Moreno Valley Unified School District Bond Issue, Measure M (November 2014)

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A Moreno Valley Unified School District Bond Issue, Measure M ballot question was on the November 4, 2014 election ballot for voters in the Moreno Valley Unified School District in Riverside County, California. It was approved.

Upon approval, Measure M issued $398 million in bonds to benefit Moreno Valley Unified School District. The funds wre designated to upgrade classrooms and labs; improve student safety and security and repair, construct, and acquire classrooms, facilities and equipment.

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

Election results

Riverside County Measure M
Result		Votes	Percentage
a Yes		12,348	64.06%
No		6,928	35.94%

Election results from Riverside County Elections Office

Text of measure

Ballot question

The question on the ballot appeared as:

“

To upgrade classrooms, science labs, career-training facilities and computer systems to keep pace with technology, fix aging classrooms/schools, improve student safety and security, repair, construct, acquire classrooms, facilities, sites/equipment, prepare students for success in college/high-demand jobs, protect instruction in math, science, technology and the trades, shall Moreno Valley Unified School District issue $398,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with mandatory audits, independent citizen oversight, no funds for administrator salaries, and all money staying local?”

”

Impartial analysis

The following impartial analysis was prepared for Measure M:

“	The Board of Education (“Board”) of the Moreno Valley Unified School District (“District”) by adopting Resolution No. 2013-14-70 (“Resolution”), elected to call an election pursuant to Section 18 of Article XVI and Section 1 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution and Section 15100 and 15624 et seq. of the California Education Code to obtain authorization to issue and sell general obligation Bonds (“Bonds”) in the aggregate amount principal amount of three hundred and ninety-eight million dollars ($398,000,000). This Measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of the above-identified District. The Bonds would be used by the District to renovate, repair and upgrade classrooms, facilities and equipment, upgrade and install security and safety infrastructure, upgrade and expand computers and computer technology in classrooms and libraries, and repair and replace plumbing and roofing infrastructure. The Bonds would not be used to fund the salaries, pensions or benefits of any board members, administrator, and/or teachers or for other school operating expenses. If Measure “M” is approved, the Board of the District will appoint a citizens’ oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that bond funds are spent only on the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, and for no other purposes. An ad valorem tax would be levied and collected on property within the boundaries of the District to pay the principal and interest on the Bonds. The Resolution provides that the maximum interest rate on the Bonds will not exceed the maximum interest rate permitted by the applicable laws of the State and the maximum term of the Bonds, or any series thereof, will not exceed 40 years. Approval of Measure “M” does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Moreno Valley Unified District that are the subject of the Bonds under Measure “M” will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure “M”. The District’s proposal for the project or projects assumes the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure. For this Measure to be approved fifty-five percent (55%) of qualified voters who vote on the Measure must vote yes. A “YES” vote on Measure “M" is a vote to allow the District to sell the Bonds and levy the necessary taxes to pay for the Bonds. A “NO” vote on Measure “M” is a vote against allowing the District to sell the Bonds and levy the necessary taxes to pay for the Bonds.	”
—Ronak N. Patel, Deputy County Counsel

Support

Supporters

• Marion Ashley, District 5 Supervisor, Riverside County
• Marelva Byrd Hume, Moreno Valley USD PTA Council President
• Alice Bradley, 69-Year Moreno Valley Resident
• Pastor David Carlson, Moreno Valley Unified School District Community and Continuing Service Award Recipient
• Oscar Valdepeña, President/CEO, Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce

Arguments

The following was submitted as the official arguments in favor of Measure M:

“	Vote YES on Measure “M” to repair and update Moreno Valley schools, and support ongoing gains in student achievement. Measure “M” will equip our students with the math, science and technology skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. Students who choose to go to college will be academically prepared, and those who choose to enter the job market will receive the career training they need to compete in today’s economy. With consistently increasing test scores, graduation rates and college attendance rates, Moreno Valley schools are an asset to our community. They’ve received multiple awards recognizing the quality education they provide. Measure “M” will provide locally controlled funding that stays in our district to support our students - not a penny can be taken or redirected by the state. Strong schools make our community a desirable place to live, protecting the value of our homes and quality of life. Measure “M” will make repairs and improvements to ensure our students’ safety and security. Vote Yes to: Provide the facilities and equipment needed for career and technology education classes to prepare students for college and good jobs in fields like science, technology and the trades Improve access for students with disabilities and update student safety and security systems, including security lighting, fencing, smoke detectors and fire alarms/sprinklers Upgrade classrooms, science labs, career-training facilities and computer systems to keep pace with technology Repair and replace leaky roofs, worn-out floors, old, rusty plumbing and faulty electrical systems and gas pipes Fiscal Accountability Is Required: By law, all funds stay local to benefit Moreno Valley’s neighborhood schools A mandatory Citizens’ Oversight Committee, independent audits and annual public reports ensure funds are spent as promised No money can be spent on administrators’ salaries Join us—vote YES on “M” to keep Moreno Valley schools on the rise.	”
—Marion Ashley, Marelva Byrd Hume, Alice Bradley, Pastor David Carlson and Oscar Valdepeña

Opposition

Opponents

• Carlos Ramirez, Parent / Resident
• Jesse L. Molina, Mayor
• Jeffrey J. Giba, Educator / Resident
• Leland Daniels, Educator-Administration
• Roy Bleckert

Arguments

The following was submitted as the official arguments in opposition to Measure M:

“	The voters in Moreno Valley need to be informed to understand the potential consequences of their decisions. A bond measure should never overreach the ability of its citizens. The City of Moreno Valley is home to retired residents, small business owners, families with diverse needs and a high unemployment rate. To impose such a 30 year burden on our residents, is irresponsible. This bond is structured so your property tax can be increased to pay for the bond as your home value increases. This may continue for up to 30 years, not requiring additional voter approval. They are asking for a pre-paid credit card. Businesses owners, will share a greater burden for this bond. Their property assessments are much higher than residential. These costs will be paid by the residents, making a second tax burden. By paying increased costs for goods and services, business can offset this Bond Tax. This causes Moreno Valley businesses and developments to be less competitive with other communities. Nearly 60% of this bond is general maintenance items that should be part of the district maintenance budget. Financing short term needs with long term debt is primed for disaster. Determining building estimates using high cost construction techniques is unwise. Using advanced construction techniques would cut costs and building time by half. Classroom space should be built in an cost effective manner. This proposal does NOT accomplish this. We would be continuing down the Road to Financial Disaster. The facts of this bond are not broadly known. There was poor scrutiny of this measure in the publics favor. If a bond is warranted, then put forth a realistic bond proposal that will truly inform and benefit ALL residents of the City	”
—Carlos Ramirez, Jesse L. Molina, Jeffrey J. Giba, Leland Daniels and Roy Bleckert

See also

• Local school bonds on the ballot
• Riverside County, California ballot measures
• November 4, 2014 ballot measures in California

External links

Suggest a link

• Riverside County Vote Info website