Sausalito Marin City School District Measure “l” FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS - District Mailer

Sausalito Marin City School District Measure “l”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


On July 29, 2004 the Sausalito Marin City Board of Education approved a resolution to place a $15.9 million bond measure on the November 2, 2004 ballot.

If approved by Sausalito and Marin City voters, the bond will finance new construction, modernization, and renovation projects at all three of the District’s schools – Bayside Elementary School, Martin Luther King Jr. Academy Middle School and Willow Creek Academy, the District’s charter school.

The following are frequently asked questions and answers about the ballot measure:

1) Q. How was it determined that the Sausalito Marin City School District’s schools needed major renovation and replacement construction?

A. In 2003, an architectural firm was hired to help the Sausalito Marin City School District (SMCSD) develop a school facilities master plan. Standards were identified to guide the development of specific recommendations for each school campus, allowing them to comply with state requirements that will allow the District to apply for state funding to renovate and modernize the school facilities and assure their continued use for the next several decades.

2) Q. How much is the bond? How much will it increase my property taxes? How many years will I have to pay this tax? Could the District sell more than $15.9 million in bonds?

A. The District may only issue up to $15.9 million worth of bonds. A $15.9 million bond levy translates to a projected average rate of $30 per year per $100,000 of assessed property valuation.

Reminder: The assessed value of your home may be substantially less than the appraised or market value of your home. The longer you have owned your home the more likely the assessed value is lower than the appraised value. Your annual property tax bill shows the assessed value of your home.

Assessed value of a home increases for only three reasons (1) the property is sold, then it is reassessed at the market value, (2) an improvement is added, and the homes assessed value increases by the value of the improvement, (3) a year passes and the assessed value increases by the lesser of 2% or the change in the California Consumer Price Index. For example, since the average assessed value of homes in the SMCSD is approximately $460,000, the average homeowner would pay, on the average, an additional $138 per year in property taxes during the next 27 years.

To determine the projected average cost of the bond per year for a residential home, use the following formula:

(Assessed Value of Home) x (30.00)
100,000

For example: ($460,000 x $30.00) = $13,800,000 = $138.00
100,000 100,000

The following chart illustrates examples of the average annual tax rate (and monthly equivalent) based on a range of assessed values of homes:

Assessed Value of Home Projected Average Annual Tax Monthly Equivalent

$ 50,000 $15.00 $1.25
$150,000 $45.00 $3.75
$250,000 $75.00 $6.25
$350,000 $105.00 $8.75
$450,000 $135.00 $11.25
$600,000 $180.00 $15.00
$850,000 $255.00 $21.25
$1 million $300.00 $25.00
$2 million $600.00 $50.00

Contact Dr. Rose Marie Roberson, the District Superintendent, at 332.3190 if you have additional questions (fax: 331.7694 / email: rmroberson@marin.k12.ca.us).

3) Q. When will the taxes begin to be collected?

A. Taxes will be collected in the 2005-06 tax year. Since property taxes are collected twice a year – once in December and once in April – the first time taxes will be collected for this bond measure will be December 2005.

4) Q. Will senior citizens be exempt from paying this tax?

A. No. There is no option to exempt seniors with a general obligation bond. This is dictated by the state constitution. However, many senior citizens who own homes in the community are long-time residents whose property assessment will be relatively low.

Although there is no exemption for senior citizens, there is a state property tax assistance program that provides reimbursement for part of the property taxes on the homes of persons with a total household income of $13,200 or less, who are either age 62+, blind or disabled.

In addition, there is a state property tax postponement program for qualified persons who are age 62+, blind or disabled with a household income of $24,000 or less.

For more information about these programs, please visit the county’s treasurer/tax collector’s website at www.co.marin.ca.us.

5) Q. What are the improvements that will be made to the schools? Will there be sufficient funds to cover the costs of all the projects?

