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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - MEASURE CK (2)CONSENT CALENDAR DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: Agenda Item: 6 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by May 22, 2012 Casey Bingham MEASURE CK- SULPHUR SPRINGS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE City Manager's Office RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council adopt the recommendation of the City Council Legislative Committee and adopt a "support" position for Measure CK and transmit a letter of support to the Sulphur Springs Union School District Board of Trustees. BACKGROUND The Sulphur Springs Union School District (SSSD) Board of Trustees have placed a $72,000,000 General Obligation Bond measure on the June 5, 2012, ballot for voter approval. All funds raised by this measure would stay in SSSD and cannot be taken by the State of California. The funding will be used for construction, acquisition, repair, renovation, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including furnishings and equipment. No funds will be used to increase administrators' or teachers' salaries, pensions or benefits. The total authorization of Measure CK cannot exceed $72 million dollars and the property tax cannot exceed $30 per $100,000 of the assessed value of a home located within the District. The voters within SSSD previously passed a bond measure on June 4, 1991. The most recent tax rate for this measure was $89.97 per $100,000 of assessed value of a home (FY 11-12). It is estimated the combined tax rate for the June 4, 1991 bond measure and the prospective Measure CK is anticipated to be $30 starting with fiscal year 2016-17. In addition to significant upgrades, safety improvements and renovation projects at each of the District's Canyon Country schools, Measure CK bond proceeds will also be targeted to four key areas: 1. Valley View School Renovate and modernize the 40 -year old, aging, outdated facility located at Valley View Community School for the benefit of severely disabled and medically fragile students. 2. Pinetree School Pinetree Community School is the only school in the District that has not been modernized or expanded to meet its changing enrollment needs. 3. Related Facilities Costs • Reduce current facilities debts that will free up monies within SSSD's general fund for educational purposes directly serving students. 4. Technology Upgrades e Enhance all school sites technology up to a 21 st-century level and be able to maintain that level into the future. Additionally, the District would be able to replace aging and energy inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, roofs and develop green technologies such as solar energy. An independent Citizens Oversight Committee will be established within 60 days after the Board enters the election results in accordance with Education Code sections 15278, 15280, and 15282. On May 8, 2012, the City Council Legislative Committee met and voted to recommend a "support" position to the full City Council. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Adopt an "oppose" position Measure CK. 2. Take no position on Measure CK. 3. Other direction as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT No fiscal impact by this action. ATTACHMENTS Measure CK E FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE CK The following is the full proposition presented to the voters by the Sulphur Springs Union School District. "Without increasing current tax rates to provide quality education in Canyon Country elementary schools, safe, modern classrooms for students, including medically -fragile, disabled students, shall Sulphur Springs Union School District upgrade classrooms, libraries, science labs, old roofs, support classroom instruction in core subjects (reading, writing, math, science) by reducing debt, update technology for 21" century skills, upgrade, acquire, construct classrooms, sites, facilities/equipment by issuing $72,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with independent oversight and all funds used locally?" PROJECT LIST The Board of Trustees of the Sulphur Springs Union School District evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, enrollment trends, the desire to preserve neighborhood schools, class size, and computer and information technology, in developing the scope of projects to be funded. The District conducted a facilities evaluation and received public input in developing this Project List. Teachers, staff, community members and the Board have prioritized the key health and safety needs so that the most critical facility needs are addressed. 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 Trustees determines that the District should: (i) retain all bond money to be used exclusively in a" local community and not be taken away by the State; and (it) modernize 40 -year old facilities at Valley View Campus that serve the needs of severely disabled and medically fragile students; and (iii) upgrade old roofs, beating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to improve energy efficiency and save money which can be invested in classroom instruction; and (iv) upgrade classrooms, libraries, science labs and computer systems to keep pace with technology; and (v) replace aging, outdated classroom trailers with modern classrooms that meet 21^ century health, safety and academic standards; and (vi) reduce operating costs, through energy efficiency upgrades, and debt payments, invest the savings to improve academic performance in core subjects like reading, writing, math, science and technology. (Continued on next page) 3 FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE CK (Continued) The Project List includes upgrades and improvements at the following schools: Pinetree Community School Fair Oaks Ranch Community School Mitchell Community School Sulphur Springs Community School Golden Oak Community School Canyon Springs Community School Leona Cox Community School Mint Canyon Community School Valley View Community School Core School Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects; Support For Medically - Fragile Students Goal and Purpose: To maintain safe, neighborhood schools, Canyon Country schools will benefit from the renovation, repair and upgrade of outdated school buildings, including bathrooms, plumbing and sewer lines, science labs, classrooms, computer learning and school libraries and equipment, allowing all children have the resources they need to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest advances in technology and education: —Replace older windows, ceilings, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems with building code compliant, energy efficient systems which will save money on operating costs. — Repair or replace