2013 Bond Program Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee

Transcription

1 2013 Bond Program Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report For the Fiscal Year July 1, June 30, Produced April, 2013 "Using technology in the classroom provides my students with a chance to develop marketable skills and prepares them for a wide variety of career opportunities." - Michael Cross, Multimedia teacher, WC Overfelt High School This annual report summarizes the current progress of bond projects, highlights the work of the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) and reviews the expenditures in the Measure G and E general obligation bonds for the fiscal year July 1, June 30, 2012.

2 About Measure G, E and I MEASURE G BACKGROUND In March 2002, the community passed Measure G, a $298 million bond to repair, build and equip facilities at East Side Union High School District schools, in order to provide greater security and safety, relieve overcrowding, and improve technology. Funds from Measure G were used for critical basic improvements at all of the District s schools including new classrooms, health and safety improvements and upgrades to school facilities, and athletic fields and facilities. Last November the Board authorized the District to allocate $32.5 million of the remaining Measure G funds for site improvement projects. MEASURE I BACKGROUND MEASURE E BACKGROUND In February 2008, the community passed Measure E, a $349 million School Facilities Improvement Bond. Building upon the success and momentum from Measure G, the District moved quickly to address the most immediate needs at each campus. To date, the District has completed 28 projects; 6 projects are in active construction and 14 are currently in design. Measure E is improving computer/science labs, providing greater safety and security, repairing, equipping, constructing, and acquiring classrooms and facilities at Andrew Hill, Evergreen Valley, Foothill, Independence, James Lick, Mt. Pleasant, Oak Grove, Piedmont Hills, Santa Teresa, Silver Creek, Yerba Buena, W.C. Overfelt, and District adult, alternative, and charter schools, and acquire property for new schools. In November 2012, the community passed Measure I, a $120 million bond to continue the improvement of school facilities at East Side Union High School District schools, including the improvement projects currently underway through Measure G and E. Funds from Measure I will be used to continue to upgrade technology, improve security and safety, and repair, equip and construct classrooms and facilities at District high schools, adult, alternative, and charter schools. BOND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Due to the aging facilities in the District, addressing all of the needs identified by the school sites would require over one billion dollars. Based on the funding provided, each school was charged to work with their School Site Council to identify their priorities. The Board of Trustees established priorities to guide the process for schools. The priorities included: Address health, safety, and compliance issues dealing with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title IX Gender Equity Replace portable classrooms where possible Upgrade technology Include infrastructure upgrades including plumbing/restrooms, electrical & mechanical systems on buildings that are to be modernized Continue addressing code compliance in the areas of lighting, communication systems, HVAC & fencing where possible Modernize teaching stations over 25 years old, including special education (high priority) Maintain a minimum of 10% capacity in portables per site Minimize the expenditure of funds on renovating portables As buildings are modernized, efforts have been made to replace roofs, upgrade HVAC, electrical, lighting, technology, safety and security, and landscaping around the area. Seismic upgrades are also addressed where needed. 2

