FULL TEXT OF MEASURE AA
EXHIBIT B
PETALUMA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOND PROPOSITION
By approval of this measure by at least fifty-five percent (55%) of the registered voters voting thereon, the Petaluma Joint Union High School District shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $159 million in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed below in the Project List, subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified herein.
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 Project List. An existing Citizens’ Oversight Committee may be empowered by the Board of Education to oversee the expenditure of bond proceeds from this measure. The committee shall be so empowered, or a new committee 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.
Special Bond Proceeds Account; 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.
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.
SECTION III: BOND PROJECT LIST
This Bond Project List, which is an integral part of this measure, 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 Bond Project 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). The District will pursue state matching funds if and when they become available and, if received, they will be used for projects on the Bond Project List or other high priority capital outlay expenditures as permitted by law. 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. Bond funds may be used to meet any matching share contribution requirements.
Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this measure shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, replacement, furnishing and equipping of school facilities, and the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, all as listed on the Bond Project List. All projects to be financed with bonds authorized by this measure listed on the Bond Project List have been determined by the District to be “school facilities” as that term is used in the California Constitution. “School facilities” include projects at school sites as well as administrative and teacher/staff support facilities which are necessary for, and related to, the delivery of high-quality education services. Projects listed below may be completed at any and all properties, school sites and facilities where such project is determined necessary, and projects are authorized to be performed at each and all of the District’s schools, sites and facilities, including administrative office and ancillary support facilities, whether owned, leased or yet to be acquired.
PETALUMA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOLS
- Casa Grande High School
- Carpe Diem High School
- Dual Language Immersion Academy
- Kenilworth Junior High School
- Mary Collins School Cherry Valley
- Petaluma Accelerated Charter School
- Petaluma Junior High School Petaluma High School San Antonio High School
- Sonoma Mountain High School
- Valley Oaks Independent Study School
Specific projects to be funded by the bond measure include, without limitation, the following:
Modernization Improvements to Educationally and Functionally Enhance Existing School Facilities
- Renovate and modernize classrooms and school facilities including flooring, ceiling, windows, window coverings, doors, walls, lighting, interior and exterior finishes, and paint;
- Provide adequate furniture, casework, storage, equipment and signage for all classrooms and school facilities;
- Furnish and equip classrooms, science labs, multi-purpose rooms, libraries, food service facilities, auditoriums, physical education and playground facilities, outdoor instructional areas, administration facilities and other school facilities;
- Repair or replace leaky, aging and damaged roofs and exterior walls;
- Renovate, expand and modernize classrooms, workspaces, office and conference room spaces for libraries, special education, mental health, wellness and counseling and school administration;
- Perform districtwide federal and state-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades, including site access, walkways, parking, staff and student restrooms, replacement or relocation of some existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, playground equipment, classrooms and facilities;
- Renovate, repair, replace, construct and/or install playfields, playgrounds, play surfaces, courts, other physical education facilities, and all related improvements and equipment;
- Renovate, repair, replace, construct and/or install athletic playfields, gymnasiums, grandstands and food service facilities, pools, other athletic facilities, locker rooms, and all related improvements and equipment including lighting and turf;
- Repair, replace, install or upgrade signage and fencing including repair or replacement of school marquees;
- Repair, replace or upgrade paved surfaces, turf and other grounds;
- Develop, construct, install, improve, repair or replace outdoor areas, including learning and meeting areas, hardscaping, landscaping, irrigation improvements, lighting, removing asphalt, and building/installing shade structures and seating;
- Acquire and construct transportation infrastructure including improving and expanding pedestrian and bicycle paths, installing secure bicycle parking, acquiring and constructing electric bicycle stations;
- Develop, acquire and construct climate-resilient solutions with permeable surfaces, stormwater retention systems, bioswales, heat-mitigating surfaces, shade trees or other climate-appropriate plants; and
- Construct, modernize, and equip food services facilities, kitchens, cafeterias, eating and serving areas.
