Bond Measure G

About the Bond (Measure G)

On November 8, 2011, the voters of the Newark Unified School District authorized Measure G under the Proposition 39 statutes. Measure G authorized the issuance of $63 million in General Obligation Bonds.

The proceeds of the Bonds are to be used to update aging classrooms, libraries, and science labs to meet earthquake/fire/safety standards; improve access for students with disabilities; remove asbestos, lead and hazardous materials; and improve energy/operational efficiency to maximize funding for instructional programs.

Measure G – General Obligation Bonds

Series A, Issued 7/30/2012: $15,000,000
Series B, Issued 6/19/2014: $30,000,000
Series C, Issued 7/13/2016: $18,000,000

Total Authorization $63,000,000

The summarized text of the ballot language of Measure G was as follows:

“To preserve quality education, provide safe and modern schools, and qualify for matching funds, shall Newark Unified School District update aging classrooms, libraries, and science labs to meet earthquake/fire/safety standards; improve access for students with disabilities; remove asbestos, lead and hazardous materials; and improve energy/operational efficiency to maximize funding for instructional programs; by issuing $63 million in bonds at legal rates, with independent oversight, no money for administrators’ salaries, and all funds staying in Newark.”

Bond Measure G

FULL TEXT OF MEASURE G

Purpose

Student achievement in Newark schools is on the rise. Test scores in Newark have consistently increased over the last five years.

However, most local schools are over 40 years old, and some are close to 50 years old. School buildings throughout Newark do not meet current earthquake and safety standards. Many classrooms are not accessible for students with disabilities. Some classrooms contain, asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials. Roofs leak, heating and electrical systems are outdated and aging plumbing needs to be replaced. High school science labs are overcrowded and outdated. Schools are not energy efficient, which increases our utility costs and takes money away from instructional programs.

Upgraded classrooms, libraries and science labs are needed to provide a safe and modern learning environment for students.

If approved, the Newark Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure will provide local funding that cannot be taken away by the State to complete the highest priority projects that impact student safety, quality instruction and operational efficiency.

To protect student safety, Measure G will:

Remove asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials are removed from school sites
Update classrooms, libraries, science labs other school facilities to meet current earthquake, fire and safety standards for students
Improve security systems, fire alarms, fencing and exterior lights for student and teacher safety in an emergency

To provide a learning environment that supports outstanding student achievement, Measure G will:

Update classrooms to provide access for students with disabilities
Upgrade school libraries to accommodate computers and book collections for students
Modernize science labs, classroom computers teaching tools and technology to prepare students for 21st century jobs
Replace outdated electrical systems and wiring to accommodate modern technology

To reduce costs, improve efficiency and maximize available funding for classroom teachers and instructional programs, Measure G will:

Improve energy efficiency to reduce utility costs by an estimated half-million dollars per year
Replace outdated heating, ventilation and other mechanical systems that often break and are expensive to repair

Measure G requires mandatory fiscal accountability, including:

Every penny from this measure must stay in Newark to benefit local schools
No funds can be taken away by Sacramento.
No funds can be used for administrator salaries or administration
An independent citizens’ oversight committee will review the use of funds to ensure they are spent properly
Annual performance and financial audits are required

The Newark Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure is designed to provide the best possible education for Newark students and to benefit the entire Newark community. Good schools make our neighborhoods more desirable, which protects the value of our homes. This measure will create local construction jobs, boost economic activity in the area and protect jobs for local teachers and staff.