3 Integrating Technology in the Classroom Technology doesn t replace good teachers; it provides them with an unlimited amount of resources that they can use to create dynamic multimedia lessons that engage students and prepare them for 21 st careers. Randy Phelps, Director of IT. As new facilities get built or modernized throughout the District, steps are being taken to create 21 st century learning environments as much as possible. The district is using technology to accelerate and revolutionize what is done in the classroom. Types of changes you would notice in modernized classrooms Blackboards have been replaced with white boards allowing for multiple uses SmartBoards or Projectors and document cameras are available for teachers to guide their lessons, project work from their computers, easily transition to different resources web, video, images, music, or post lecture notes and assignments Wireless Access is available teachers and students can access the web with mobile computer devices Laptops/computers are visible on teacher stations ipads/chromebooks/notebooks are being used by students in pilot classrooms around the district I use my SmartBoard every day in class. Sometimes, it's a glorified white board, but as I've started integrating Common Core standards, I've been able to have students analyze and compare pieces of artwork to poems, have them explore a website with me without needing to go to a computer lab, and have shown TED talks and news reports that students write responses to. My AP English lectures now often include text, video, images, and music. When students need copies of notes, I've been able to simply save specific slides as PDF s and them to students. - Shawna Forteamo, English teacher, Oak Grove The SmartBoard has become an essential tool in my classroom, especially when it comes to teaching students how to annotate text and how to write an essay. While annotating text, I am able to model the process by using the SmartBoard note taking and highlighting tools. I also use these tools when I am reviewing the key components of an effective essay. Additionally, while teaching a Saturday SAT prep course, I was able to project the contents of the students' SAT prep book and effectively model and review the SAT strategies with the students. After only a year, I couldn't imagine teaching without the SmartBoard. - Mark Holsten, English teacher, Mt. Pleasant "My SmartBoard enhances all aspects of my AVID classes, allowing my students to be interactive and participatory while thinking critically, which are key components to the rigor of the AVID elective and crucial to the success of the AVID student." - Julie Andrade-Chapman, Leadership/Avid teacher, Independence "I use the SmartBoard every day for just about everything - warm ups, correcting home work and of course presenting notes for lessons. It allows me to instantly copy problems the students want worked out and have plenty of space to do so. Infinite space and never have to erase anything. I don't know what I would do without it now." - Richard De La Rosa, Math teacher, Piedmont Hills 3

4 Integrating Technology in the Classroom Implementation Begins on Laptop Initiative Prior to the end of this past school year, teachers throughout the district were able to select the type of laptop they would like to use from several options as part of the Laptop Initiative. This effort was initiated to enhance student performance through better communications among families, teachers, administrators and students via School Loop and Infinite Campus, and social media. Each Certificated staff member now has a standard model device that is capable of running all district-approved applications. The new units have the capacity to be continuously upgraded, allowing the laptop computers to have a projected lifespan of 4 years. Employees will be utilizing a cloud based storage and replication system which will provide a full backup of documents and allow for a quick turnaround of machines in the event a computer gets damaged or needs repair. Teachers and administrators have been attending a welcome to my laptop session (in person or online) to orient themselves with their new machine. To ensure success, IT is working closely with teachers to provide the best possible solutions for the individual teacher. At the beginning of the 5th year, laptops will be collected and recycled and traded in at market value to aid in the purchase of instructional materials and to defray the cost of the next round. Wireless Update Beginning in the summer of 2012, WIRELESS I began to provide wireless to approximately 70% of each school site. This phase of the project was completed in November, The next steps are to tie wireless access to each users Google credentials (students will be receiving Google accounts.) This coupled with the District s new Identity Automation software will provide greater access and security for all of users. The District is currently examining the scope for WIRELESS II which will provide 100% coverage on each campus. Implementation of WIRELESS II will start in the summer of " Using technology is the way students choose to learn on their own and the most engaging tool we have for making the learning authentic in the classroom." - Imani Butler, Multi-Media Teacher, Silver Creek As a teacher and parent of ESUHSD students, I would like to express my shear joy at being chosen to teach in the new 500 wing at James Lick High School. My classroom, room 512, has exceeded my expectations and those of my students. They love the bright and airy feeling of the room. They also LOVE the SmartBoard and Wi-Fi connectivity. The devices we have used with the SmartBoard include: ipads, ipods and iphones. All these devices are owned by myself or students. Engagement is at an all-time high for the year. Students are using their devices to access my recorded lessons as well as search for definitions of terms, formulas for geometric and algebraic problems, and to send me pictures of their work when necessary. My students work in teams to solve problems. The ability to quickly review my lesson via schoolloop or find support material online has helped all teams gain a deeper understanding of concepts on their own. I cannot stress enough the importance of self-discovery as a means to ensure mastery of mathematical concepts. My role has shifted to that of mentor, coach, and facilitator. Students are taking responsibility for their learning. Beautiful! -Katherine Everett, Math teacher, James Lick 4

