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Smart Voter
Marin County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
Measure C
Bond Measure Election
Dixie School District

Upgrade and Repair Schools - 55% Approval Required

Pass: 6083 / 74.56% Yes votes ...... 2075 / 25.44% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Nov 26 1:43am, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (15/15)
63.8% Voter Turnout (8517/
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement | Full Text

To upgrade and repair schools with local funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Dixie Elementary School District: update aging classrooms and instructional technology; provide updated middle school science class rooms; upgrade electrical wiring to current safety codes; improve campus safety and security; repair, construct, acquire, equip, classrooms, sites, facilities, by issuing $30 million of bonds at legal rates, with citizen oversight, no money for administrators, salaries, benefits or pensions and all funds used for local schools?

Impartial Analysis from s/STEVEN M. WOODSIDE County Counsel
This measure was placed on the ballot by the Gov - erning Board of the Dixie School District. If this Measure is approved by a 55% vote, the Dixie School District would be authorized to incur bonded indebtedness of up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), with an interest rate not to exceed the limit set by law. The proceeds of the proposed bonds must be used for the purposes set forth in the Measure and for no other purposes, and will be subject to oversight by a citizens' oversight committee and annual audits.

 
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Arguments For Measure C Arguments Against Measure C
Vote YES on Measure C to reduce classroom overcrowding, ensure that our elementary and middle school students are prepared for future success, and protect the high-quality education in Dixie School District classrooms! Our schools need basic repairs and upgrades, and we cannot rely on the state to fund these improvements. Every penny from Measure C will be dedicated to repairs and upgrades to Dixie Elementary, Mary E. Silveira Ele - mentary, Vallecito Elementary and Miller Creek Middle School--to ensure that ALL Dixie School District students have safe and modern classrooms and school facilities. Student enrollment in the Dixie School District has increased by 149 students since 2011. Many of our school buildings are 50 - 60 years old, and cannot accommodate modern classroom technology. Our electrical, plumbing and utilities systems are outdated and inefficient, making them costly to operate. Measure C ensures that ALL students have access to the classrooms, instructional technology and educational facilities that they need for a 21st century education. By upgrading utilities and electrical systems, we can capture significant savings that can be dedicated to classroom programs. Vote YES on C--Protect Excellent Dixie Schools:
  • Add classrooms to reduce student overcrowding
  • Replace old and inefficient electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems
  • Provide up-to-date classroom computers, instructional technology and educational facilities to support 21st century education
  • Ensure access for students with disabilities to educational facilities, restrooms and playfields
  • Improve student safety and campus security
  • Replace aging portables By law, no funds can be used for administrator salaries. Independent citizens' oversight and annual audits are required. Measure C helps our schools qualify for state matching funds that will otherwise go to other districts. Quality local schools strengthen property values for all of us, whether or not you have children in school. Measure C is a wise investment. Vote YES on C to Protect Quality Education in Dixie Schools! Signers:

s/GARY O. PHILLIPS Mayor, San Rafael, Former Dixie School District Parent
s/ELISABETH "SUKI" SENNETT 1st Vice President, League of Women Voters of Marin County
s/DAVID C. GREEN Former Dixie School District Board Member
s/MARY JANE BURKE Marin County Superintendent of Schools
s/NANCY S. MILLER Community Youth Sports Leader/50-year Resident

No arguments against Measure C were submitted.

Tax Rate Statement from s/THOMAS LOHWASSER Superintendent Dixie School District
An election will be held in the Dixie School District (the "District") on November 4, 2014 to authorize the sale of $30,000,000 in general obligation bonds. The following information is submitted in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the California Elections Code. 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2015-16. 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2018-19. 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 $.0300 per $100 ($30.00 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. Dated: 8/5/14

Full Text of Measure C
RESOLUTION 2014/15-01 RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE DIXIE SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERING AN ELECTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SCHOOL BONDS, ESTABLISHING SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ELECTION ORDER, AND REQUEST ING CONSOLIDATION WITH OTHER ELECTIONS OCCURRING ON NOVEMBER 4, 2014

WHEREAS, the Dixie School District is committed to maintaining top quality education in our schools with outstanding teachers, small class sizes, and safe and modern classrooms that give students the tools they need for success; and

WHEREAS, student enrollment is steadily increasing and projected to grow by 5% in the next three years alone; and