Project List

Every school within the Newark Unified School District will receive funding from Measure G, the Newark Quality Education and Safe Classrooms Measure. Bond funds, in conjunction with State matching funds as may become available, will be used to make necessary repairs and upgrades to existing school campuses, as well as replace old portable classrooms and buildings, and upgrade the technology infrastructure to support student learning. The campuses and support facilities listed below will receive the following repair, upgrade and construction projects as necessary:

Bunker Elementary School

Graham Elementary School

Kennedy Elementary School

Lincoln Elementary School

Milani Elementary School

Musick Elementary School

Schilling Elementary School

Snow Elementary School

Newark Junior High School

Newark Memorial High School

Macgregor Alternative School

Whiteford Preschool

Complete health and safety improvements required to comply with current student safety standards and codes, including removing hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead, completing seismic safety upgrades to make facilities earthquake safe, improving electrical systems and fire safety, upgrading communication and security systems, providing lighting for safety, repairing cracked and uneven pavement and stairs, and improving safety in school parking areas
Provide access to classrooms, science labs, restrooms and other school facilities for students with disabilities
Improve student access to classroom computers and modern technology by upgrading electrical and technology infrastructure and distribution
Complete repairs, renovations and upgrades to school sites including replacing outdated electrical systems, sewer, water, gas, paving, walkways, fencing, landscaping and drainage systems
Complete major upgrades and renovations to building exteriors and interiors, such as walls, painting, lighting, roofing, floor coverings, doors, windows and hardware
Upgrade science labs to support instructional programs and provide advanced courses now required by colleges and universities for admission
Provide facilities and equipment necessary to effectively implement career and technical programs so students can compete for today’s in-demand jobs
Update and improve building systems including heating, ventilation and plumbing systems to reduce energy consumptions and school utility costs
Evaluate and implement energy generation, management and conservation systems to improve environmental sustainability and effectively reduce ongoing energy and utility costs incurred by the District
Construct, furnish and equip new classrooms to replace outdated/aging portable classrooms
Renovate, expand, and construct student support facilities throughout the District as needed
Acquire and install instructional, maintenance, and operational equipment including but not limited to: desks, computers, printers/reprographic equipment, computer stations, smart boards, whiteboards, tack boards; science, art, and instrumental program equipment; window coverings, cafeteria tables, and maintenance equipment to the extent permitted by law
Upgrade and replace as necessary outdoor play equipment, protective play surfaces, and fields as needed to meet new safety standards and keep our children healthy
Provide adequate shade structures and lunch shelters to protect students
Expand and upgrade multi-purpose rooms, cafeterias and kitchen areas as needed to efficiently prepare food and serve students in a safe and sanitary environment
Refinance or retire existing debts and leases in order to secure more favorable terms for taxpayers and/or free up funding for classroom instruction

Priority of Projects

The listed projects will be prioritized and completed as needed with the following projects being prioritized first: projects dealing with safety and security for students, teachers and school staff; items with immediate impact on classrooms and instruction; items which protect the structural integrity of our schools protect taxpayer investments in these community assets; projects that maximize additional funding resources or that generate ongoing funding or expense reduction.

Project Costs

Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program/project management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. In addition to the listed projects stated above, the Project List also includes the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including the reduction or retirement of outstanding lease obligations and interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from the Project List; installation of signage and fencing; payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility studies, assessment reviews, facility master plan preparation and updates, environmental studies (including environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring), design and construction documentation, and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by construction projects. In addition to the projects listed above, the repair and renovation of each of the existing school facilities may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: renovation of student and staff restrooms; repair and replacement of heating and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls, doors and drinking fountains; installation of wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrades or construction of support facilities, including administrative, physical education and performing arts buildings and maintenance yards; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, turf and irrigation systems and campus landscaping; expand parking; install interior and exterior painting and floor covering; demolition; and construction of various forms of storage and support spaces, upgrade classrooms, repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace outdated security fences and security systems. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, computers, LCD projectors, portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, laser printers, digital white boards, document projectors, upgrade voice-over-IP, call manager and network security/firewall, wireless technology systems and other miscellaneous equipment and software.

The allocation of bond proceeds will be affected by the District’s receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project. In the absence of State matching funds, which the District will aggressively pursue to reduce the District’s share of the costs of the projects, the District will not be able to complete some of the projects listed above. The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District’s control. Some projects throughout the District, such as gyms, fields and performing arts facilities, may be undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public or non-profit agencies.