5 Building a Better Community 2013 CBOC Annual Report MEASURE E ACTIVE OR RECENTLY COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATES Mt. Pleasant High School Buildings 200, 300, 600, 700 and 800 were renovated, giving the school a very different look. The original campus was composed of several quads where 4 to 5 classrooms opened into relatively crowded areas. As the population of the school grew, that configuration became difficult to supervise. In the modernization, the quads were eliminated and long spacious hallways were incorporated into the design to make the classrooms more accessible and the campus safer. Over 53 classrooms were modernized and made into 21 st century learning environments. In addition, a new multi-purpose facility was built close to the theater, housing six general education classrooms and providing ample meeting space to accommodate school assemblies, testing, staff and community meetings. The multi-purpose building has a large kitchen area for preparing and serving food and space to accommodate special events before or after theater presentations. The modernization provided the students with 4 sets of new restrooms on the campus. The gym and the locker rooms were also modernized and that work was completed in Spring of Silver Creek High School Students and staff are excited about the new multi-purpose building which has recently been named Raider Hall. The building is completed and it will officially open in August, The facility has a theater with retractable seating for almost 300 people; it is equipped with a stage, theater lighting and equipment. Music and dance classrooms and practice rooms are also located in the multipurpose building. New restrooms and an outdoor amphitheater were a part of the project. Piedmont Hills High School Piedmont s new auxiliary gym has been completed and ready for the start of school. This much needed facility will be used for PE classes, athletic team practices and on occasion for special testing. New Calero High School The former elementary school has been gutted and is being restructured to accommodate two high school programs: The East Side Post Senior Transition Academy - designed to teach special needs students how to live independently and develop marketable job skills. These students are between the ages of 18 and 22 and have completed their high school program. Alternative Education Academy - The educational program at Calero is focused on collaborative learning in both classroom and online environments to provide an innovative and tailored learning experience for students. Students will access all the courses required to both graduate and gain admission to universities. Calero's student population is small, serving 300 students, providing access to a personal and supportive learning structure. Each student will have access to a personal computer and learn to use technology as a 21st century tool for learning, communicating, organizing, collaborating, and presenting. Calero will service students in grades and will open in the fall of 2013 with 10th and 11th graders only and grow to full capacity in the fall of

6 Building a Better Community 2013 CBOC Annual Report Overfelt Adult Center Staff moved into the two-story Overfelt Adult Center in early July The new center has 18 high tech classrooms, 2 computer labs, a student lounge and administrative offices. The new facility is located on the same site in front of all the relocatable classrooms currently used to house the program. Once the staff is able to move into the new structure, the old classrooms will be demolished and a parking lot will be built. All work is expected to be completed in time for the opening of the new school year. Santa Teresa High School Construction is well underway to modernize 15 general classrooms, 3 computer labs, teacher workroom, and a bookroom in the 200 building. The north half of the building was completed before spring break. Students moved into the new area while work continued on the south side. In addition to the classroom renovation, restrooms throughout the campus are being modernized. The Counseling office was relocated to the 100 building and permanent Counseling offices are being built in the north wing of the library. All work is projected to be done before the start of school. The classrooms are now complete and ready for occupancy. EXCITING MEASURE E PROJECTS IN DESIGN OR BID/AWARD STAGE Andrew Hill High School Portable classrooms were recently placed by the basketball courts to temporarily house students next year during the construction of the new classroom building. Building 100 and the 2 adjacent portables will be demolished and replaced with an eleven classroom multidisciplinary building. The new facility will contain 6 visual/digital arts classrooms, 2 chemistry labs and 3 general education classrooms. The project will be bid in the fall. Oak Grove High School Plans for the renovation of the theater are in review by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), the state agency that reviews and approves school construction. Authorization to proceed is expected in the fall and construction is tentatively planned for the early winter. The Theater will receive a major renovation. Theater seating will be replaced, a new sound and lighting control booth will be built, electrical and plumbing will be upgraded and the inside of the facility will be painted. Accessibility to entries, seating and restrooms will also be addressed to ensure compliance with government regulations. Included in this project is the installation of a new marquee for the front of the school. The marquee will be located in the front of the school but on the opposite side of the campus where there is a higher volume of traffic, allowing for more visibility. Building U will also be modernized. Construction is scheduled to start in late fall. Classrooms will have improved lighting, fresh paint, new heaters and air conditioners, new furniture and upgraded technology, resulting in twenty more state-of-the art classrooms. Silver Creek High School Work began on the modernization of the restrooms in buildings D, K, O and S. The work started in May after school ended to minimize the impact to students. Work is progressing on schedule and should be completed before the start of school in August. Another project starting this summer will be the addition of fencing in several parts of the campus. 6

