Novato Unified School District, California, Bond Issue, Measure G (November 2016)
| Measure G: Novato Unified School District School Bond |
|---|
|
| The basics |
| Election date: |
| November 8, 2016 |
| Status: |
 ApprovedMajority required: 55% |
| Topic: |
| Local school bonds Tax: $60 per $100,000 Matures in: Legal limit |
| Related articles |
| Local school bonds on the ballot November 8, 2016 ballot measures in California Marin County, California ballot measures |
| See also |
| Novato Unified School District, California |
A bond issue was on the ballot for Novato Unified School District voters in Marin County, California, on November 8, 2016. It was approved.
| A yes vote was a vote in favor of issuing $222 million in bonds for school classrooms and facilities upgrades. |
| A no vote was a vote against issuing $222 million in bonds for school classrooms and facilities upgrades. |
A 55 percent supermajority vote was required for the approval of this measure.
Election results
| Measure G | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 17,499 | 57.98% | ||
| No | 12,684 | 42.02% | ||
- Election results from Marin County Elections Office
Text of measure
Ballot question
The following question appeared on the ballot:[1]
| “ |
MEASURE G: To update aging Novato schools and protect quality education with local funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Novato Unified School District upgrade classrooms, science labs, libraries and facilities to meet current academic/safety standards; provide dedicated space for science, math, engineering, arts and music instruction; and improve student access to modern instructional technology by issuing $222 million in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizens’ oversight, no money for administrators, and all funds staying local?[2] |
” |
Impartial analysis
The following impartial analysis of the measure was prepared by the office of the Marin County Counsel:
| “ |
This measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Trustees of the Novato Unified School District. If this measure is approved by a 55% vote pursuant to Article XIIIA (1)(b)(3) of the California Constitution, the Novato Unified School District would be authorized to incur bonded indebtedness of up to two hundred and twenty-two million dollars ($222,000,000) with an interest rate not to exceed the limit set by law. The proceeds of the proposed bonds must be used for the purposes set forth in the measure and for no other purposes, and will be subject to oversight by a citizens’ oversight committee and annual financial and performance audits.[2] |
” |
| —Marin County Counsel[1] | ||
Full text
The full text of the measure is available here.
Support
Supporters
The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of the measure:[1]
- V-Anne Chernock, President, representing League of Women Voters of Marin County
- Dean Moser, Past NUSD Citizens’ Oversight Committee Chair
- Jennifer Marsh Russell, Marin County Teacher of the Year
- Louise Koenig, 65-Year Novato Resident and Local Business Owner
- Dale Kline, School Fuel Education Foundation Board Member
Arguments in favor
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in favor of the measure:[1]
| “ |
Vote YES on Measure G for high-quality, innovative education for Novato students. Novato schools provide an excellent education for local students. Although students continue to excel, the average school in Novato is 55 years old and some are more than 60 years old. We need Measure G to make improvements to classrooms, labs and school facilities to accommodate 21st-century teaching and prepare students for the world ahead. Improvements and repairs are also needed to protect student safety and save money by increasing energy efficiency. Measure G will update aging classrooms and educational facilities to meet current fire and safety codes, and enhance school security systems. Replacing heating and air conditioning systems, and cutting utility bills by completing other projects, will save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year that can be used for core academic classroom programs. Vote YES on Measure G to protect the quality of academic instruction in core subjects like math, science, reading and writing by:
Strict Fiscal Accountability Required:
Vote YES on Measure G to make repairs and updates to keep Novato schools among the best![2] |
” |
Opposition
Opponents
The following individuals signed the official argument against the measure:[1]
- Kenneth Levin, Parent, Business Owner
- Jerry Kenney, Novato High School Principal Retired
- Reginald W. Lyles, Novato Police Capt. (Retired)
- Lynda Scheibel, Registered Nurse
- Stephen D. Murphy, Teamster
Arguments against
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in opposition to the measure:[1]
| “ |
NUSD wants a 25 year authority to borrow up to $222 Million for facility improvements. Seniors will pay; no senior exemptions. Schools need funding however this request is for too much money over too many years. If approved, NUSD plans to borrow $100 Million by selling bonds over a 4 year period. Then, without further voter approval, it will have a 'green light' to borrow another $122 Million at any time over the next 21 years. Can we trust current and future NUSD Boards to spend bond money wisely for 25 years without additional voter approval? No. NUSD needs a tighter leash. NUSD should ask for five years worth of funding now and again in 5 years when voters can review NUSD's past performance. Get the full story at www.learnmoreNUSDbond.com. Consider:
Past citizen oversight has not worked. 25 years is too long; NUSD needs closer voter oversight. Vote No.[2] |
” |
Path to the ballot
This measure was put on the ballot through a vote of the governing officials of Novato Unified School District, California.
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Novato Unified School District Local school bonds. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
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