education playfields/athletic facilities Expand student support spaces McKinley Elementary School Enhance classroom and school exteriors Upgrade heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems Expand student support spaces Upgrade restrooms Improve/expand student drop off, school parking Improve/expand physical education playfields Provide drinking fountains Improve/expand hardcourt surfaces Upgrade communications system Provide irrigation system Renovate cafeteria James K. Polk Elementary School Provide additional portable classroom Improve/expand physical education/athletic playfields and equipment Improve/expand student drop off, school parking Provide shade structures River Bluff Elementary Improve/expand physical education playfields Provide shade structures Upgrade communications systems Provide marquee signage Improve/expand student drop off, school parking Roosevelt Elementary School Renovate/replace portable classrooms Renovate Library Media Center Upgrade heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems Upgrade restrooms Expand student support spaces Improve/expand student drop off, school parking Improve/expand physical education playfields/athletic facilities Improve/expand hardcourt surfaces Add equipment storage space William Saroyan Elementary School Renovate/replace portable classrooms . Upgrade heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems Improve school parking lot security Provide drinking fountains Improve campus security at school office entrance John Steinbeck Elementary School Upgrade heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems in portable classrooms Improve campus security lighting Improve campus security at school office entrance Renovate library and computer lab Provide shade structures Improve/expand physical education playfields/athletic facilities Teague Elementary School Renovate/replace portable classrooms Upgrade restrooms Improve/expand physical education playfields/athletic facilities Provide irrigation system Expand student support spaces Add equipment storage space Improve parking lot and campus security Improve/expand hardcourt surfaces El Capitan Middle School Renovate/replace/relocate portable classrooms Add permanent classrooms Upgrade restrooms Improve campus security lighting Reconfigure campus layout Upgrade irrigation system Improve/expand physical education/athletic facilities Improve/expand hardcourt surfaces Rio Vista Middle School Expand/enhance multipurpose room Expand school parking Improve/expand physical education/athletic facilities Enhance parking lot security Improve campus hardscape Central High School East Campus Construct gymnasium Improve campus security lighting Enhance campus appearance Improve/expand student drop off, school parking Central High School West Campus Renovate classrooms Provide new classrooms, labs and cafeteria/kitchen Renovate/replace portable classrooms Upgrade heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems Enhance campus safety/appearance Improve campus security Improve/expand physical education/athletic facilities Improve/expand student drop off, school parking Renovate/expand student support spaces Upgrade irrigation system Upgrade communications system Reconfigure campus structures library/cafeteria/classrooms Reconstruct and relocate tennis courts Central Learning Adult School Site (CLASS) Improve campus security Enhance campus appearance Improve/expand school parking lot Construct teaching lab building Pathways Community Day School Construct new facility Pershing Continuation High School Construct new facility District Service Center Construct new facility Provide compressed natural gas fueling station for school buses Acquisition of various capital projects at the Deran Koligian Educational Complex and at Central High West Campus previously financed with 2007 Certificates of Participation. These projects may include participation in the State Facility Program's Joint- Use Program to gain matching funds for joint-use libraries, multi-purpose rooms and child care, teacher education and other eligible facilities included as part of the projects identified above. The bond funds authorized by this Measure may be used to pay part or all of the local share needed to qualify such facilities for special State matching funds under the State Facility Program's Joint-Use Program requirements. The District's Board of Trustees has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the foregoing list. The District's Board of Trustees will conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the funds have been expended only on the project list set forth above. The District's Board of Trustees will conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of the Bonds until all of those proceeds have been expended for the school facilities projects. Pursuant to Section 15772 of the Education Code, the District's Board of Trustees will appoint a citizens' oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that funds are spent only on school and classroom improvements and for no other purposes. Approval of Measure B does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Central Unified School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure B will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure B. The District's proposal for the project or projects assumes the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.