7 Building a Better Community 2013 CBOC Annual Report WC Overfelt High School Over 50 classrooms have been modernized at Overfelt in the last few years. Building D is scheduled to be upgraded next. Plans include creating 6 standard classrooms, a JROTC office, student restrooms and storage areas in D1. In D2, four standard classrooms will be created, an electronics lab and storage areas. Construction is planned to start this summer. After D is completed, Building J will be modernized. The plans include the development of 2 Special Education classrooms with a shared Life Skills lab, computer lab, 4 standard classrooms, student restrooms and office space. LIST OF MEASURE E COMPLETED PROJECTS Andrew Hill Title IX Interior Locker Rooms Andrew Hill Title IX Dugout and Fencing for the Softball Field Evergreen Valley Physical Education Teaching Stations Evergreen Valley Kiln Room Foothill Modernization of Building B, C and E Independence Title IX Field Work Independence Title IX Interior Locker Rooms James Lick New 500 Building James Lick Title IX Scoreboard for Softball Field James Lick Title IX Interior Locker Rooms James Lick Title IX Field Improvements Mt. Pleasant Field Work and Dugout Mt. Pleasant Modernization of , 600, 700 and 800, Gym, Locker Rooms Mt. Pleasant New Multi-purpose Building Piedmont Hills Small Gymnasium Piedmont Hills Title IX Field Work Piedmont Hills - Additional Lighting Oak Grove Modernization of Building D Oak Grove Title IX Locker Rooms and New Bleachers Oak Grove Title IX Dugouts Santa Teresa Title IX Interior Locker Rooms Santa Teresa - Additional Lighting Santa Teresa New Multipurpose Building Silver Creek Title IX Dugouts Silver Creek Title IX Interior Locker Rooms Silver Creek New Multipurpose Building Silver Creek Additional Lighting WC Overfelt Modernization of Buildings C & E WC Overfelt Title IX Interior Locker Rooms WC Overfelt New Safety Cameras Yerba Buena Modernization of Building 100 and 700 Yerba Buena Title IX Interior Locker Rooms Yerba Buena - Additional Lighting MEASURE G SITE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS COMPLETED New Turf Fields and Resurfaced Tracks at 5 Schools Turf fields were installed at Independence, Mt. Pleasant, Overfelt, Silver Creek and Evergreen Valley last year. The tracks at all these schools were also resurfaced. Now, all of the comprehensive high schools in East Side have turf fields. The district was recently recognized by the Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards Coalition for its efforts to conserve water through efforts such as the turf fields. New Bleachers and Gym Floors New bleachers were installed in the gymnasiums at Andrew Hill and Santa Teresa and new floors were placed at Santa Teresa and Yerba Buena. 7

