Middletown Unified School District, California, Measure H, Bond Issue (November 2018)

Yes

To replace outdated portables and construct permanent 21st century learning environments, modernize existing classrooms, enhance student safety and security, upgrade school grounds, and improve career technical and ag facilities, shall Middletown Unified School District issue $28,000,000 of bonds with an estimated annual average tax levy of $1,623,000 for 35 years and a projected tax rate of 6 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, with an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee, annual audits, and no money for administrator salaries?^[2]

Measure "H", placed on the ballot by the Middletown Unified School District ("District"), is a bond measure which seeks voter approval to authorize the District to issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $28,000,000 to be used to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed and described in the District's Bond Project List included with the full text of this measure as Exhibit "A". That Bond Project List includes, but is not limited to, the construction, modernization and renovation of classrooms, the improvement technical classrooms and agricultural facilities, and the repair, replacement, and update of outdoor areas, parking, roadways, and grounds. Proceeds from the sale of bonds shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including furnishing and equipping of school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses. The maximum term of the bonds will not exceed the legal limit.

Both the School Bond Law and the General Obligation Bond law authorize the governing board of a school district to issue and sell general obligation bonds to finance various school acquisitions and improvements if approved by 55 percent of the voters voting on the measure, provided certain accountability safeguards are included in the measure.

The bonds and interest thereon would be financed by ad valorem taxes levied annually on taxable real property within the District. The District's tax rate statement reflects an estimate of the maximum property tax levies required to service the bonds.

The measure includes the following accountability safeguards:

1. That the proceeds from the bond sale shall be used only for the purposes listed in the Bond Project Measure included with full text of this measure as Exhibit "A" and for no other purpose.

2. A list of the specific projects to be funded and certification that the District Board has evaluated safety, class size reduction, information technology, and other needs in developing that list.

3. That the District Board conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the funds have been spent only on the specific projects listed in the measure.

4. That the District Board conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds until all of such proceeds from the sale have been spent for the projects listed in the measure.

5. That the District Board shall establish a citizen oversight committee to ensure that the bond proceeds are used to fund the specific projects listed in the Bond Project List of this measure.

A "Yes" vote on this measure would authorize the Middletown Unified School District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $28,000,000 for those purposes listed in the Bond Project List.

A "No" vote on this measure would prevent the Middletown Unified School District from issuing these bonds. ^[2]

In Middletown, we recognize the value of a quality education and its contribution to the desirability of our community. While the District has maintained our schools, many of our classrooms are now old, outdated and in need of replacement. Rapid changes in the 21st century have created new learning opportunities, and our older facilities can not support these advances in education.

To enable our students to compete and succeed in our new economy, we must modernize our classrooms and reconstruct portions of older schools to provide access to modern classroom technology, equipment and infrastructure.

Measure “H” will:

• Replace aging portables with newly constructed permanent classrooms
• Improve and modernize facilities throughout the District to meet 21st century standards, including classrooms, libraries and learning centers
• Increase student access to computers and modern classroom technology
• Enhance safety and security at all sites, including fencing, classroom security, and notification systems
• Upgrade, repair and/or expand school infrastructure, including site parking, grounds, utility systems, exterior lighting, pathways, walkways, and ADA required modifications
• Make the District eligible to receive up to $14 million in State grants.

By law, taxpayer safeguards are in place to:

• Establish a citizens’ oversight committee to ensure funds are spent only on voter approved projects
• Require annual independent audits on all Measure “H” expenditures.

As taxpayers and homeowners, we all agree quality schools improve property values and attract business, from which we all benefit. The local economy is growing again. We need to make a renewed investment in our local schools so our students can effectively compete, and to attract businesses that provide good paying jobs, so we can look forward to a stronger future in Middletown.

Please join us in Voting YES on MEASURE “H”!^[2]