A. Bond Project List:

Bayside Elementary Campus

Replace existing kindergarten and first grade building at Bayside Elementary School campus on Nevada Street in Sausalito, designed to serve a capacity of up to 100 students, including:

• Multiple use space for student services support and special needs, including space for individual/small group activities and work/planning areas for volunteers and teachers
• Classrooms
• Space for students to participate in assemblies, student presentations and activities
• Restrooms for girls, boys and faculty
• Secured outdoor playground area
• Administrative offices
• Furniture and equipment
• Demolition and disposal of old building as applicable for new construction

Upgrade existing facilities at Bayside Elementary School and Willow Creek Academy on Nevada Street in Sausalito, to address educational needs, safety issues and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance (ADA):

• Community parking and drop-off zones, and improved school bus access
• Improvements to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and related state or local laws
• Improvements to meet requirements of fire, safety and building codes
• Telephone, Internet and advanced communications systems, including equipment and related infrastructure
• State-required or approved modernization as needed, including electrical, plumbing, interior and exterior lighting, heating, ventilation systems, windows, window coverings and energy saving devices, walls and wall coverings, floors and floor coverings, ceilings, and cabinets
• Resurface, repair, or replace existing outdoor playfields and play areas
• Replace and upgrade all restroom facilities



Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy Campus

Construct, furnish and equip a new middle school designed to serve a capacity of up to 180 students in grades six through eight at the site of the existing Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy campus on Drake Avenue in Marin City. The work may incorporate elements of the existing school buildings and necessary rehabilitation of such buildings to include the following features:

• Life science laboratory to enable students to carry out experiments and project-based learning
• Library and technology learning center
• Classrooms for instruction in core curriculum: English, social studies and math
• Choral, dance and instrumental music rooms and recording studios
• Enrichment Learning Center
• Speech, language and psychology support space
• Administrative offices, nurse’s office and school reception
• Parking and drop-off area
• Maintenance, operations, janitorial workspaces and storage, including space for emergency preparedness
• Multipurpose room to include equipment and space for physical fitness and nutrition instruction, showers and lockers, kitchen, cafeteria, and storage
• Auditorium to include equipment and space for student performances, school assemblies and instructional planning space, including fully equipped stage and dress areas
• Outdoor track and athletic field, hard court area and playground area
• Demolition and disposal of old buildings as applicable for new construction

Additional Work: Bayside and Martin Luther King Jr. Campuses
(as required in connection with new construction or major renovations)

• Relocation or removal of existing relocatable classrooms as necessary to allow for new construction
• Site work and landscaping
• Address unforeseen safety and structural conditions revealed by modernization work (e.g., dry rot, seismic or structural weakness, etc.)
• Rental or construction of temporary classrooms (including relocatable) as needed to house students displaced during construction
• Acquisition of any of the facilities on the Bond Project List through temporary lease or lease-purchase arrangements, or execution of purchase option under a lease for any of these authorized facilities
• Furnishing and equipping to replace worn/broken/out-of-date furniture and equipment
• Provide new school furniture and equipment, including computer and science equipment



6) Q. What is the estimated cost of the different components of the project:

A. Based on a cost analysis of standards, state requirements, identified needs recommendations and compliance and access requirements, the estimated cost is as follows:

 Elementary School Sites New Construction and Improvements
$8.5 million

 Middle School Improvements
$7.4 million

7) Q. Why weren’t the buildings kept in better shape? Isn’t this the responsibility of the school District?

A All of the schools have been maintained, but ongoing maintenance such as repairs made to roofs, walls, floors and ceilings does not address the major infrastructure needs of these aging schools. As a general rule, schools need major repairs and modernization every 30 to 40 years. Some of the District school facilities are 40 to 50 years old and no bond issues or other funding for major upgrades or modernization have ever been approved for these schools. The school facilities have antiquated and inadequate heating, lighting and plumbing systems. Repair of extensive dry rot is needed and all school must be brought up to current ADA codes. In addition, the District’s classrooms are no longer adequate to support the demands of today’s instructional programs.

8) Q. When was the last bond levy for the schools? How much was it and what projects did it pay for?

A. The SMCSC has not held a bond election since 1930. The SMCSD is one of only three school districts in Marin County that have not passed bond measures in recent years. The proposed bond measure for SMCSD is an important opportunity to complete the modernization of our community’s schools.

The following school districts have all passed one or more bond measures in recent years to modernize and repair their schools:

Bolinas-Stinson, Dixie, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Nicasio, Novato, Reed and Ross Valley, Shoreline, San Rafael High and Tamalpais.

9) Q. Can the District’s general revenue funds be used to pay for this project? Would that be cheaper than paying interest on a bond?

A. Three percent of the District’s general revenue funds are used for ongoing maintenance such as repairs to roofs, walls, floors and ceilings, and will not support a project of this magnitude.

10) Q. How much is the state contributing to this project?

