Measure L - Esparto Unified School District Bond Measure

Information about the Esparto Unified School District's Bond Measure L submitted to the voters at the November 8, 2022, General Election

 

MEASURE L:

To update and expand science, technology, engineering, arts, math classrooms/ labs; improve school safety/ security; replace aging heating, cooling, plumbing systems; improve access for students with disabilities; construct, repair, equip sites/ classrooms, shall the Esparto Unified School District measure authorizing $19,900,000 in bonds at legal rates be adopted, raising approximately $1,440,000 annually at an estimated $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation while bonds are outstanding, with citizen oversight, audits, no money for administrators, and all funds staying local? 

Measure L Documents

  

Downloadable PDFs:

Full Text of Measure L Tax Rate Statement of Measure L Impartial Analysis of Measure L Argument In Favor Of Measure L
 Argument Against Measure L Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure L

Full Text of Measure L

EXHIBIT B

ESPARTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE

FULL BALLOT TEXT

By approval of this measure by at least fifty-five percent (55%) of the registered voters voting thereon, the Esparto Unified School District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $19.9 million in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed below in the Bond Project List, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified herein.

 SECTION I: KEY FINDINGS

  •  The Esparto Unified School District is committed to continuing to provide a strong, high­ quality education for all students in its local elementary, middle and high schools; and
  • Some facilities and buildings in our schools are over 50 years old and require updates; and 
  • The District has obtained input from parents, teachers, staff, and members of the community to identify the upgrades needed at each school site in order to meet modern safety standards, to meet the District's goals for supporting current academic standards and to address specific priorities at individual school sites; and 
  • Addressing urgent needs includes updating classrooms, science labs, and facilities to meet current academic standards, enhancing campus safety and security systems, keeping schools clean, well-maintained and in good condition, updating classrooms for career technical education and workforce training programs, replacing aging plumbing and electrical systems, improving school access for students and staff members with disabilities, and performing essential safety repairs on classrooms and facilities; and 
  • Upgrades are also needed to update classrooms and science labs for a well-rounded, 21st­ century education and equip schools with the learning technology needed to attract and retain the best teachers and staff; and 
  • Ensuring our local schools provide a high-quality education keeps our property values and community strong; and 
  • This bond measure will benefit local schools and no funds can be taken away by the State or other school districts, and by law, no money can be used for administrator salaries or pensions; and 
  • This bond measure requires strict fiscal accountability protections including mandatory annual audits and an independent citizens' oversight committee to ensure funds are managed and spent properly.

SECTION II: ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES

The provisions in this section are included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers of the District may be assured that their money will be spent to address specific facilities needs of the District, all in compliance with the requirements of Article XIII A, section 1(b)(3) of the State Constitution, and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Section 15264 et seq. of the California Education Code).

Evaluation of Needs. The Board of Education has evaluated the facilities needs of the District, and has identified projects to finance from a local bond measure at this time. The Board of Education hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List. 

Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board of Education shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee in accordance with Education Code sections 15278-15282 and applicable Board policy, to ensure bond proceeds are expended only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within sixty (60) days of the date when the Board of Education enters the results of the election in its official minutes. 

Annual Performance Audit. The Board of Education shall conduct or cause to be conducted an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects described in the Bond Project List. 

Annual Financial Audit. The Board of Education shall conduct or cause to be conducted an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects described in the Bond Project List. 

Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this measure and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board of Education shall take actions necessary to establish an account in which proceeds of the sale of bonds will be deposited. As long as any proceeds of the bonds remain unexpended, the Superintendent shall cause a report to be filed with the Board of Education no later than January 1 of each year, commencing on the first January 1 after bonds have been issued and proceeds spent, stating (1) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in the past fiscal year, and (2) the status of any project funded or to be funded from bond proceeds. The report may be incorporated into the annual budget, annual financial report, or other appropriate routine report to the Board.

 

SECTION Ill: BOND PROJECT LIST

 This Bond Project List, which is an integral part of this proposition, describes the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. All information contained within this "Section III: Bond Project List" comprises the list and description of permissible projects and expenses that may be paid from bond proceeds. 

In order to meet all identified facility needs, the District intends to complete projects using a combination of funding sources, including joint use funds or contributions, development impact fees, and state funding (if available). In addition, the District will pursue state matching funds if and when they become available, and if received, they will be used for and mainly applied to projects on the Bond Project List or other high priority capital outlay expenditures as permitted in Education Code section 17070.63(c). While no specific project is dependent on the receipt of state funding for completion, approval of this measure does not guarantee that all projects on this Bond Project List at all listed sites will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this measure. The District's proposal for the projects assumes the receipt of some state matching funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.