8 Building a Better Community Fields Upgraded Natural fields at Andrew Hill, Independence and Silver Creek were renovated to make them safer. Exterior Painting of Three Schools Complete Piedmont Hills, Oak Grove and Silver Creek were painted which dramatically changed their look. Asphalt Repairs, Door Replacements and Interior Flooring Projects have been completed in several schools across the district. Kitchen Equipment Outdated kitchen equipment was replaced at all schools. ACTIVE MEASURE G SITE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Pool Modernization The Swimming Complex at Independence has just been modernized. This center has Olympic-sized racing and diving pools housed in a stadium with built in concrete bleachers and numerous seat walls. The pools are used extensively by the school and the community. Many major statewide and national competitions are held regularly at the site. The modernization included the renovation of the 2 swimming pools, new plaster and tile, new concrete decks, walkways and deck drainage system, new pool drainage system, surge tanks, recirculation system, filtration system and finish for the interior of the pools. It also included new diving boards, ADA lift and other deck equipment. The work was completed at the end of June, Resurfacing of Tracks Andrew Hill, Piedmont Hills, Santa Teresa, Oak Grove, James Lick and Yerba Buena will have their tracks resurfaced this summer. New Bleachers and Gym Floors Bleachers at Piedmont Hills and Silver Creek, Gym Floors at Oak Grove and Piedmont Hills are being installed. UPCOMING MEASURE G PROJECTS Exterior Painting - Santa Teresa and Overfelt Continuation of Asphalt Repairs, Door Replacements and Interior Flooring - Across the district New Roofing Andrew Hill, Foothill, James Lick, Mt. Pleasant, Overfelt Stadium Lighting Silver Creek and Santa Teresa 8

9 CBOC Roles & Activities PURPOSE AND DUTIES OF THE CITIZENS BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE As required by Education Code Section 15278, the District appointed a Committee of local residents, whose main charge is to inform the public about how the Bond money is being spent. The Committee actively reviews and reports on the expenditure of taxpayer s money for school construction to ensure that bond funds are spent in accordance with the provisions of the bond. The Committee is comprised of up to 14 appointees, including a chairperson and a vice chairperson. Current Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Members The fact that ESUHSD is located in the heart of Silicon Valley was not lost on our schools. We have witnessed major transformations in our approach to how students learn by utilizing new buildings, new classrooms and start-of-the art technology. It is no surprise that our students are already experts on social media, wireless networks, smart phones and computers. Now they can use these same tools to enhance their education and school experience by taking the learning process beyond campus walls and bringing a world of knowledge back into the classroom. Looks like the new capital of Silicon Valley is now ESUHSD! - Cecil Lawson, CBOC Chairperson CITIZENS BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES The Committee convened and participated in a number of key activities central to their main charge, such as meeting with the Measure E auditors, preparing the Annual Report, reviewing program expenditures, and visiting project sites to observe construction progress. The CBOC met on five occasions during the 2011/2012 Fiscal Year. Proceedings of these meetings included: Appointment and Election of Chair/Vice-Chair; Review of Financial and Performance Audit; Review of Committee Bylaws; Review of Roles and Responsibilities; Review of Measure E and G Ballot Language; Review of Brown Act Requirements; Review of Proposition 39; Review of Solicitation and Appointment Process; Review of Community Outreach Efforts; Review of Program Management Fees; Review of District Organizational Changes; Review of Bond Issuance Process; Review of Vendor List; Review of Overhead; Review of Project Status Reports; Review of Program Schedule; Review of Expenditure Reports; Site tours of James Lick, Mt. Pleasant, and WC Overfelt Schools. 9

10 Measure G Bond Expenditures 2013 CBOC Annual Report The following is a chart that reflects a summary of Measure G expenditures through the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, The cumulative Measure G expenditures totaled $276,020,220 through June 30, MEASURE G BOND EXPENDITURES AS OF JUNE 30, 2012 To review the full audit report and current information on Measure G expenditures, please visit Financial reports received and reviewed by the CBOC are posted online. Total Bond Authorization Interest Earned and Other Revenue Total Bond Funds Total Bond Expenditures Bond Funds Remaining $298,000,000 $21,137,092 $319,137,092 $276,020,220 $43,116,872 For additional information please visit or call the East Side Union High School District at (408) Measure E Bond Expenditures The following is a chart that reflects a summary of Measure E expenditures through the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, The cumulative Measure E expenditures totaled $125,558,858 through June 30, MEASURE E BOND EXPENDITURES AS OF JUNE 30, 2012 To review the full audit report and current information on Measure E expenditures, please visit Financial reports received and reviewed by the CBOC are posted online. Total Bond Authorization Interest Earned and Other Revenue Total Bond Funds Total Bond Expenditures Bond Funds Remaining $349,000,000 $2,963,925 $351,963,925 $125,555,858 $226,408,067 For additional information please visit or call the East Side Union High School District at (408)