A The SMCSD is extremely proactive in securing federal and state grants for eligible construction projects when possible. Obtaining further state matching funds for eligible school modernization projects require local matching funds. The District is eligible for approximately $1.5 million from the state once the bond is passed.

11) Q. Will utility conservation measures be included in the bond planning? How much money could be saved in utility costs if modernization was completed?

A. No, utility conservation measures for existing buildings are being undertaken as part of the District’s internal efforts to establish energy conservation savings as well as cost effectiveness. Savings of an estimated $403,000, over a twelve-year period, will fund the upgrading of equipment.

12) Q. Doesn’t the school get money from the state or federal government to pay for the upkeep of the school buildings?

A. The SMCSD is a “Basic Aid” District, with most annual funding based on the District’s share of local property tax revenue. The District expects to receive approximately $8,000 from the state for deferred maintenance in the 2004-05 school year. This money is used for repairs such as re-roofing, painting, floor coverings and paving. The federal government does not provide funds for maintenance or modernization of the District’s facilities.

13) Q. Does the California Lottery money pay for facility improvements?

A. Lottery money is restricted to funding day-to-day operations and contributes less than one percent of the District’s annual budget. These funds are used to purchase instructional materials.

14) Q. After the project is completed, will the schools meet American with Disabilities (ADA) standards?

A Yes, all school facilities and grounds that fall within the path of travel will be ADA compliant.

15) Q. Do the school buildings contain asbestos?

A. It is unknown at this time if the facilities contain asbestos. This will be determined in the initial construction phase of the project. If asbestos is found in any facility, it will be abated and removed in the appropriate ways to conform to all legal and safety requirements.

16) Q. Are all of the recommended projects really necessary? Could money be saved by only attending to the most pressing problems?

A. All of the recommended projects must be addressed in order to provide an effective learning and working environment. The District is committed to establishing District-wide safety and accessibility standards and complying with current state and local building codes.

The development of the Facilities Master Plan included a cost analysis that determined that with a project of this magnitude, it is much more cost effective and efficient to do the work all at once rather than piecemeal.

17) Q. Why will it be necessary rebuild the building that houses the kindergarten through first grade classrooms? Wouldn’t it be cheaper to simply renovate?

A. The modular K-1 portable building was built close to 40 years ago, has inadequate heating and ventilation systems, and is in need of a new roof, siding, foundation and other major infrastructure repairs. During the development of the Facilities Master Plan, a cost analysis was performed that proved it to be more economically feasible to build a new K-1 facility than to renovate the existing structure.

18) Q. Would it be cheaper to close the Marin Luther King Jr. campus and move the middle school students to the Bayside campus?

A. The Bayside campus already houses two elementary schools – Bayside Elementary and Willow Creek Academy – with every classroom filled to capacity. There is not enough space at this campus to house middle school students.

19) Q. How long will take for the work to get started?

A. It is projected that it will take one year to complete the planning, architectural design and site review and to acquire the necessary approvals. Assuming a November 2004 election, actual construction is projected to begin in 2006 and be completed in 2007. A detailed and more precise timeline will be completed during the planning phase.

20) Q. Will the new construction and modernization projects be disruptive to the student’s education?

A. The architects will work closely with the District to coordinate the most disruptive construction projects with semester, holiday and summer breaks. Temporary modular buildings will be used as needed during the construction phase of the project. These arrangements and procedures will allow all facilities to be modernized within a relatively short time span and minimize the impact on the instructional program for students and staff.

Careful consideration was given to the project timeline so that students would not have to be in temporary housing for more than one school year at a school that is being modernized or rebuilt. There will be an education process at each school facility so that staff, parents, students and other community members will be kept apprised of the project’s progress.

21) Q. How were the facilities standards determined?

A. The facility standards adhere to the standards set by the California Department of Education, the California Office of Construction and the division of the State Architect, as well as all federal standards and regulations.

22) Q. How can I be sure the money will be spent on the recommended projects? Who will oversee the work to assure that budget and timelines are met?

A. State statute requires that all bond proceeds must be spent on capital facilities and that a Citizens’ Oversight Committee be appointed to conduct annual, independent financial and performance audits until all bond funds have been spent to ensure that the bond funds have been used only for the projects listed in the measure.

During the next two months, the District will inform the community of the application process for those interested in serving on the Citizens’ Oversight Committee.

23) Q. What is the process for developing detailed plans for the modernization, renovation and new construction projects?

