This is what's going to appear on the ballot.
There is a question and the full text of the measure. The question is supposed to be a short summary. It's actually propaganda or sales puffery designed to get a Yes vote. The Board hopes you won't read the whole measure. Most voters will likely not read it and those who do will find it repetitive and confusing. The fine print is the 509-word, kitchen-sink paragraph that will really put your brain on the fritz. Remember that these are your children's educators writing this.
The question is not an original writing. It's identical to the language used on other school bonds (except for the name of the district). The Mt. SAC CCD bond of 2008, Measure RR, uses identical language. Anyone who keeps up on things knows how badly that's turned out.
The full text is the legal part of the measure.
The arguments in favor and against will follow the question on the ballot. I was able to file the arguments in opposition. I had to move very quickly and spent 10 days, full-time, researching, writing, and then finding others who agree.
Your mailbox will likely be flooded with slick, highly-produced propaganda mailers and robo-calls from the money men behind this bond. The people with their hands out will stoop to whatever level they believe necessary to win them the lottery.
Walnut Valley Local School Improvement Measure. To upgrade facilities to maintain
excellent education/college readiness by providing facilities/technology for advanced
math, science, engineering, upgrading outdated classrooms, science labs, libraries,
computer systems, improving school safety/ security, and repairing, constructing/
acquiring classrooms, facilities, equipment, shall Walnut Valley Unified School District
issue $208 million in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizen oversight, no money
for administrator salaries, and all funds used for neighborhood schools in/ around
Diamond Bar and Walnut?
Bonds -- Yes Bonds -- No
Argument in Favor of Measure _ Walnut Valley School District, with neighborhood schools in and around Diamond Bar and Walnut, is among the highest performing districts in the state and nation. Whether or not you have school-age children, protecting the quality of our great local schools and the value of our homes is a wise investment. Measure _ is necessary to ensure classrooms, science labs, math rooms, technology and other facilities continue to support outstanding student achievement. Measure _ will not increase current tax rates. Measure _ ensures local students have access to the modern technology and skills training needed to compete for college and 21st century careers: - Provides classrooms, facilities and technology needed for advanced courses in math, science, engineering and technology - Repairs old schools, including wiring, plumbing, roofs, floors, air conditioning, heating, classroom lighting and other aging or deteriorating systems - Ensures teachers are adequately trained in the use of modern instructional technologies - Keeps computer systems, technology, science labs, school facilities, and classrooms up-to-date over time - Provides classrooms and labs for career and technology education classes so students are prepared for college and well-paying jobs in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology and skilled trades - Improves student safety including security lighting, emergency communications systems, fire alarms and sprinklers - Retrofits older school buildings so they are earthquake safe
Local control ensures Measure _ funds stay in our schools:
Vote Yes on _ to improve our Walnut Valley Unified School District schools and
prepare our students for college and 21st century careers -- without raising taxes!
Bob Pacheco
Mayor, City of Walnut
Nancy Lyons
Councilmember, City of Diamond Bar
Bob Sun
Independent Citizen Oversight Committee, Chair-Vice
Ray McMullen
Longtime resident (5 ) years and former WVUSD Educator
Lily Eibert
WVUSD Parent Coordinating Council, Vice President
How can you tell when a politician is lying? "... WITHOUT RAISING TAXES!" Can't help themselves. Can you believe anything they say? It's not even their argument. Copied word-for-word from Board's talking points. Do you value plagiarism?
Imagine what schools will look like in 40 years. Will they look like they do today? Or will they be relics of the past meeting the same fate as Ozymandias?
A bond is a credit card with a huge limit. Do you put living expenses on your credit card and not pay it off every month? Of course not! You know that making the minimum payment means that you'll be paying dearly for that tank of gas you bought today and you'll still be paying it off years from now.
Technology is mentioned 8 times. Moore's law predicts that technological capability doubles every two years while price falls dramatically. The Apple II was introduced in 1977 (38 years ago) priced at $2,638. Do you still want to be paying for today's technology 40 years from now?
By the time you and your grandkids pay off this bond, physical facilities will likely be museum pieces. Education will come from the best teachers in the world wherever a child has a device to connect to the Internet. It's already happening.
What's stopping it from happening here? Old thinking from an entrenched bureaucracy.
If Board could be trusted, it wouldn't need an oversight committee. $400 million in NEW TAXES. Smart people vote NO.
John Iu-Chim Shum
M.D.
Long Su
Technical Architect
Nam Huynh
Director of Systems, Retired
Michael West
Walnut Homeowner
A. YEARS OF NEGLECT. CHECK!
B. NO ACCOUNTABILITY. CHECK!
C. SWITCHEROO. CHECK!
D. HUGE NEW TAXES. CHECK!
Got your attention?
