League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Los Angeles County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Measure L Classroom Repair, Job Training/Student Safety Measure Lynwood Unified School District School Bonds - 55% Approval Required Fail: 4,821 / 53.79% Yes votes ...... 4,142 / 46.21% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure L

Arguments Against Measure L

Schools are the most important asset in our community and should be our number one priority. Good schools provide learning environments that ensure student success. Good schools have been shown to improve property values and increase neighborhood safety. Good schools are critical to improving the quality of our community. Schools in the Lynwood Unified School District have been well maintained over the years with several new construction and renovation projects. However, our work is not done. Many classrooms and school facilities in the District are inadequate to provide students with the facilities they need to succeed. If passed, Measure L will: Improve student access to computers and modern technology; Renovate and upgrade classrooms, science labs, libraries and restrooms; Renovate deteriorating plumbing and electrical systems; Provide improved learning opportunities in the interest of all students; Improve energy efficiency, including replacing lighting and windows. Children need your YES vote on Measure L to make renovations and upgrades to schools throughout the District and to meet today's technological and educational standards. Measure L will create a lasting, positive impact on the quality of our schools, neighborhoods, and value of our homes. Measure L makes financial sense, benefits our local economy, and has taxpayer safeguards. All bond funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken by the state. Measure L will expand local jobs and increases revenues for local businesses. Funds can only be spent to improve our local schools, not for administrative salaries. Better schools help to increase the value of properties in Lynwood. Measure L upgrades and renovates old and inadequate classrooms, strengthens the education of children, and improves the quality of our community. That's something we can all support. Please join us and VOTE YES ON MEASURE L! OSCAR ESPINOZA Board of Education Vice President RACHEL CHAVEZ Board Member HECTOR H. MARQUEZ Lynwood Unified School District Educator GABRIELA CAMACHO Lynwood Unified School District Educator LILIANA FIGUEROA PTA Member

LUSD presents this tax as needed classroom repair; job training, and student safety. Ask yourself this question: If the district really needs these bonds, why can't they issue them now, making the bond payments out of the existing tax revenue sources? School Board Members seeking higher taxes always point to buildings in disrepair. It's a standard pitch. We give them tons of tax money, and they can't maintain our schools. Their solution? Present a fear card and raise taxes! So is student safety and job training. It's the same old left wing popular solution to gain access into your bank account. Lynwood Voters have already approved a general obligation bond in 2002 at a cost of over 20 million dollars to be repaid with interest charges over a period of 40 years. We were all promised in the past that our schools would be rebuilt and renovated with the previous bond measure. LUSD's share of standard property tax revenue has zoomed upward. It is almost 5 times more than it was 20 years ago. It is growing far faster than population and inflation combined. Yet the district says we need to pay even higher property taxes! Lynwood Homeowner's are ranked 15th of 88 Cities in Los Angeles County on annual property tax bills. Renters will not be exempted and their landlords will tack on this increase to their monthly rent. Low-income families, disabled citizens and senior citizens on fixed incomes are disproportionately affected by the forced taxing of basic necessities. LUSD is no stranger to mismanagement, and is currently under investigation by the District Attorney's Public Integrity Division for misuse of public funds. Much of the district's incredible expenditures are used on projects that are staffed by political allies and cronies of the School Board. Vote NO on Measure L ARMANDO REA President/Lynwood Taxpayer Association Rebuttal to Arguments Against Students benefit from updated and modern classrooms which are critical to a quality education and maintaining a quality community. Don't be misled by the argument against Measure L; here are the real facts: FACT 1: The 2002 Measure `C', which was overwhelmingly approved by over 77% of local voters, was to reduce overcrowding by expanding schools and building additional classrooms. Measure L is to upgrade and improve our older existing schools. FACT 2: Measure L will improve the quality of education by modernizing, repairing, and renovating outdated classrooms and facilities. Having access to computers and modern technology as well as upgraded and modern schools, gives our local students the best chance to succeed. FACT 3: Measure L is affordable. While the scare tactics imply otherwise, Measure L will be most affordable for our community, especially for seniors and long-time residents. This tax-deductible amount is a small fraction of the increased property values good schools bring. FACT 4: Measure L will have strict accountability and oversight. By law, all funds will be reviewed by an independent citizens' oversight committee, and funds can only be spent on local school improvement projects, and cannot be taken by the state. The 2002 Measure C program also had an oversight committee, which certified that the District 100% spent all Measure C funds properly. VOTE BASED ON FACTS, NOT RUMORS, AND JOIN US IN VOTING YES ON MEASURE L! OSCAR ESPINOZA Board of Education Vice President RACHEL CHAVEZ Board Member HECTOR H. MARQUEZ Lynwood Unified School District Educator GABRIELA CAMACHO Lynwood Unified School District Educator LILIANA FIGUEROA PTA Member