Specific projects to be funded by the bond measure include, without limitation, the following: 

A.  COMPLETE BASIC UPGRADES TO MEET CURRENT STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS 

  • Update aging classrooms and educational facilities to meet current fire, seismic and safety codes;
  • Fix and/or replace deteriorating roofs and windows;
  • Repaint school exteriors and interiors and refresh or replace landscaping;
  • Resurface playgrounds and asphalt area;
  • Remove or replace aging portable buildings and classrooms;
  • Replace and upgrade outdated and deteriorating utility lines for gas, sewer and water service, electrical mains and distribution and other energy efficient systems, controls and infrastructure;
  • Replace and upgrade electrical, lighting, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems; and replace and upgrade air conditioning or other classroom cooling systems;
  • Create ADA-compliant access and safe pedestrian paths of travel at schools;
  • Rebuild, equip and furnish school sites in the event of unforeseen emergency;
  • Keep schools clean, safe, and well-maintained;
  • Upgrade fire alarm 

B.  IMPROVE SCHOOLS TO MEET CURRENT ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO MODERN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Provide updated classroom Audio/Visual technology for content delivery and presentation, which may include projectors and/or large format flat-screen monitors and sound and voice amplification systems;

  • Acquire computer hardware for student use in the classroom that is current and up-to-date;
  • Improve school site network infrastructure in order to enhance network-based content and curriculum delivery, which may include:
    • Upgrade and improve the routing and network aggregation capabilities for each site in order to support the larger numbers of concurrent network and internet connections.
    • Upgrade and improve the network access layer switching capabilities in order to support the larger numbers of devices on our school networks as well as supporting the higher speed requirements.
    • Upgrade and improve classroom wiring for both wired and wireless data
    • Where necessary, upgrade and improve fiber network cabling between data wiring closets at the school sites.
  • Furnish classrooms and learning spaces with flexible
  • Improve access for students with disabilities;
  • Upgrade classroom technology;
  • Add classrooms to accommodate growing student enrollment;
  • Upgrade and expand classrooms for Special 

C.  PROVIDE DEDICATED SPACE FOR SCIENCE, MATH, ENGINEERING, ARTS/MUSIC INSTRUCTION AND SUPPORT 21st CENTURY LEARNING

  • To accommodate 21st century learning methods, renovate, reconfigure, replace and/or repurpose or relocate existing classrooms, programs and buildings, including roofs, walls, windows, doors, floors, ceilings and paint;
  • Construct, furnish and equip flexible classrooms, learning studios, innovation centers, performance spaces, collaboration spaces and maker spaces for STEM, art, robotics, woodshop, technology, computer lab, broadcast media, music, drama and dance.
  • Update and expand classrooms, facilities and labs for career technical education and workforce training programs.

Projects listed may be completed at any and all school sites and facilities where such project is determined by the Board to be necessary or required, including on land leased or acquired for such purpose, and projects are authorized to be performed .at each and all of the District's schools and sites, including without limitation:

  • Esparto Elementary School
  • Esparto Middle School
  • Esparto High School, Including high school farm property
  • Madison Community High School
  • District administrative offices, transportation and maintenance buildings

Listed projects, repairs, improvements, rehabilitation projects and upgrades will be completed only as needed, and the listing of projects does not imply a particular prioritization among such improvements. Projects may be done in phases, based on Board of Education priorities. Listed projects may be completed at any and all District schools, sites, properties (owned or leased) and education buildings where such project is determined necessary. Decisions regarding the scope, timing, prioritization or other facets of project implementation will be made solely by the Board of Education by subsequent action. Where terms such as "renovate," "upgrade," "repurpose" and "improve" are used in the Bond Project List, the Board of Education has the discretion to determine the best method for accomplishing the project's objective. For any listed project involving renovation or modernization of a building or the major portion of a building, the District may proceed with new replacement construction instead (including any necessary demolition), if the District determines that replacement and new construction is more practical than renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, comparative cost and other relevant factors. In addition, where feasible, projects may be completed in partnership with other agencies on a joint use basis using bond proceeds. Property, buildings and equipment on the bond project list may be acquired through lease, sale, lease-purchase, lease-leaseback or other project delivery or acquisition methods determined appropriate by the Board.

Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of bond issuance, architectural, engineering, legal and similar planning costs, construction management, bond project staff and consultants, staff development and training expenses associated with learning construction techniques and approaches and new bond-funded equipment and systems, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the projects listed above, the Bond Project List also includes payment of the costs of preparation of all facilities planning and project implementation studies, feasibility and assessment reviews, master planning, environmental studies, permit and inspection fees, temporary housing costs and relocation costs for dislocated programs, buildings, facilities or activities caused or necessitated by construction projects.

The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized 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. Necessary site preparation, grading or restoration may occur in connection with acquisition of property, new construction, modernization, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of modular classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads and acquiring any necessary easements, leases, licenses or rights of way to the property.

