Jefferson Union High School District Bond Issue, Measure J (November 2014)

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A Jefferson Union High School District Bond Issue, Measure J ballot question was on the November 4, 2014 election ballot for voters in the Jefferson Union High School District in San Mateo County, California. It was approved.

Measure J authorized the district to increase its debt by $133 million through issuing general obligation bonds in that amount. These bonds were designed to be repaid in a maximum of 30 years. District officials estimated that the additional annual property tax levy required to repay the bonds in the required timeline would be $24.65 per $100,000 of assessed property value, with a maximum rate of $30 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

District voters approved a $136 million bond measure in 2006 and a $41.9 million bond measure in 2012.

A 55 percent supermajority vote was required for the approval of Measure J.

Election results

Jefferson Union High School District, Measure J
Result		Votes	Percentage
a Yes		17,090	71.2%
No		6,928	28.8%

Election results via: San Mateo County Registrar of Voters

Text of measure

Ballot question

The question on the ballot:

“

To repair and replace leaky roofs, gutters and drains; upgrade classrooms with up-to-date computers and technology; and repair and construct classrooms, libraries and educational facilities at Jefferson, Oceana, Terra Nova Thornton, Westmoor and Adult-Ed High Schools; shall Jefferson Union High School District be authorized to issue $133,000,000 of bonds with interest rates below legal limits, independent citizen oversight, no money for administrator salaries, all funds spent locally and no funds taken by the State?

”

Impartial analysis

The impartial analysis provided for Measure J is available here.

Full text

The full text of Measure J is available here.

Support

Supporters

The following individuals signed the official arguments in support of Measure J:

• Ami Cowan
• Kalimah Salahuddin, Jefferson Union High Board President
• Jean E. Brink, former trustee for Jefferson Union High School District
• Linda Sue Cook, community member
• Jeanne Enriquez, community member

Arguments in favor

Supporters of Measure J argued that some high school classrooms in the district are over 20 years old, and some are over 50 years old. They proposed that this bond was necessary to repair, update and maintain the school facilities in order to avoid much more costly repairs in the future. Supporters also pointed to the need for up-to-date technology in the school. They also argued that the bond requires close citizen oversight and fiscal responsibility and could increase the property values in the area by making a better school district.

The official argument in support of Measure J concluded by saying:

“	Measure J deserves our support. It will bring about meaningful, cost-effective improvements at our schools and classrooms, increase property values and provide students with up-to-date computers and technology. Please join us and VOTE YES on MEASURE J.	”
—Ami Cowan, Kalimah Salahuddin, Jean E. Brink, Linda Sue Cook and Jeanne Enriquez

Opposition

Opponents

Mark W. A. Hinkle, president of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, signed the official arguments in opposition to Measure J on behalf of the association.

Arguments against

Hinkle argued that Measure J would cost the taxpayers huge amounts in interest, estimating the total cost to taxpayers for the $133 million bond issue would be about $232,750,000. He also pointed out that it is foolish to take out a loan to buy new computers and technology - one of the stated purposes of Measure J - because taxpayers will still be paying off the debt long after the new technology is outdated again. He also argued that the bond measures approved by district voters in 2006 and 2012 - $136 million for technology and $41.9 million for renovation and construction respectively - should be enough to keep the school going for longer without requiring another bond for renovation, construction and new technology.

The official argument in opposition to Measure J concluded by saying:

“	School bonds, like mortgages, must be paid back, in full - plus interest. These interest payments are funds that don't go to teachers, libraries, computers, or maintenance; they just service the debt. Is this the best use of your tax dollars? If your answer is "no," please vote NO on Measure J. At some point, enough is enough! You can be for schools and for students - and against Measure J.	”
—Mark Hinkle, president of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association

Related measures

• Jefferson Union High School bond proposition, Measure E (November 2012) a

See also

• Local school bonds on the ballot
• School bond elections in California
• San Mateo County, California ballot measures
• November 4, 2014 ballot measures in California

External links

Suggest a link

• San Mateo County Elections Office website