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Riverside County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
Measure M
Local School Improvements
Moreno Valley Unified School District

Bond Measure - 55% Approval Required

Pass: 12,348 / 64.06% Yes votes ...... 6,928 / 35.94% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of November 21 7:51am, 100.00%% of Precincts Reporting (71/71)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments | Tax Rate Statement |

To upgrade classrooms, science labs, career-training facilities and computer systems to keep pace with technology, fix aging classrooms/schools, improve student safety and security, repair, construct, acquire classrooms, facilities, sites/equipment, prepare students for success in college/high-demand jobs, protect instruction in math, science, technology and the trades, shall Moreno Valley Unified School District issue $398,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with mandatory audits, independent citizen oversight, no funds for administrator salaries, and all money staying local?

Impartial Analysis from Deputy County Counsel
The Board of Education ("Board") of the Moreno Valley Unified School District ("District") by adopting Resolution No. 2013-14-70 ("Resolution"), elected to call an election pursuant to Section 18 of Article XVI and Section 1 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution and Section 15100 and 15624 et seq. of the California Education Code to obtain authorization to issue and sell general obligation Bonds ("Bonds") in the aggregate amount principal amount of three hundred and ninety-eight million dollars ($398,000,000).

This Measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of the above- identified District.

The Bonds would be used by the District to renovate, repair and upgrade classrooms, facilities and equipment, upgrade and install security and safety infrastructure, upgrade and expand computers and computer technology in classrooms and libraries, and repair and replace plumbing and roofing infrastructure. The Bonds would not be used to fund the salaries, pensions or benefits of any board members, administrator, and/or teachers or for other school operating expenses.

If Measure "M" is approved, the Board of the District will appoint a citizens' oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that bond funds are spent only on the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, and for no other purposes.

An ad valorem tax would be levied and collected on property within the boundaries of the District to pay the principal and interest on the Bonds.

The Resolution provides that the maximum interest rate on the Bonds will not exceed the maximum interest rate permitted by the applicable laws of the State and the maximum term of the Bonds, or any series thereof, will not exceed 40 years.

Approval of Measure "M" does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Moreno Valley Unified District that are the subject of the Bonds under Measure "M" will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure "M". The District's proposal for the project or projects assumes the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.

For this Measure to be approved fifty-five percent (55%) of qualified voters who vote on the Measure must vote yes.

A "YES" vote on Measure "M" is a vote to allow the District to sell the Bonds and levy the necessary taxes to pay for the Bonds.

A "NO" vote on Measure "M" is a vote against allowing the District to sell the Bonds and levy the necessary taxes to pay for the Bonds.

By: Ronak N. Patel, Deputy County Counsel

 
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Arguments For Measure M Arguments Against Measure M
Vote YES on Measure "M" to repair and update Moreno Valley schools, and support ongoing gains in student achievement.

Measure "M" will equip our students with the math, science and technology skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. Students who choose to go to college will be academically prepared, and those who choose to enter the job market will receive the career training they need to compete in today's economy.

With consistently increasing test scores, graduation rates and college attendance rates, Moreno Valley schools are an asset to our community. They've received multiple awards recognizing the quality education they provide.

Measure "M" will provide locally controlled funding that stays in our district to support our students - not a penny can be taken or redirected by the state. Strong schools make our community a desirable place to live, protecting the value of our homes and quality of life.

Measure "M" will make repairs and improvements to ensure our students' safety and security.

Vote Yes to:

  • Provide the facilities and equipment needed for career and technology education classes to prepare students for college and good jobs in fields like science, technology and the trades
  • Improve access for students with disabilities and update student safety and security systems, including security lighting, fencing, smoke detectors and fire alarms/sprinklers
  • Upgrade classrooms, science labs, career-training facilities and computer systems to keep pace with technology
  • Repair and replace leaky roofs, worn-out floors, old, rusty plumbing and faulty electrical systems and gas pipes

Fiscal Accountability Is Required:
  • By law, all funds stay local to benefit Moreno Valley's neighborhood schools
  • A mandatory Citizens' Oversight Committee, independent audits and annual public reports ensure funds are spent as promised
  • No money can be spent on administrators' salaries

Join us--vote YES on "M" to keep Moreno Valley schools on the rise.

By: Marion Ashley, District 5 Supervisor, Riverside County
Marelva Byrd Hume, Moreno Valley USD PTA Council President
Alice Bradley, 69-Year Moreno Valley Resident
Pastor David Carlson, Moreno Valley Unified School District Community and Continuing Service Award Recipient
Oscar Valdepeņa, President/CEO, Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce

Rebuttal to Arguments For
Moreno Valley is a family of members and needs. The school district must become part of that family. We can not treat one member's wants greater than the whole families needs.

This is a simple concern for the economic health and well being of the whole family of Moreno Valley. This bond does NOT serve that need. Bond or Tax assessment, citizens still pay 398 Million Dollars plus interest. If this Measure were transparent for proper review it would be seen that, over a 30 year span it would cause:

  • Ongoing Tax increases on homes & apartments
  • Ongoing Tax increases on small business owners
  • Ongoing Tax increases on developments
  • Ongoing Tax increases on retirees

Transparency was important to over 80% of voters, yet the questioner only focused on the wants of the School District, not the needs of the city.

The poll showed that 90% of likely voters want to PREVENT increases in taxes, yet the full TAx burden on this city was not shared.