A. The District is working with an architectural firm that has developed preliminary plans after receiving input from the District, faculty and community members. Detailed plans will be developed after a series of community meetings with a broad cross section of the community. The District welcomes continued input from all community members.

The next scheduled times for community review and input on the preliminary plans, and/or to tour the schools, are listed below. Please note the first three dates scheduled are on the same evenings as the District’s Back-to-School nights:


 Tuesday, September 14 @ 6:00 p.m.
Bayside Elementary School – multi-purpose room
Bayside Campus
630 Nevada Street, Sausalito

 Thursday, September 16 @ 6:00 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy – multi-purpose room,
610 Drake Avenue, Marin City

 Monday, September 27 @ 6:00 p.m.
Willow Creek Academy Charter School – multipurpose room
Bayside Campus
630 Nevada Street, Sausalito

 Thursday, September 30 @ 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Bayside/Willow Creek Academy Tour- meet in the multipurpose room
Bayside Campus
630 Nevada Street, Sausalito

 Thursday, September 30 @ 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Academy Tour – meet in the multipurpose room
610 Drake Avenue, Marin City

 Thursday, September 30 @ 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Marin City Community Meeting
Martin Luther King Jr. Academy Tour –multipurpose room
610 Drake Avenue, Marin City

Wednesday, October 6 @ 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Sausalito Community Meeting
District Office, 630 Nevada Street, Sausalito

24) Q. How can I be assured there will be enough money to complete the work specified on the bond project list?

A. The total construction costs were based on detailed information gathered by architects and engineers and professional construction cost estimators. Each project is assumed to include its share of costs for the election and bond issuance, architectural work, engineering, inspection and similar planning costs, construction management, and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded and projects are completed.

In addition, certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including state grants for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Therefore, the Board of Trustees cannot currently determine the amount of bond proceeds to be spent one each project, or guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects.

25) Q. If the project comes in under budget, what will happen to the leftover bond funds?

A. If the project comes in under budget and there are no additional projects on the allowable projects list that can be funded, the remaining bond proceeds will be used to make bond debt service payments.

26) Q. When the work is completed, will members of the local communities be able to use the facilities?

A Yes, the schools and their grounds are already in use by the community for recreational and educational purposes. These facilities will continue to be available to the public seven days a week.

27) Q. How will this bond impact people who don’t have children or whose children attend private schools?

A. Schools are a focal point of pride in communities throughout Marin County. As residents, we all will benefit from the civic pride in providing safe and modern schools for the education of our current and future students. In addition, as discussed above, school facilities and grounds are available for use by the entire community.

28) Q. Will I be able to review the Resolution passed by the Board of Trustees calling for the bond election?

A. Yes. You can pick up a copy at the District office at 630 Nevada Street in Sausalito or visit the District website at http://www.sausalitomarincityschooldistrict.org.

29) Q. What is the exact language of Measure I?

A. “To permit Sausalito Marin City School District to finance construction/modernization of Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, Bayside/Willow Creek modernization, replacement of Bayside School’s kindergarten-first grade building; repair of inadequate electrical, heating, ventilation and plumbing; safety improvements, including upgrades to playgrounds and athletic fields; improvements to meet current building codes, improved accessibility, and technology upgrades; shall Sausalito Marin City School District issue $15,900,000 of bonds at interest rates within the legal limit, with a Citizens’ Oversight Committee to audit expenditures?”

30) Q. When is the election?

A. November 2, 2004.

31) Q. Who will pay the cost of the putting this measure on the November 2004 ballots?

A. The funds come out of the District’s restricted funds for facilities.

32) Q. What happens if the bond measure does not pass?

A. The District will need to bring the issue back to the voters. These schools’ facilities have inadequate lighting, heating, safety problems and dry rot has invaded many classrooms. Building deterioration will only increase in severity and magnitude unless addressed.

Additionally, the cost of construction will only increase the longer the projects are delayed. As you may be aware, the cost of oil, steel and other building materials have increased drastically during the last year.

33) Q. How do I get more information?

A. Please feel free to contact:
Dr. Rose Marie Roberson
Superintendent
Sausalito Marin City School District
630 Nevada Street, Sausalito, CA 94965
rmroberson@marin.k12.ca.us
332.3190

34) Q. If I can’t make one of the scheduled group tours, are there other times I can tour the District’s school facilities?
A. Yes, please call the District Office to make an appointment (332.3190).