11 Audit Review and Findings 2013 CBOC Annual Report ANNUAL EXPENDITURE REVIEW Of all of the activities undertaken by the CBOC, its primary duty is to review and ensure that the Measure E funds are spent in accordance with the Bond language. The preceding is a list that reflects a summary of Measure E project expenditures for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, FISCAL AND PERFORMANCE AUDIT As required by Measures G and E, each year a fiscal and performance audit of Measure E expenditures is conducted. Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP conducted the 2011/2012 audit and concluded that ESUHSD complied in all material respects with the Measures G and E requirements to expend bond proceeds only on the school facilities projects specified in the Measure G and E legislation. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE This 2013 Measure G and E Annual Report for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2012 is submitted to the Board of Education by the Committee, in accordance with Education Code section (b). The Committee advises that, to the best of its knowledge based on available information provided by the District, ESUHSD is in full compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1 (b) (3) of the California Constitution. AUDIT RESULTS The auditor issued an unqualified opinion that no deficiencies or unallowable expenses were discovered that should be charged to the Bond Program. The audit was received and accepted by the Board of Trustees in January, 2013 and presented to the CBOC at the April, 2013 meeting. East Side Recognized for Water Conservation Efforts This past March, the Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards Coalition presented the East Side Union High School District with the Greenscape Management Award for its rigorous efforts in the field of water conservation, water reuse and efficiency. Every year, the Coalition recognizes agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals whose programs and leadership have advanced water conservation in the Silicon Valley. The Awards Program is designed to raise awareness and celebrate outstanding achievements in water conservation through best practices, efficiency and innovation. An early adopter of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation, the District has reduced its use of potable water for irrigation by 30%, conserving 67 million gallons of potable water per year. District groundskeepers also chip tree trimmings and use the mulch to reduce surface evaporation. The District has converted 11 football fields to synthetic turf, conserving 75 million gallons of water per year. In the process, the District has saved more than $243,000 per year in avoided water, chemical and labor costs, and the fields are available for play across all hours of the day and in all weather conditions. In 2012, the District replaced 61 toilets with water efficient models and retrofitted 216 urinals with low flow flush valves, conserving over 31,000 gallons of potable water annually. We are excited about the recognition and hope it s the first of many awards. Our goal is to establish our school district as a leader in the State on the proper care and conservation of our natural resources. - Linda da Silva, Director of Construction, Maintenance and Facilities, ESUHSD 11