Tax Rate Statement from EDWARD VELASQUEZ Superintendent Lynwood Unified School District

An election will be held in Lynwood Unified School District (the "District") on November 2, 2010 to authorize the sale of $45,000,000 in general obligation bonds. If such bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and interest thereon will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information regarding tax rates is given to comply with Section 9401 of the California Elections Code. Such information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within the District, and other demonstrable factors. 1. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required 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 valuation in fiscal year 2010-11. 2. The best estimate of the tax rate that would be required 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 $.0600 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2015-16. 3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing this statement, is $.0600 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. 4. The best estimate of the average tax rate required 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 valuation. These estimates are based on projections derived from information obtained from official sources. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary depending on the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold at each sale and actual increases in assessed valuations. The timing of the bond sales and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the needs of the District. Actual assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process.

Full Text of Measure L

"CLASSROOM REPAIR, JOB TRAINING/STUDENT SAFETY MEASURE: To improve education, make schools safe, complete essential health/safety repairs, fix roofs, shall Lynwood Unified School District upgrade plumbing, electrical, sewer/heating/cooling systems, aging schools, science labs, install energy efficient lighting/windows, improve school safety, remove hazardous materials; repair, acquire, construct, equip schools/facilities/sites, upgrade fire safety, by issuing $45,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with guaranteed annual audits, independent citizens' oversight, and all money staying local?" PROJECT LIST The Board of Education of the Lynwood Unified School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, class size, class size reduction and computer and information technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The District conducted a facilities evaluation reflected in the [Master Facility Plan] presented to the Board of Education on July 27, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference, and received public input and review in developing this Project List. Teachers, staff, community members and the Board have prioritized student safety, academic programs and energy efficiency as the most critical factors in addressing facility needs. The Board concluded that if these needs are not addressed now, the problems will only become more pressing. Therefore, in approving this Project List, the Board of Education determines that the District should: In repairing aging school buildings and classrooms, priority shall be given to basic repairs, such as replacing leaky roofs, outdated plumbing, piping, electrical and sewer systems. Retaining and attracting excellent teachers is a critical element of our facility plans. All of its schools should be safe learning environments, free from asbestos and other hazardous materials. The improvement of school facilities should help the local economy by creating construction jobs for local businesses. All schools should have energy efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems that conserve electricity and save on costly utility bills. All energy efficiency cost savings should be redirected to the classrooms and schools. High schools must increase the opportunities for vocational and career tech education such as technology skills training, so that students who do not go to college have the opportunity to learn valuable job skills and get good-paying jobs when they graduate high school. Since students need physical education programs to keep focus and perform well in school, the District should fund essential projects necessary for physical education programs important for student health and academic performance. Upgrading computer technology and energy efficiency is necessary at every school. All bond money must be spent entirely in the District with no money for administrators' salaries and no money shall be transferred to the State. The 2010 Bond Master Plan is on file at the District Superintendent's Office and includes the following types of projects at the following school sites: Abbot Elementary School Cesar Chavez Middle School Firebaugh High School Helen Keller Elementary School Hosler Middle School Lincoln Elementary School Lindbergh Elementary School Lugo Elementary School Lynwood High School Lynwood Middle School Mark Twain Elementary School Roosevelt Elementary School Rosa Parks Elementary School Thurgood Marshal Elementary School Vista High School Washington Elementary School Will Rogers Elementary School Wilson Elementary School School Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects Goal and Purpose: Schools will benefit from the renovation, repair and upgrade of deteriorating, outdated school buildings, science labs, classrooms, computer learning centers and school libraries and equipment, to ensure compliance with handicap accessibility requirements and that students and teachers have the resources they need to excel and students be prepared for college and the real world when they graduate: Repair, upgrade and replace worn-out leaking roofs. Replace existing wiring systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes. Additional electrical service capacity to relieve currently overloaded electrical systems. Replace existing water, sewer, plumbing and storm drain systems to meet current codes, including the elimination of lead-containing fixtures. Repair old classrooms and science labs. Upgrade aging and deteriorating school restrooms. Replace older ceilings, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems with building code compliant, energy efficient systems which will conserve electricity, save on costly utility bills and improve air