The final cost of each project will be determined as plans and construction documents are finalized, construction bids are received, construction contracts are awarded and projects are completed. Based on the final costs of each project, certain of the projects described above may be delayed or may not be completed. Demolition of existing facilities and reconstruction of facilities scheduled for repair and upgrade may occur, if the Board determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating more enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. Necessary site preparation/restoration may occur in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff when performing work on or necessary and incidental to bond projects. Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specific purposes identified herein. The District shall create an account into which proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited and comply with the reporting requirements of Government Code § 53410.

Accountability Requirements

The provisions in this section are specifically included in this measure in order that the voters and taxpayers in the District may be assured that their money will be spent wisely. Expenditures to address specific facilities needs of the District will be in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3), of the State Constitution and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Education Code Sections 15264 and following.)

Evaluation of Needs. The Board has identified detailed facilities needs of the District and has determined which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List.

Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The Board shall establish an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee under Education Code Section 15278 and following to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the school facilities projects listed below. The committee will be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board.

Performance Audits. The Board shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed below. Financial Audits. The Board shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed below.

Special Bond Proceeds Account: Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this measure and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board shall take actions necessary to establish an account in which proceeds of the sale of bonds will be deposited. As long as any proceeds of the bonds remain unexpended, the Superintendent of the District shall cause a report to be filed with the Board annually, stating (1) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in that year, and (2) the status of any project funded or to be funded from bond proceeds. The report may relate to the calendar year, fiscal year, or other appropriate annual period as the Superintendent shall determine and may be incorporated in the annual budget, audit, or another appropriate routine report to the Board.

Further Specifications

No Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this measure shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of school facilities including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities or acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities and not for any other purpose, including administrator salaries.

Bond Audit Reports

2021-2022

NUSD contracted with Christy White Associates to perform the annual bond audit for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The audit report was presented to, and accepted by, the NUSD Board of Education on April 6, 2023.

Click 2021-2022 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

2020-2021

NUSD contracted with Christy White Associates to perform the annual bond audit for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
The audit report was presented to, and accepted by, the NUSD Board of Education on May 5, 2022.

Click 2020-2021 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

2019-2020

NUSD contracted with Christy White Associates to perform the annual bond audit for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
The audit report was presented to, and accepted by, the NUSD Board of Education on March 18, 2021.

Click 2019-2020 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

2018-2019

NUSD contracted with Christy White Associates to perform the annual bond audit for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.
The audit report was presented to, and accepted by, the NUSD Board of Education on April 9, 2020.

Click 2018-2019 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

2017-2018

NUSD contracted with Christy White Associates to perform the annual bond audit for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.
The audit report was presented to, and accepted by, the NUSD Board of Education on March 21, 2019.

Click 2017-2018 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

2016-2017

NUSD contracted with Christy White Associates to perform the annual bond audit for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
The audit report was presented to, and accepted by, the NUSD Board of Education on March 20, 2018.

Click 2016-2017 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

2015-2016

NUSD contracted with Christy White Associates to perform the annual bond audit for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
The audit report was presented to, and accepted by, the NUSD Board of Education on April 4, 2017.

Click 2015-2016 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

2014-2015

NUSD contracted with Christy White Associates to perform the annual bond audit for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.
The audit report was presented to, and accepted by, the NUSD Board of Education on May 17, 2016.

Click 2014-2015 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

2013-2014

NUSD contracted with Crowe Horwath, LLP to perform the annual bond audit for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

Click 2013-2014 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

Errors found in the original 2013-2014 Report led to a correction and re-issuance of the report.
The NUSD Board of Education accepted the corrected 2013-2014 Annual Performance Audit Report on February 16, 2016.
The previous version of the 2013-2014 Report has been removed at the request of the auditors as it is no longer a valid report.

2012-2013

The District contracted with Crowe Horwath, LLP to perform the annual bond audit for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Click 2012-2013 Measure G Financial and Performance Audit Report to view/download.

Errors found in the original 2012-2013 Report led to a correction and re-issuance of the report.
The NUSD Board of Education accepted the corrected 2012-2013 Annual Performance Audit Report on February 16, 2016.
The previous version of the 2012-2013 Report has been removed at the request of the auditors as it is no longer a valid report.