12 DETERMINING YOUR INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION Below is a sample of an annual tax bill, the tax rate for the ESUHSD bond is located under taxing agency High School Bonds (marked 1 on the sample). The rate is To determine the amount of your investment in East Side schools, multiply the tax rate for that service by the assessed value for your property (marked 2 on sample) minus any exemptions (marked 3 on sample). On the sample provided, the Total Assessed Value is $217,774, which would be reduced by the Homeowner s Exemption of $7000 to $210,774. The $210,774 is multiplied by , resulting in an investment total of $ If you would like more detailed information, you would need to request a secured tax bill detail from the Tax Collector s Office. Tax Collector s Office Santa Clara County 70 West Hedding St., East Wing, 6 th Floor San Jose, CA PARCEL SANTA CLARA COUNTY SECURED PROPERTY TAX BILL FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2011 JUNE 30, 2012 Tax Information: Pay your taxes on-line at using an e-check or major credit card. See reserve for payment instructions. TAX RATE AREA BILL ID BILL DATE MAILING ADDRESS Tax Collector s Office 70 West Hedding St. East Wing. 6th Floor San Jose, CA IMPORTANT MESSAGES JOHN TAXPAYER c/o JANE ICO TAXPAYER 123 TAXPAYER WAY SAN JOSE CA Property Address 123 TAXPAYER WAY SAN JOSE CA PAYER, JOHN DOCUMENT NUMBER Land Improvements Total Land & Improvements Personal Property Total Assessed Value Less Homeowner s Exemption Less Other Exemption Assessed Values Tax Rate Tax Amount 19, , , ,774 7, , TAX INFORMATION Special Assessment Agency ALUM ROCK SP ASSMT MOSQUITO ASMT #2 S.J. LIBRARY ASSSMT. SCCO VECTOR CONTRO SCVWD CLN SAFE CRKS SJ SEWER SANI/STORM Contact Information CHANGE OF ADDRESS Amount VALUE CHANGES Taxing Agency 1% MAXIMUM LEVY CO BOND 2008 HOSP FAC CO RETIREMENT LEVY COMM COLLEGE BONDS ELEM OR UNIF SCH BONDS HIGH SCHOOL BONDS SAN JOSE CITY G O BONDS Total Assessed Value Rate EXEMPTIONS Tax Rate Total Taxes $2, Total Special Assessments $

13 Frequently Asked Questions How can I be sure that general bond ligation funds will be spent on improving our schools? As required by law, an independent citizens oversight committee was established to ensure that bond funds are properly spent. Also by law, there must be annual audits and no bond money can be used for teacher or administrative salaries. What is a general obligation bond? G.O. bonds fund projects such as the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as construction of new schools and classrooms. Similar to a home loan, G.O. bonds are typically repaid over 30 years. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial located in the District. What is the Citizen Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) and why does it matter to me? The CBOC is a collection of community members that are tasked to oversee the spending of general obligation bonds. This additional oversight is important because you pay for these bonds as part of your property taxes. What exactly does the CBOC oversee? The scope of the CBOC duties and responsibilities are outlined in Proposition 39, passed in November of Oversight includes the review of construction and financial reports for proper expenditure of taxpayer s money. The committee is also responsible for the yearly review of a financial audit and is required to present this information to the public each year. How is my local High School being improved? A complete list of projects can be found at How was the funding determined for each school? Allocation of funding is determined using a formula that includes the age of the school, site conditions, programming requirements, etc. and can be found at Does the CBOC oversee the actual construction? No. A professional management construction company is contracted to provide these services. How is this construction management company selected? District administration constructs a list of specific requirements for construction management companies, and then solicits proposals from qualified companies willing to bid. Once a recommendation is made by school administration, the board of trustees reviews and approves the selected service provider. Can any of the ESUHSD trustees receive campaign contribution from the construction management company or its partners? Yes. This is not unusual and is legal. Information regarding campaign contribution rules can be found the California Fair Political Practices Commission, and at the Santa Clara County Register of Voter web site Can officials vote on contracts and contractors that are donating to their election campaigns? Yes. One of the goals of the CBOC is to objectively measure the financial performance of the construction management company compared to other management companies with similarly sized districts and projects. The committee assesses reasonable operating costs based on industry norms and their financial ratios compared to normal ratios. Although this is sometimes like comparing apples to oranges, the process could show if operating expenses exceed normal ranges, indicating inefficient use of public funds and possibly pointing to some form of financial or operational impropriety. When does the CBOC meet and can members of the public attend? All CBOC meetings are open to the public. The meeting schedule is posted on How can I get additional information? East Side Union High School District maintains a construction bond website to help keep stakeholders apprised of the latest happenings of the program. The Citizens Bond Oversight Committee meeting schedule, agendas, meeting minutes and reports are posted online at 13