quality. Install code-compliant ventilating systems in restrooms. Provide improved, upgraded computer labs. Upgrade and equip classrooms, science labs, multipurpose rooms, physical education facilities, kitchens, auditoriums, libraries, arts and music rooms, childcare, preschool, adult education and educational support spaces. Classroom interiors will receive new paint, carpet/vinyl tile/asbestos abatement, white markerboards, tackable surfaces, storage-for instructional materials and equipment. Federal and State-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades including site access, parking, staff and student restrooms, relocation of some existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, playground equipment, etc. Replace old, portable classrooms. Repair aging schools and educational facilities. Replace existing wiring systems to meet current electrical and accessibility codes and increase capacity. Remove asbestos and other hazardous materials. Install additional electrical service capacity to improve computer technology and Internet access. Improve infrastructures of existing schools to meet current state standards. Add emergency exits for faster evacuation in an emergency. Upgrade school site parking, utilities and grounds. Repair termite damage to structures and doors/doorframes. Strengthen and repair schools and classrooms vulnerable to serious damage in a major earthquake, as required by State law. District-Wide Wiring and Instructional Technology For Effective Learning Environment and Job Training Projects Goal and Purpose: To upgrade computer technology and bring our schools up-to-date current teaching and learning tools, improve both current instruction methods and to expand job training programs by applying modern technology infrastructure: Provide and maintain upgraded technology, data and communication equipment. Upgrade and expand wireless systems, telecommunications, Internet and network connections. Upgrade and replace computers, hardware and software systems. Upgrade and replace classroom furniture, equipment and instructional aids. Upgrade media and audio/visual equipment. Expand bandwidth to allow student greater access to the Internet. Install up-to-date learning technology and equipment used in job training programs. Replace or upgrade outdated electrical systems. Listed building, repair and rehabilitation projects and upgrades will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program/project management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the listed repair and construction projects stated above, the Priority School Project Lists and the 2010 Bond Master Plan also include the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including the reduction or retirement of outstanding lease or capital facility note obligations including interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from the Priority School Projects List, or the reimbursement of the District for such advancement, the construction of new or improved schools, if necessary to serve students, the acquisition of land, the construction or remodeling of administrative support spaces, installation of signage and fencing, the payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility assessment reviews, facility master plan updates, environmental studies (including environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring) and construction documentation, gymnasium upgrades, and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by bond projects. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, computers, LCD projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection, card access systems, laser printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgraded voice-over IP, call manager and network security/firewall, and other miscellaneous equipment and software. In addition to the projects listed above, the repair and renovation of each of the existing school facilities may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: renovation of student and staff restrooms; repair and replacement of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies and to reduce fire risks; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls doors and drinking fountains; installation wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, turf and irrigation systems and campus landscaping; upgrade athletic fields; build/renovate new gymnasiums and athletic facilities; upgrade or replace inadequate libraries, multi-purpose rooms and kitchens; upgrade locker rooms; install lunch shelters, artificial turf, and bleachers; improve sanitation and recycling; expand parking; install interior and exterior painting and floor covering; replacement of portable classrooms; installation of covered walkways or shelters; addition of administrative support spaces; upgrade school site kitchens; repair rubberized play apparatus surfaces; reconstruct playgrounds; demolition; and construction of various forms of storage and support spaces; upgrade classrooms; repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace water and sewer lines and other plumbing systems; and replace outdated security fences and security systems. The allocation of bond proceeds will be affected by the District's receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project. In the absence of State matching funds, which the District will aggressively pursue to reduce the District's share of the costs of the projects, the District will not be able to complete some of the projects listed above. Some projects may be undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public or non-profit agencies. 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 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 more enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration 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, storm drain, and utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. 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 bond projects. Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specific purposes identified herein. 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. 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. FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY. 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 (EDUCATION CODE SECTION 15278 ET SEQ.) 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.