WHEREAS, additional classrooms are needed to prevent student overcrowding and maintain high educational and safety standards for students; and

WHEREAS, some schools and classrooms are 50 to 60 years old and in need of basic repairs and upgrades; and

WHEREAS, students require modern classroom computers and technology, instructional technology and technology infrastructure to prepare for future success and be prepared for new state standards; and

WHEREAS, upgrades are needed to ensure accessibility for students with disabilities to restrooms, play fields and educational facilities; and

WHEREAS, old and outdated electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems are inefficient and costly to operate, and replacing them would result in significant savings that could be used for other student programs

WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Governing Board (the "Board") of the Dixie School District (the "District"), it is advisable to call an election to submit to the electors of the Dis - trict the question whether bonds of the Dis - trict shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money for the acquisition or im - provement of real property, and the furnishing and equipping of school facilities; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the approval of Proposition 39 on November 7, 2000, Article XIII A, Sec - tion 1, paragraph (b), of the California Constitution ("Article XIII A") provides an exception to the limit on ad valorem property taxes on real property for bonded indebtedness incurred by a school district approved by 55 percent of the voters of the district voting on the proposition; and DSD-3

WHEREAS, the Board is specifically authorized, upon approval by a two-thirds vote of the Board, to pursue the authorization and issuance of bonds by a 55 percent (55%) vote of the electorate on the question whether bonds of the District shall be issued and sold for specified purposes, pursuant to Education Code Section 15264 et seq. (the "Act"); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Elections Code, it is appropriate for the Board to request consolidation of the election with any and all other elections to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, and to request the Marin County Registrar of Voters to perform certain election services for the District; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Gov - erning Board of the Dixie School District the following: Section 1. Call for Election. The Board hereby orders an election and submits to the electors of the District the question of whether general obligation bonds of the District shall be issued and sold in the maximum principal amount of $30,000,000 for the purpose of raising money to finance school facilities and property of the District, and paying costs incident thereto, as set forth more fully in the ballot proposition approved pursuant to Section 3. This Resolution constitutes the order of the District to call such election.

Section 2. Election Date. The date of the election shall be November 4, 2014, and the election shall be held solely within the boundaries of the District.

Section 3. Purpose of Election; Ballot Proposition. The purpose of the election shall be for the voters in the District to vote on a proposition, a full copy of which is attached hereto and marked Exhibit A, containing the question of whether the District shall issue the Bonds for the purpose stated therein, to - gether with the accountability requirements of Article XIII A and Government Code Sec tion 53410 and the requirements of Sec - tion 15272 of the Act. The Marin County Registrar of Voters (the "County Registrar") is requested to print the Full Text of Measure contained on Exhibit A in the sample ballot pamphlet. As required by Elec - tions Code Section 13247, the abbreviated form of the measure to appear on the ballot is attached hereto and marked as Exhibit B. The Superintendent or his designee is hereby authorized and directed to make any changes to the text of the proposition or this resolution as required to conform to any requirements of Article XIII A, the Act, or the Marin County Registrar of Voters. Section 4. Authority for Election. The authority for ordering the election is contained in Sec - tion 15264 et. seq. of the Education Code and Section l, paragraph (b), subsection (3), of Article XIII A. The authority for the specification of this election order is contained in Section 5322 of the Education Code.

Section 5. School Facilities Projects. As required by Article XIII A, the Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the list of school facilities projects set forth on Exhibit A-1.

Section 6. Covenants of the Board upon Approval of the Bonds by the Electorate. As required by Article XIII, Section 15278 of the Act, and Government Code Section 53410, in the event 55 percent of the voters voting in the District approve of the Bonds, the Board shall:

1. conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the funds have been expended only on the projects listed in Exhibit A-1;

2. 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 listed in Exhibit A-1;

3. establish and appoint members to an independent citizens' oversight committee in accordance with Sections 15278, 15280, and 15282 of the Act;

4. apply the bond proceeds only to the specific purposes stated in the ballot proposition;

5. cause creation of accounts into which bond proceeds shall be deposited; and

6. cause the preparation of an annual report pursuant to Government Code Sections 53410 and 53411.

Section 7. Delivery of this Resolution. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Marin County Superintendent of Schools, the County Registrar and the Marin County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

Section 8. Consolidation of Election. The County Registrar and the Marin County Board of Supervisors are hereby requested to consolidate the election ordered hereby with any and all other elections to be held on November 4, 2014, within the District.