A. Are you sending your children to deathtraps? Schools without "smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers?" Seriously! Read the measure.
In measure Board admits it's neglected regular maintenance for so long that it now claims crisis. You must save the children. It'll cost you nearly twice as much to pay it off.
The squeaky wheel theory predicts that those who speak loudest get what they want. Facilities can't speak. They get neglected. It's called kicking the can down the road. Today's squeaky wheels get what they want. The cycle repeats. You're stuck with the bill.
Example of Board's priorities: Collegewood School turned 50 last year. For its birthday, Board pulled out the landscaping, replacing it with prettier landscaping. What allegedly critical maintenance priorities could that money have paid for?
B. Oversight committee? It's a joke. No power. (Legislature made sure of that.) Appointed by Board. Pure propaganda.
C. Measure makes all maintenance off-budget. More of your regular taxes will go for salary and pensions.
Does Board lack money? Most recent financial report shows $76 million in investments. It transferred over $20 million from Special "Capital" Fund to pension, furlough, and professional development.
Board will likely spend every penny it takes from your regular taxes on things that don't directly benefit the children, like increased compensation, benefits, and pensions.
D. How much? Nobody knows. It's just an estimate.
Assessed value / 100,000 x $48.50 estimate x 40 years = tax. Do the math.
We're not against education. We're against misuse and waste of our taxes. Does past neglect require money? Probably. This much? No.
Smart voters vote NO.
http://aroundwalnut.blogspot.com/
Warren Ellis
Jean Jernigan
Home owner
C. M. Parks
Retired
Floyd Kimura
Retired
William Pao
Business Owner / Parent
Measure O is about improving local schools to maintain award-winning education and continue preparing students for success in college and future careers. Even throughout a decade of state-imposed budget cuts, our local school district has done a terrific job of maintaining and improving local school facilities. Visit http://tinyurl.com/pwr7g7v to read annual reports from the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee.
Measure O provides the classrooms, facilities and technology needed for advanced courses in science, technology, engineering and math. Citizens' oversight ensures Measure O supports students, not administrators.
Measure O includes a clear system of accountability. Independent citizens' oversight, annual audits, a project list detailing exactly how the money will be used and community reports are required. By law, no money can be spent on administrators' salaries, pensions or benefits.
Measure O does not increase current tax rates.
Measure O is carefully structured so that your local school tax bill will be no higher next year or in future years than it is right now. Thanks to prudent fiscal management, Walnut Valley Unified School District will completely pay off prior voter-approved school bonds in 2019, meaning that our community can make a meaningful, valuable investment to maintain our excellent local schools without increasing tax rates.
Protecting the quality of our schools, the quality of life in our communities and the value of our homes is a wise investment. We believe that maintaining high-quality education in our local schools is a top priority. Please join us and vote Yes on O.
http://www.OutstandingWVUSDSchools.org
JOE H. HAHN
48-Year Walnut Resident, Former Mayor/Council Member
ERIC CHING
City of Walnut Council Member
CHRISTINA KONDO
Collegewood Elementary School Parent Council Member and Former President
RACHEL CHANG
Diamond Bar, HS Parent Volunteer
INGRID JOHNSON
President, Council of African-American Parents (CAAP)
The following is the full proposition presented to the voters by the Walnut Valley
Unified School District.
"Walnut Valley Local School Improvement Measure. To upgrade facilities to maintain
excellent education/college readiness by providing facilities/technology for advanced
math, science, engineering, upgrading outdated classrooms, science labs, libraries,
computer systems, improving school safety/ security, and repairing, constructing/
acquiring classrooms, facilities, equipment, shall Walnut Valley Unified School District
issue $208 million in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizen oversight, no money
for administrator salaries, and all funds used for neighborhood schools in/ around
Diamond Bar and Walnut?"
PROJECT LIST
The Board of Trustees of the Walnut Valley Unified School District is committed
to maintaining the quality of education in our local public schools. To do so, the
Board is determined to provide classrooms and labs for career and technology
education classes so students are prepared for college and good paying jobs in fields
like health sciences, engineering, technology, and the skilled trades. To that end, the
Board evaluated the District's urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues,
class size, computer and information technology and prepared a [Facility Master Plan]
which is incorporated herein in its entirety, in developing the scope of projects to be
funded. The District conducted a facilities evaluation and received extensive public
input in developing this Project List through school site meetings, community
presentations, opinion leader input, and interactive materials. Teachers, staff, students,
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 and
expensive to address. Therefore, in approving this Project List, the Board of
Trustees determines that the District must, in a fiscally responsible manner:
(i) provide classrooms and labs needed for career and technology
education classes so students are prepared for college and good
paying jobs in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology
and the skilled trades; and
(ii) improve student safety and school security systems, including
security lighting, security cameras, emergency communication
systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers; and
(iii) make funding available to protect the quality of instruction and
advanced courses in math, science, engineering, technology and the
arts; and
(iv) retrofit older buildings so they are earthquake safe; and
(v) adhere to specific FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY safeguards such as:
(a) All money raised must stay in the District and the State must
be prohibited from taking any funds raised,
(b) All expenditures must be subject to annual independent
financial audits, and
(c) An independent citizens' oversight committee must be
appointed to ensure that all funds are spent only as
authorized.