The poll showed that creating jobs & improving the local economy was important to OVER 99% of the voters yet this Measure would devastate the economy, impact job creation & hamstring the City from raising money for 30 YEARS.

This Measure does NOT serve the students. A well crafted, balanced and honest measure would. The poll numbers are overreaching and unrealistic. The whole FAMILY of Moreno Valley would loose!

VOTE NO ON MEASURE "M"!

By: Carlos Ramirez, Parent
Jesse L. Molina
Jeffrey Giba, Educator / Resident
Leland M. Daniels
Roy Bleckert ●Ongoing Tax increases on Goods and Services

The voters in Moreno Valley need to be informed to understand the potential consequences of their decisions. A bond measure should never overreach the ability of its citizens. The City of Moreno Valley is home to retired residents, small business owners, families with diverse needs and a high unemployment rate. To impose such a 30 year burden on our residents, is irresponsible.

This bond is structured so your property tax can be increased to pay for the bond as your home value increases. This may continue for up to 30 years, not requiring additional voter approval. They are asking for a pre-paid credit card.

Businesses owners, will share a greater burden for this bond. Their property assessments are much higher than residential. These costs will be paid by the residents, making a second tax burden. By paying increased costs for goods and services, business can offset this Bond Tax. This causes Moreno Valley businesses and developments to be less competitive with other communities.

Nearly 60% of this bond is general maintenance items that should be part of the district maintenance budget. Financing short term needs with long term debt is primed for disaster.

Determining building estimates using high cost construction techniques is unwise. Using advanced construction techniques would cut costs and building time by half. Classroom space should be built in an cost effective manner. This proposal does NOT accomplish this. We would be continuing down the Road to Financial Disaster.

The facts of this bond are not broadly known. There was poor scrutiny of this measure in the publics favor. If a bond is warranted, then put forth a realistic bond proposal that will truly inform and benefit ALL residents of the City.

DECIDE WISELY AND VOTE NO ON MEASURE "M"!

By: Carlos Ramirez, Parent / Resident
Jesse L. Molina, Mayor
Jeffrey J. Giba, Educator / Resident
Leland Daniels, Educator-Administration
Roy Bleckert

Rebuttal to Arguments Against
Measure "M" is the fiscally responsible solution Moreno Valley schools need.

There are no other options for making the necessary repairs and upgrades to our local schools. Time and time again the State has proven an unreliable partner in local education funding. Many Moreno Valley schools require repairs to ensure student safety, and updates to prepare our students for successful futures in college and careers. Measure "M" provides the local control necessary to address these critical needs.

Moreno Valley USD undertook a comprehensive three-year public process evaluating school facilities needs and gathering feedback from various community stakeholders. The results of this transparent, inclusive process are publicly available at http://www.mvusd.net.

Measure "M" has built-in provisions that guarantee accountability of funds and ensure that they are spent only on improving Moreno Valley schools. By law, all Measure "M" funds must stay in Moreno Valley schools; nothing can be taken by State government in Sacramento or used for other purposes.

An independent Citizens' Oversight Committee with representatives from throughout the community will ensure funds are spent as promised. Annual public audits guarantee transparency for all Measure "M" spending.

Moreno Valley schools are an asset to our community. With rising test scores and graduation rates, they attract employers and economic development to Moreno Valley. Measure "M" is critical to ensuring that our students have equal opportunities to succeed in the 21st century.

Please join us in voting Yes on "M", the local solution Moreno Valley kids deserve.

By: Marshall C. Scott, First Mayor of Moreno Valley and Founder,
Moreno Valley Morning Rotary Club
Pete Serbantes, Founder of Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
and Housing Advocate
Katherine Underwood, President, National Council of Urban Education
Associations, Former President, Moreno Valley Educators Association
Richard Dozier, President, Moreno Valley Historical Society
Jamil Dada, Past Chairman, Riverside County Workforce Investment Board

Tax Rate Statement from School District Superintendent
An election will be held in Moreno Valley Unified School District (the "District") on November 4, 2014 for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the District the question of issuing bonds of the District in the principal amount of $398,000,000. If such bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and interest thereon will be payable from the proceeds of taxes levied on the taxable property in the District. The following information regarding tax rates is given to comply with Section 9401 of the California Elections Code. This information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within the District and other demonstrable factors.

Based upon the foregoing and projections of the assessed valuations of taxable property in the District, and assuming the entire debt service on the bonds will be paid through property taxation:

1. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue during the first fiscal year after the first sale of the bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or on a projection based on experience within the District or other demonstrable factors, is $0.06 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed for the year 2015-16.

2. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue during the first fiscal year after the last sale of the bonds and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or on a projection based on experience within the District or other demonstrable factors, is $0.06 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed and the year 2024-25.

3. The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or on a projection based on experience within the District or other demonstrable factors, is $0.06 per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed and the year 2015-16.

Attention of voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates. The actual timing of sales of the bonds and the amount to be sold at any time will be governed by the needs of the District and other factors. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold, which will not exceed the maximum permitted by law, will depend upon the bond market at the time of sale. The actual assessed valuations in future years will depend upon the value of property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process. Therefore, the actual tax rates and the years in which those tax rates will be applicable may vary from those presently estimated and stated above.

By: Judy D. White, Ed. D., Superintendent Moreno Valley Unified School District


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Created: July 23, 2015 14:57 PDT
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