Politichaos

Resolving the Ruckus

Measure MM

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MiraCosta College Job Training, College Transfer, Veteran Support Measure

*PASSED*

Official Summary

To upgrade classrooms and career training facilities for science, healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, other growing local industries, provide job training/placement to Navy/ Marines/ other veterans, improve access to affordable higher education to local students, improve disabled access, repair, construct, acquire classrooms, facilities, sites/equipment, shall MiraCosta Community College District issue $455,000,000 in bonds, at legal rates, subject to local control, requiring annual audits, and independent citizen oversight?

Notes

  • 55% approval needed to pass
  • issue $455 Million in bonds
  • **hadn't heard this before** annual property tax will be increased - estimated to be $15 per every $100,000 in assessed value
  • The allocation of bond proceeds may be affected by the District’s receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project
  • Projects **no allocation to any items, and basically all possible expenses except teacher/admin salaries are listed as options**:
    • Add classrooms and laboratories for high-demand courses in nursing, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and other skilled trades that serve the local economy.
    • Improve student safety and campus security systems, including security lighting, and emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers.
    • Repair leaky roofs, worn out floors and restrooms, old rusty plumbing, and faulty electrical systems.
    • Update campus facilities to improve access for students with disabilities.
    • Update instructional technology in the classrooms for improved student learning in core subjects like math, science and technology.
    • Upgrade science center and labs to allow for state-of-the-art courses in biology, chemistry and physical sciences.
    • Expand and improve the Veterans’ Center, which provides job training, counseling, and support services to Navy, Marine, and other military veterans and their families.
    • Update classrooms, labs, libraries and computer systems to keep pace with technology.
    • Improve career training facilities for science, healthcare, technology and skilled trades to better prepare students and returning veterans for success in college and careers.
    • (listed in small print) In addition to the listed projects stated above, authorized projects also include the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, fiscal reporting, 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 college activities caused by construction projects.
    • (listed in small print!) In addition to the projects listed above, repair, renovation and construction projects may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: renovation of student and staff restrooms; replace aging electrical and plumbing systems; repair and replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; acquire vehicles; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies, including photovoltaic/solar installations; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls doors and drinking fountains; replace or remove outdated buildings and classrooms and construction of new classrooms and support buildings; installation of wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrade facilities to meet earthquake safety standards, current environmental sustainability and State compliance standards; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; upgrading, resurfacing, replacing or relocating of hard courts, fields, turf and irrigation systems; install sod or artificial turf on athletic fields; upgrade classrooms; build or upgrade facilities; construct, expand or reconfigure facilities to create lecture classrooms; construct parking lots, upgrade, resurfacing and reconditioning existing parking lots; improve vehicular access and traffic circulation; improve pathways, such as sidewalks, pedestrian bridge, traffic center; improve drop-off zones, bus stops; repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace water lines and valves, gas and sewer lines and other plumbing systems; construct, upgrade, acquire or expand multi-use classrooms and labs, fine arts and visual and performing arts facilities, learning resources center, physical education/aquatic facilities, gym, locker rooms, field lights, bleachers, press box, track replacement, support buildings, student service/campus center and instructional buildings, campus police building, resource center, libraries, automotive building, athletic fields, student services buildings; improve water conservation and energy efficiency; acquire land; replace or upgrade outdated security and safety systems; replace existing window systems with energy-efficient systems to reduce costs; improve insulation, weatherproofing and roofs to reduce costs; improve access for the disabled; install and repair fire safety equipment, including alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and fire safety doors; replace broken concrete walks, deteriorated asphalt; replace/upgrade existing signage, bells and clocks; demolition of unsafe facilities; install new security systems, such as security (surveillance) cameras, burglar alarms, handrails, outdoor lighting, fencing, gates and classroom door locks; create outdoor study and gathering spaces; interior and exterior painting, wall and floor covering replacement; improve drainage systems to prevent flooding; upgrade roadway and pedestrian paths for improved safety and access for emergency vehicles, site parking, utilities and grounds.
    • The project list also includes the refinancing of outstanding lease obligations.
    • The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, upgrading classroom technology, expanding wireless internet access, acquire portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, information systems, printers, digital white boards, upgrade voice-over-IP, communication systems, audio/visual and telecommunications systems, call manager and network security/firewall, Internet connectivity, wireless systems, technology infrastructure, and other miscellaneous IT and instructional equipment, DATA storage, fiber/copper infrastructure, phones, identity access cards and the creation.
    • The Project List includes the construction of buildings for general education classrooms, chemistry and biotechnology, allied health, arts/ media services, engineering, math, technology and applied sciences and physical education and kinesiology, and the renovation of facilities for student services, business and workforce development, biology and related sciences.
    • Necessary site preparation/restoration may Oceanside Campus ur 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.