Improving Building Systems and Infrastructure
- Repair or replace outdated and inadequate heating and air-conditioning, plumbing, sewer, electrical systems and other utilities with building code compliant and energy efficient systems including alternative energy systems
- Improve energy efficiency and sustainability including installation of energy-efficient lighting and systems, solar panels, battery storage, retrofitting and replacing natural gas infrastructure with comparable electric infrastructure, acquisition or replacement of electric vehicle charging stations
Replacement of Temporary Classrooms to Achieve State of the Art Learning Environments
- Replace antiquated portable classrooms with state-of-the-art classrooms and school facilities
- Repair outdated temporary portable classrooms or replace with new and/or permanent classrooms
Create Safe, Effective, Well-Maintained and Equitable Learning Environments
- Update schools to improve campus/student safety and security including installing additional fencing and gates, intercom and emergency communications systems, lighting systems, bell systems, fire and life safety systems, pedestrian access, walkways, lighting, reconfiguring entrances and drop-off/pickup locations, point of entry access and upgrading door locks;
- Construct, acquire, improve, furnish, expand and equip additional classrooms/classroom buildings, student centers, multi-purpose rooms, administration facilities, transportation facilities and other school facilities and property throughout the District;
- Upgrade classrooms and other school facilities with modern 21st century technology;
- Acquire, install and upgrade computers, computer learning technology and technology infrastructure including telecommunications, internet and network connections;
- Construct, equip, improve and upgrade maker spaces, computer labs and science labs to improve student achievement;
- Renovate, repair, replace, modernize, construct libraries, theater/auditorium, multipurpose rooms and classrooms for music and visual arts programs;
- Upgrade school site parking, driveways, walkways, drainage and grounds and improve traffic circulation;
- Construct, modernize, retrofit central kitchen, including energy-efficient equipment, cafeteria, food service and food storage areas; and
- Renovate and repair restrooms.
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 and available funding. Listed projects may be completed at any and all District schools, sites, properties (owned, leased or yet to be acquired) and education buildings where such project is determined necessary, as well as at secondary education programs located on elementary school district sites. The Bond Project List also includes the design, acquisition and construction of rental housing units for teachers and staff including all related amenities and facilities.
Decisions regarding the scope, function, timing, location, prioritization or other facets of project implementation for school facility projects listed on the Bond Project List will be made solely by the Board of Education by subsequent action, including the interpretation, meaning and intent of each listed project. Where terms such as “renovate,” “upgrade,” “replace,” “improve” and “repair” 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, including the use of new construction. 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, this measure authorizes the acquisition of real property, including necessary rights of ways or other real property interests, required to expand District facilities, to provide access to school or other District facilities, or to provide additional school or related facilities. Where feasible, projects may be completed in partnership with other public or private agencies on a joint use basis using bond proceeds, subject to federal tax rules and regulations.
Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of bond issuance, architectural, engineering, legal, accounting and similar planning costs and professional services; litigation costs; construction management; bond project consultants; staff development and training expenses associated with learning construction techniques and approaches and new bond-funded equipment and systems; the furnishing and equipping of all projects, including equipment to maintain facilities in a safe and clean condition; and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. Payment of the costs of preparation of facilities planning and project implementation studies, feasibility and assessment reviews, master planning, environmental studies, permit and inspection fees, Division of State Architect (DSA) - related requirements, studies and assessments, including ADA and seismic, and temporary housing, storage and relocation costs for dislocated programs or activities caused or necessitated by projects on the Bond Project List are permissible bond expenditures. Land may be acquired for any project, and all projects may be furnished and equipped using bond proceeds to ensure the functionality and usability of facilities and sites constructed or reconstructed with bond proceeds. Bond proceeds may be used to retire any interim funding incurred to advance fund projects described on the Bond Project List.
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.
The Board of Education hereby declares, and the voters by approving this Bond Measure concur, that every section and part of this bond measure has independent value, and the Board of Education and the voters would have adopted each provision hereof regardless of every other provision hereof. Upon approval of this measure by the voters, should any part be found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid for any reason, all remaining parts hereof shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent allowed by law, and to this end the provisions of this bond measure are severable.