Section 9. Ballot Arguments; Tax Rate Statement. Any and all members of this Board are hereby authorized to act as an author of any ballot argument prepared in connection with the election, including a rebuttal argument. The Superintendent, President of the Board, or their designees, are hereby authorized to execute any Tax Rate Statement or other document and to perform all acts necessary to place the bond measure on the ballot.

Section 10. Elections Code. Pursuant to Section 5303 of the Education Code and Section 10002 of the Elections Code, the Board of Supervisors of Marin County is requested to permit the Registrar of Voters to render all services specified by Section 10418 of the Elections Code relating to the election, for which services the District agrees to reimburse Marin County in full upon presentation of a bill, such services to include the mailing of the sample ballot and tax rate statement (described in Section 9401 of the Elections Code).

Section 11. Agreement. The Superintendent is authorized and directed to execute the agreements on file with Jones Hall, A Pro - fessional Law Corporation, which firm is appointed hereby to perform bond and disclosure counsel services in regard to the Bonds, and Isom Advisors, a Division of Urban Futures Inc. which firm is appointed to perform financial advisory services in regard to the Bonds.

Section 12. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect on and after its adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Governing Board of the Dixie School District the 5 day of Aug., 2014.

s/JENNIFER TAEKMAN Clerk CLERK'S CERTIFICATE I, J. Taekman, Clerk of the Governing Board of the DIXIE SCHOOL DISTRICT, hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Resolution 01 adopted at a regular meeting place thereof on the 5th day ofAugust, 2014, of which meeting all the members of said Governing Board had due notice and at which a majority thereof were present, and that at said meeting said resolution was adopted by the following vote: AYES: 5 NOES: 0 ABSENT: 0 ABSTENTIONS: 0

An agenda of said meeting was posted at least 72 hours before said meeting at San Rafael, California, a location freely accessible to members of the public, and a brief general description of said resolution appeared on said agenda. I further certify that I have carefully compared the same with the original minutes of said meeting on file and of record in my office; that the foregoing resolution is a full, true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted at said board meeting and entered in said minutes; and that said resolution has not been amended, modified or rescinded since the date of its adoption, and the same is now in full force and effect. Dated:Aug. 5, 2014
s/JENNIFER TAEKMAN Clerk of the Governing

EXHIBIT A BALLOT MEASURE FULL TEXT OF MEASURE This proposition may be known and referred to as the Dixie School District General Obligation Bond of 2014, or Measure C.

BOND AUTHORIZATION By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Dixie School District (the "District") shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $30,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List below, and in order to qualify to receive State matching grant funds, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below.

ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the District's voters and taxpayers may be assured that their money will be spent wisely 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 Education Code Sections 15264 and following). Evaluation of Needs. The District's Governing Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List.

Limitation on Use of Bond Proceeds. The State of California does not have the power to take locally approved school district bond funds for any State purposes. The State Constitution allows proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition to be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities listed in this proposition, 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, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff only when performing work on or necessary and incidental to the bond projects.

Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Governing Board shall establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following), to ensure bond proceeds are spent only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date on which the Governing Board enters the election results on its minutes. Annual Performance Audits. The Governing Board shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List.

Annual Financial Audits. The Governing Board shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds (which shall be separate from the District's regular annual financial audit) until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List.

Special Bond Proceeds Account; Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Governing Board shall take actions necessary pursuant to Government Code Section 53410 and following 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 or the Business Manager of the District (or such other employee as may perform substantially similar duties) shall cause a report to be filed with the Governing Board no later than December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2015, stating (1) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in that year, and (2) the status of any project funded or to be funded from bond proceeds. The report may relate to the calendar year, fiscal year, or other appropriate annual period as such officer shall determine, and may be incorporated into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Governing Board.

FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS Specific Purposes. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Education Code Section 15100, and shall constitute the specific purposes of the bonds, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purposes, pursuant to Government Code Section 53410. Joint Use. The District may enter into agreements with the City of San Rafael, County of Marin or other public agencies or nonprofit organizations for joint use of school facilities financed with the proceeds of the bonds in accordance with Education Code Section 17077.42 (or any successor provision). The District may seek State grant funds for eligible joint-use projects as permitted by law, and this proposition hereby specifies and acknowledges that bond funds will or may be used to fund all or a portion of the local share for any eligible joint-use projects identified in the Bond Project List or as otherwise permitted by California State regulations, as the Governing Board shall determine. Rate of Interest. The bonds shall bear interest at a rate per annum not exceeding the statutory maximum, payable at the time or times permitted by law. Term of Bonds. The number of years the whole or any part of the bonds are to run shall not exceed the legal limit, though this shall not preclude bonds from being sold which mature prior to the legal limit.