Proposition 51

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School Bonds. Funding for K-12 School and Community College Facilities.

initiative statute

*PASSED*

Official Summary

Authorizes $9 billion in general obligation bonds: $3 billion for new construction, $3 billion for modernization of of K-12 public school facilities, $500 million for charter schools,$500 million for vocational education facilities, $2 billion for Community Colleges facilities.

Fiscal Impact: State costs of about $17.6 billion to pay off both the principal ($9 billion) and interest ($8.6 billion) on the bonds. Payments of about $500 million per year for 35 years.

Notes

  • project monies taken from new 2016 State Schools Facilities Fund and 2016 California Community College Capital Outlay Bond Fund
  • appropriates money from the general fund to pay off bonds
  • items using Community College money must have average useful life of 10 years, seismic retrofitting given priority
  • last state facility bond in 2006; today the state has virtually no remaining funding from previous school/community college bonds
  • new construction: state funding 50%, local funding 50%
  • modernization projects: state funding 60%, local funding 40%
  • modernization projects for charter/tech ed schools: state funding 50%, local funding 50%

Proposition 55

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Tax Extension to Fund Education and Healthcare.

"California Children's Education snd Health Care Protection Act of 2016"

initiative constitutional amendment

*PASSED*

Official Summary

Extends by twelve years the temporary personal income tax increases enacted in 2012 on earnings over $250,000, with revenues allocated to K–12 schools, California Community Colleges, and, in certain years, healthcare.

Fiscal Impact: Increased state revenues—$4 billion to $9 billion annually from 2019–2030—depending on economy and stock market. Increased funding for schools, community colleges, health care for low–income people, budget reserves, and debt payments.

Notes

  • extends Prop 30 tax increase on taxable income for singles over $263k, joint over $526k, HOH over $340k:
    • extra 1% for $263k-$316k(s), $526k-$632k(j)
    • extra 2% for $316k-$526k(s), $632k-$1,053k(j)
    • extra 3% for over $526k(s), $1,053k(j)
  • original hike enacted in 2012, set to expire 2018, this extends it through 2030
  • affects approx 1.5% of taxpayers
  • Allocates revenues: 89% K-12 schools, 11% California Community Colleges
  • funding for health care up to $2 Billion, depending on whether general fund revenues exceed education spending plus cost of government programs in place on Jan 1, 2016. If so, 50% of the excess (up to $2 B) would go to Medi-Cal. The rest would go to budget reserves, debt payment and programs enacted since Jan 1, 2016.
  • Prop 30 sales tax hike of .25% will expire at the end of 2016

Proposition 58

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English Proficiency. Multilingual Education.

initiative statute

*PASSED*

Official Summary

Preserves requirement that public schools ensure students obtain English language proficiency. Requires school districts to solicit parent/community input in developing language acquisition programs. Requires instruction to ensure English acquisition as rapidly and effectively as possible. Authorizes school districts to establish dual–language immersion programs for both native and non–native English speakers.

Fiscal Impact: No notable fiscal effect on school districts or state government.

Notes

  • requires that school districts provide English learner students the option to be taught nearly all in English
  • schools would no longer be required to teach English learners in English-only programs
  • schools would be required to offer intensive English instruction to English learners if parents of 20 or more students in a grade requested it, or 30 or more overall ask for a specific kind of English learner program
  • school districts and county offices are required to ask parents andf community members how English should be taught in annual planning process
  • makes starting or expanding a bilingual program easier
  • changes to Education Code can be made by simple majority instead of 2/3 vote
  • about 22% of California students is an English learner (2.7 million) - speak a language other than English at home
  • 1998's Prop 227 restricts bilingual programs, requires English learners be taught in English - 1 yr of intensive English instruction and bilingual classes before transitioning to English only classes
  • bilingual classes can only happen if 20 students in a grade get waivers, received by fulfilling one of the 3:
    • students have attended an English-only classroom for 30+ days and school admin decide bilingual would be better for them
    • at least 10 yrs old
    • fluent English speakers
  • before Prop 227, 30% of English learners were in bilingual programs, 2008 was at 5%