The Project List includes the following types of upgrades and improvements at the
District schools:
Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects
Goal and Purpose: Since providing classrooms and labs for career and
technology education classes so students are prepared for college and good
paying jobs in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology and the skilled
trades is critical, local schools will benefit from projects including:
o Repair or replace old, worn-out roofs, floors, plumbing, and electrical systems.
o Upgrade aging heating, air conditioning and lighting systems.
o Upgrade classrooms, science labs and libraries to keep pace with 21st Century
instructional technology.
o Repair and modernize old schools, outdated classrooms and school buildings.
o Add electrical service capacity to relieve overloaded electrical systems so that it
can handle modern instructional technology.
o Provide improved, up-to-date technology infrastructure.
o Add classrooms, labs, health science/ kinesiology buildings and school facilities.
Safety and Security Projects
Goal and Purpose: Since good, safe and up-to-date schools are a wise
investment to (i) help protect and improve local property values, (ii) protect the
quality of life in our community, (iii) maintain the quality of education, and (iv)
provide advanced courses in core subjects like math, science, engineering and
technology, schools and school sites will benefit from a variety of safety and
security projects, such as:
Student Safety
o Upgrade fire alarm systems to automatic systems, repair fire safety equipment,
add sprinklers and fire safety doors to make students safe in the event of an
emergency.
o Upgrade and install new security systems, such as security lighting, fencing,
smoke detectors, and fire alarms.
o Replace aging, outdated portables with permanent classrooms that meet 21st
century health, safety and academic standards.
o Upgrade emergency communication systems to improve student safety.
o Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint from older school
sites.
Instructional Technology and Wiring Projects
Safety and Security Projects
Goal and Purpose: To ensure that all teachers are adequately trained in the use
of modern instructional technologies by upgrading classroom technology to
allow our students to be prepared for college or to compete in today's job market
for good paying jobs with skills and a strong background in science, math,
engineering and technology:
o Upgrade instructional technology in the classroom for improved student learning.
o Provide and maintain up-to-date technology, data and communication
equipment.
o Upgrade and expand wireless systems, telecommunications, Internet and
network connections, upgrade electrical wiring.
o Upgrade and replace computers, hardware and infrastructure systems,
classroom and library technology and teaching equipment to enhance instruction.
***
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/ construction 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 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, servers, switches, routers, modules, smart
boards, sound projection systems, wireless networks, portable interface devices,
printers, upgrade voice-over-IP, phone systems, call manager and network
security/firewall, and other miscellaneous equipment. The District may establish a
classroom technology fund to keep our technology up-to-date and ensure local schools
keep pace with advancing technology. The repair of school facilities includes the
upgrading/replacing 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, District support
facilities, multi-purpose rooms, cafeterias; enhance signage; install fire sensors;
construct/ upgrade athletic facilities, gyms, and play fields including turf; upgrade
electrical wiring; construct labs, music and staff support rooms and restrooms; renovate
and paint interior and exterior building surfaces to extend their useful life; improve
security, install safety and communication systems and equipment; renovate
classrooms, including music/art classrooms and facilities; upgrade window and floor
coverings (including tiles and carpeting); acquire kitchen equipment, upgrade irrigation
systems; make improvements and acquire furnishings and/or other electronic
equipment and systems; install solar and water recycling and energy
efficiency/management systems. The Project List also includes the refinancing of any
outstanding lease obligations, 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. The budget for each project is
an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District's control. Some projects
throughout the district, such as gyms, fields and performing arts facilities, may be
undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public or non-profit
agencies. 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 enhanced and operationally efficient campuses.
Necessary site acquisition, 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 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 reporting requirements of Government Code § 53410.
FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY: IN ACCORDANCE WITH EDUCATION CODE
SECTION 15272, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL APPOINT A CITIZEN'S
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 bonds authorized by
this proposition shall be used only for acquisition, construction, reconstruction,
rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping
of school facilities, and not any other purpose, including teacher and school
administrator salaries and other operating expenses.
Copyright © 2015, Richard Michael. All Rights Reserved.