BOND PROJECT LIST The Bond Project List below describes the specific projects the Dixie School District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. Listed projects will be completed as needed at a particular school site according to Governing Board-established priorities, and the order in which such projects appear on the Bond Project List is not an indication of priority for funding or completion. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. Certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including State grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Until all project costs and funding sources are known, the Governing Board cannot determine the amount of bond proceeds available to be spent on each project, nor guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects. Completion of some projects may be subject to further government approvals by State officials and boards, to local environmental review, and to input from the public. For these reasons, inclusion of a project on the Bond Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be funded or completed. The Governing Board may make changes to the Bond Project List in the future consistent with the projects specified in the proposition. Unless otherwise noted, the projects in the Bond Project List are authorized to be completed at each or any of the District's sites, as shall be approved by the Governing Board:

  • Add classrooms to help reduce classroom overcrowding
  • Replace aging portable classrooms with new permanent classrooms that meet modern safety standards
  • Make upgrades to ensure accessibility for students with disabilities to restrooms, play fields and educational facilities
  • Improve student safety and campus security by upgrading security systems, fire alarm systems, exterior lighting and fencing
  • Upgrade electrical wiring to meet current safety standards
  • Complete repairs and upgrades for safe, well-maintained classrooms
  • Modernize and upgrade classrooms, science labs, library and, multi-use facilities to support a 21st century education
  • Repair or replace aging and leaky roofs
  • Increase efficiency and energy savings by replacing old, outdated and inefficient plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical systems
  • Update student cafeterias and kitchens
  • Provide up-to-date classroom computers, instructional technology, and technology infrastructure in all schools
  • Upgrade and expand parking infrastructure
  • Upgrade enrichment facilities including music rooms, art facilities,
  • Improve play fields and student play areas, including an all-weather field at Miller Creek Middle School
  • Repair and replace aging student restrooms
  • Improve storm drains, gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and allow for proper drainage and energy efficiency Each project listed is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance and other construction- related costs, such as construction management, architectural, engineering, inspection and other planning costs, legal, accounting and similar fees, independent annual financial and performance audits, a customary construction contingency, and other costs incidental to and necessary for completion of the listed projects (whether work is performed by the District or by third parties), including:
  • Remove, dispose of, and otherwise remediate hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, etc., where necessary.
  • Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/ modernization (including plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, etc.).
  • Site preparation/restoration in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, demolition of existing structures, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation and drainage, utility lines (such as gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, and communication lines), trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, traffic lights and mitigation, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.
  • Rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis, as needed to accommodate construction materials, equipment, and personnel, and interim classrooms (including relocatables) for students and school functions or other storage for classroom materials displaced during construction.
  • Acquisition of any of the facilities on the Bond Project List through temporary lease or lease-purchase arrangements, or execute purchase option under a lease for any of these authorized facilities.
  • Furnishing and equipping of existing and newly constructed, modernized or rehabilitated classrooms and facilities on an ongoing basis, including to replace worn, broken, or out-of-date furniture and equipment for all classrooms, athletic facilities and other facilities, as needed. For any project involving renovation, modernization, remodeling or rehabilitation 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 Governing Board determines that replacement and new construction is more practical than rehabilitation and renovation, considering the building's age, condition, expected remaining life, comparative cost, and other relevant factors. The Bond Project List shall be considered a part of this ballot proposition, and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition.

EXHIBIT B BALLOT MEASURE (ABBREVIATED FORM) To upgrade and repair schools with local funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Dixie Elementary School District:
  • update aging classrooms and instructional technology;
  • provide updated middle school science classrooms,
  • upgrade electrical wiring to current safety codes,
  • improve campus safety and security,
  • repair, construct, acquire, equip, classrooms, sites, facilities, by issuing $30 million of bonds at legal rates, with citizen oversight, no money for administrators, salaries, benefits or pensions and all funds used for local schools?


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Created: July 23, 2015 14:57 PDT
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