 

SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS 

No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of Bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or replacement of school facilities on the Bond Project List, including the furnishing and equipping of said school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for said school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses. 

Single Purpose. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Section 15100 of the California Education Code, and all the enumerated purposes shall constitute the specific single purpose of the bonds and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purpose. 

Other Terms of the Bonds. The bonds may be issued and sold in several series, and in accordance with a financing plan determined by the Board of Education pursuant to requirements of law. When sold, the bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum and with a maximum term not exceeding the statutory maximum, provided that the average useful life of bonds sold will not exceed one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the average life of the projects being financed or as otherwise provided by federal tax law. Bond funds may be used to reimburse the District for Bond Project list expenditures incurred prior to the election and bond issuance, in accordance with federal tax law. 

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the financial information contained in this measure is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District, nor are the summary estimates, if any, provided in the Ballot Label. The actual 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 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 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 valuation will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the County Assessors in the annual assessment and the equalization process. 

In preparing this information, the District obtained reasonable and informed projections of assessed property valuations that took into consideration projections of assessed property valuations made by the County Assessor, if any, in accordance with Education Code Section 15100(c).

Tax Rate Statement

EXHIBIT C 

TAX RATE STATEMENT

 

An election will be held within the boundaries of Esparto Unified School District ("School District") on November 8, 2022 to authorize the sale of up to $19,900,000 in bonds to finance facilities as described in the measure. If the bonds are approved, the School District expects to sell the bonds in multiple series. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property located within the School District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400 to 9404, inclusive, of the California Elections Code. 

  1. The best estimate from official sources 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 assessed valuations available at the time of the election, a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction and other demonstrable factors, is estimated to be $0.05940 per $100 ($59.40 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2055-56. 
  1. The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on assessed valuations available at the time of filing this statement, a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction and other demonstrable factors, is estimated to be $0.05999 per $100 ($59.99 per $100,000) of assessed valuation first occurring in fiscal year 2038-39. 
  1. The best estimate from official sources 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 $47,624,616, which is a repayment ratio of debt service to principal of 2:39 to 1. 

Voters should note that the estimated tax rate is based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the Yolo County 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. 

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon the School District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the School District. The actual 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 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 School 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 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.

 

Signed:  Christina Goennier, Ed.D., Superintendent

Dated:  June 15, 2022

 

Impartial Analysis of Measure L


ESPARTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT – MEASURE L

IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS BY YOLO COUNTY COUNSEL

Upon approval of 55 percent of the votes cast by voters in an election and subject to specified accountability measures, California law permits school districts to issue bonds, secured by the levy of ad valorem property taxes on property within a district, for the purpose of 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.

The Board of Education (Board) of Esparto Unified School District (District) proposes issuing bonds in the amount of $19,900,000, bearing interest at legal rates and with maturity dates within the legal limits. As identified in the ballot measure, bond proceeds may be used at each school site in order to complete basic upgrades to meet current student health and safety standards; improve schools to meet current academic standards and provide access to modern instructional technology; and provide dedicated space for science, math, engineering, arts/music instruction and support 21st century learning. A complete list of projects and allowed expenditures is included within the full text of the Measure. The Board has certified that it has evaluated safety, class size, and information technology needs in developing its Project List. Inclusion of a project on the Project List does not guarantee the project will be funded or completed. The District may only use the bond proceeds for the purposes identified in the Measure.

The California Constitution provides that proceeds of school district bond measures cannot be used for teacher and administrator salaries or other school operating expenses, and requires independent annual performance and financial audits. State law requires the establishment of an independent citizens' oversight committee for ensuring that bond proceeds are properly expended.

Information regarding the estimated tax rate to repay these bonds is found in the "Tax Rate Statement" prepared by the District. The District's stated best estimate of the highest tax rate to be levied to fund the proposed bonds is $60.00 per $100,000 of assessed value based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of the tax rate statement of the Measure. The District's resolution authorizing the sale and issuance of bonds does not include information about any other District debt obligations that may exist. The projected tax rate is a best estimate and projections from official sources including upon experience within the District. The actual tax rate necessary to pay the Bond Measure may vary depending on factors identified in the Tax Rate Statement.

A "yes" vote is a vote to authorize the issuance of the bonds in the amount of $19,900,000 to be secured by the levy of ad valorem property taxes on property located within the District.

A "no" vote is a vote to not authorize the issuance of the bonds.

Measure L was placed on the ballot by the Board.

Dated: August 15, 2022.

PHILIP J. POGLEDICH, COUNTY COUNSEL
/s/ By HOPE P. WELTON, SENIOR DEPUTY

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure L. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the Yolo County Registrar of Voters at (530) 666-8133 or (800) 649-9943 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you. The full text of the Measure may also be viewed online at: http://www.yoloelections.org/.