aging roofs —Replace existing water, sewer and plumbing systems to meet current codes, including the elimination of lead -containing fixtures, and the improvement of water pressure. —Additional electrical service capacity to relieve overloaded electrical systems so that it can handle modern instructional technology. — Upgrade aging school restrooms. — Provide improved, up-to-date computers and computer labs. —Upgrade classrooms, science labs and technology to keep pace with the 21" century learning standards. —Upgrade and equip classrooms, multipurpose rooms, physical education facilities, kitchens, auditoriums, libraries, arts and music rooms, and educational support spaces. —Provide adequate space in school libraries to ensure teacher and student access to important learning materials. (Continued on next page) FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE CK (Continued) —Upgrade classrooms, science labs and walkways so that they comply with current standards and are accessible for disabled or handicapped students and teachers so that all students have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. —Replace old, portable classrooms and restrooms and construct new classrooms and facilities. —Repair aging schools. School Health and Safety and Energy Efficiency School Projects Goal and Purpose: Since good, safe and up-to-date schools help protect and improve local property values and reduce maintenance and operating costs returning more money to the classroom, schools and school sites will benefit from a variety of health and safety projects, such as: — Bring all schools up to current fire and safety standards. —Replace aging, outdated portables with modern classrooms that meet 21" century health, safety and academic standards. —Fire alarm systems upgraded to automatic systems, repair fire safety equipment, add sprinklers and fire safety doors to make students safe in the event of an emergency. — Upgrade schools to meet handicap accessibility requirements. —Replace old and inefficient windows, lighting, irrigation, heating and ventilation systems which waste money and use the savings to prevent cuts to teacher and instructional programs. —Replace/upgrade existing signage, bells and clocks. —Install energy efficient systems to save money and return the savings to the classroom. —Upgrade and install new security systems, such as outdoor lighting, fencing, gates and classroom door locks. —Upgrade emergency communication systems to improve student safety (Continued on next page) 5 FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE CK (Continued) District -Wide Wiring and Instructional Technology To Maintain A High Standard of Achievement Goal and Purpose: To upgrade classroom computers and computer technology to allow our teachers and students to use up-to-date teaching methods and have access to current learning and research tools: —Provide and maintain up-to-date technology, data and communication equipment. —Upgrade and expand wireless systems, telecommunications, Internet and network connections. —Upgrade and replace computers, hardware and software systems, classroom and library technology and teaching equipment to enhance instruction. —Upgrade and replace classroom furniture, equipment and instructional aids. —Upgrade media and audiovisual equipment. — Establish a technology endowment fund. New Construction Projects To Ensure a 21" Century Education Goal and Purpose: To enhance educational programs, some schools would benefit from the construction and expansion of additional earthquake and accessibility code compliant facilities, such as: —Multi-Purpose/assembly rooms, educational support facilities, and classrooms. —New classrooms/classroom buildings, which will reduce dependency on portable classrooms. —Lunch shelters for outdoor activities. —Accessibility upgrades as mandated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). —Additional electrical service capacity to improve computer technology and internet access. —Construct a permanent library and a replacement for the Annex Building at Valley View Community School. (Continued on next page) FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE CK (Continued) The listed projects will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency, and escalation for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the listed projects stated above, the Project List also includes the payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility assessment reviews, environmental studies, construction documentation, inspection and permit fees, 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 systems, laser printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgrade voice -over -IP, call manager and network security/firewall, and other miscellaneous equipment and software. The repair of school facilities includes the upgrading school site parking, campus accessibility, utilities, and grounds, playground equipment, hard court surfaces, shade structures for student assembly and protecting students from inclement weather during lunch, libraries and District support facilities; enhance signage; fire sensors; athletic and play fields and artificial surface in play area may be upgraded for safety and operational efficiency; renovate and paint interior and exterior building surfaces to extend their useful life; improve access to outdoor stages; upgrade administrative support spaces; prevent hillside erosion; security, safety and communication systems and equipment window and floor coverings (including tiles and carpeting); kitchen equipment; and specialized equipment for our severely handicapped and medically fragile students; improvements and furnishings and/or other electronic equipment and systems. The Project List also includes the refinancing of any outstanding lease obligations.thepayment of regularly scheduled lease payments for school construction projects, or the bridge loans taken to initiate voter approved projects. The allocation of bond proceeds may 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 may not be able to complete some of the projects listed above. 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 of the 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 (Continued on next page) FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE CK (Continued) enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration and landscaping, 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, utility lines, trees and landscaping, redirecting fire access, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Bond proceeds shall be expended only for the specific purposes identified herein. 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 the bond projects. 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. 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. so