Argument in Favor of Measure L

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE L

Vote YES on L to repair and update Esparto classrooms, CTE science labs, and school facilities to support high-quality education for local elementary, middle, and high school students.

Many classrooms in Esparto schools are over 50 years old and require improvements to ensure students learn in a safe and modern environment. Measure L will modernize outdated classrooms and labs to meet today's standards for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math instruction.

Measure L will complete needed repairs to keep our schools functioning efficiently and protect these community assets by replacing old plumbing, electrical, heating, and ventilation systems.

Measure L will also make our schools safer for Esparto students by upgrading school security.

Yes on L upgrades Esparto schools for continued student success by:

  • Updating classrooms, CTE labs, innovation labs and other facilities to meet current
    academic and safety standards
  • Modernizing science, technology, engineering, arts, and math classrooms and labs
  • Keeping schools clean, well-maintained and in good condition
  • Updating classrooms for career technical education and workforce training
  • Replacing aging plumbing and electrical systems
  • Improving accessibility for students with disabilities
  • Upgrading school safety and security
  • Improving student access to computers and modern technology

Measure L requires strict Fiscal Accountability

  • Every penny must be spent to upgrade Esparto Schools
  • No funds can be taken away by the State
  • No funds can be spent on administrator salaries or benefits
  • A citizens' oversight committee and annual audits will ensure funds are spent as promised

Whether or not you have school-aged children, protecting our local, high-quality education is a wise investment for your property values and a strong community. Vote YES on L

Please join Esparto parents, teachers, businesses, and community leaders and vote YES on L!


/s/ Tracy Nash
Board President

/s/ Bonnie Simas
Board Clerk

/s/ Laurel Kieny
Board Member

/s/ Ygnacio Lua
Board Member

Rebuttal to Argument In Favor Of Measure L - None submitted

Argument Against Measure L

ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE L

Esparto School District’s two prior bonds have failed mostly, in part, because the last approved bond, the 1996 Bond (receiving a landslide 75% approval), was for a football and track complex (like almost every other school district has) and a middle school which was constructed with bond and development fees. The 1996 bond paid for the land for both the middle school and the sports complex. However, the sports complex, although promised, was never built and that property has now been given to the control of the County for the Pool and County Park eliminating any chance of what was promised to the voters and our students.

We are still paying each year on our property tax rolls for that property and almost two generations of students have now attended Esparto High without a field and track that they can be proud of. Meanwhile, the District has received untold tens of thousands of dollars in development fees for school construction and improvements but never built the sports complex. Rather the District bought additional property west of Esparto for a new high school with zero voter approval. Land that now sits vacant.

Our District needs to fulfill its obligation to the community and our students as voted on in the 1996 bond, get the District’s property back from the County, and build our kids the sport complex that we promised them over 25 years ago. No doubt we need to fix and improve our schools, but first the District needs to fulfill its obligation to the 1996 Bond that was overwhelming approved by our community.

I urge a no vote until the District fulfills its prior Bond obligations to the voters and our kids. It’s a matter of confidence and trust which must be regained before we consider another bond.

/s/ Charlie Schaupp
Former Esparto Unified School District Board Trustee, 1994-2000

Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure L

REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST

MEASURE L

Esparto Unified passed a 3.3 million dollar bond in 1996.  The facility assessment plan demonstrated there was a 5.3 million dollar need. The plan outlined a new middle school facility, high school fields, and high school and elementary school modernization.

Esparto Middle School cost 2.1 million dollars. The rest of the money was spent on the modernization projects at Esparto High and Elementary Schools. 

Due to the shared use agreement with the county, our students have access to a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) aquatic center, walking and running path and CIF regulation softball field. In addition, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation grants, state grants and developer fees provided new CIF regulation baseball and football fields, new preschool and occupational therapy rooms and additional matching funds for facilities and the farm.

We believe Esparto students deserve classrooms that protect them from earthquakes, fires and intruders.

We believe Esparto students deserve the same opportunities as students in Davis, Woodland and Sacramento area school districts where voters passed school bonds just like Measure L.

Since the passage of Proposition 39 in 2000, Measure L requires Esparto to have an independent citizens’ oversight committee to ensure funds are spent properly to upgrade our schools. No money can go to administrators’ salaries or be taken by the State.

We are Esparto, Madison, and Capay Valley homeowners and taxpayers. We’re parents, teachers, long-time residents and community leaders who believe Esparto can do better.

Improving schools benefits us all.

Join us- Vote YES on L.

/s/ Tracy Nash
Board President

/s/ Bonnie Simas
Board Clerk

/s/ Laurel Kieny
Board Member

/s/ Ygnacio Lua
Board Member