San Bernardino Community College District

Measure CC - 55% Approval Required

Measure “CC” is submitted to the voters by the Governing Board of the San Bernardino Community College District (“District”). A “yes” vote by at least fifty-five percent (55%) of the voters voting on this measure will authorize the District to issue bonds to benefit the District in the amount of four hundred seventy million dollars ($470,000,000). If less than fifty five percent (55%) of the voters voting on this measure vote yes, the District will not be authorized to issue and sell the $470,000,000 in bonds set forth in the measure.

The bond proceeds may only be used to upgrade classrooms, labs, the Veterans’ Center, career counseling and job training facilities for science, engineering, nursing and industrial careers; to improve student safety and access to affordable, high quality education; to repair, construct or acquire classrooms, facilities, sites and equipment. The proceeds may not be used for any other purpose, including faculty administrator salaries and other college operating expenses.

The District will conduct financial and performance audits annually and will appoint a citizens’ oversight committee to ensure that bond proceeds are spent only on the school facility projects listed in the measure.

The bonded debt will be a general obligation of the District and will be financed by property taxes levied annually on taxable property located within the District in an amount necessary to pay the annual debt obligation.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure “CC”. If you desire a copy of Measure “CC ”, please call Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth at (415) 283-2241 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

By:          

MICHELLE D. BLAKEMORE,
County Counsel

CYNTHIA L. O’NEILL,
Supervising Deputy County Counsel

An election will be held in the San Bernardino Community College District (the “District”) on November 6, 2018, to authorize the sale of up to $470,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the proposition. If the bonds are approved, the District expects to issue the bonds in multiple series over time. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400 through 9405 of the California Elections Code.

1.        The best estimate of the average annual tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 2.5 cents per $100 ($25 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. The final fiscal year in which the tax to be levied to fund this bond issue is anticipated to be collected is fiscal year 2047-48.

2.        The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 2.5 cents per $100 ($25 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2027- 28.

3.        The best estimate of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all of the bonds are issued and sold is approximately $827,285,534.

Voters should note that estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County’s official tax rolls, not on the property’s market value, which could be more or less than the assessed value. In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption, such as the homeowner’s exemption, will be taxed at a lower effective tax rate than described above. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone payment of taxes. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property’s assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon the District’s projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District. The average annual tax rate, the highest tax rate and the year or years in which they will apply, and the actual total debt service , may vary from those presently estimated due to variations in the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold, market interest rates at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on need for construction funds and other factors, including the legal limitations on bonds approved by a 55% affirmative vote. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on the bond market at the time of each sale. Actual future assessed valuation will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process.

Dated: August 8, 2018.

By:            

Bruce Baron, Chancellor
San Bernardino Community College District

“SAN BERNADINO VALLEY/ CRAFTON HILLS COLLEGE JOB TRAINING, SAFETY, REPAIR MEASURE. To upgrade classrooms, labs, Veterans Center, career counseling/job training facilities for science, engineering, nursing, industrial careers; improve student safety, access to affordable, high quality education; repair, construct/acquire classrooms, facilities, sites, equipment, shall San Bernardino Community College District’s measure authorizing $470,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying 2.5 cents/$100 assessed value, $28,000,000 annually, while bonds are outstanding, be approved, with citizen oversight, all money staying local?”

Bonds - Yes                                                                       Bonds – No

PROJECTS

The Board of Trustees of the San Bernardino Community College District, to be responsive to the needs of its community, evaluated San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College’s urgent and critical facility needs, and its capacity to provide students, and Veterans with support and job training facilities, an affordable education and prepare them for success in college and careers. Job training facilities, safety issues, class size and offerings, and information and computer technology were each considered in developing the types of projects to be funded by this measure, as such are outlined below and in the District’s Districtwide Facilities Master Plan Project List, approved by the Board of Trustees on May 11, 2017 and available for review on the District’s website, www.sbccd.edu.

In developing the scope of projects, basic repairs, job training facilities, campus safety, facilities supporting Veterans, and the expansion of opportunities for local students to receive an affordable, quality education, were prioritized. If these facility needs are not addressed now, the District’s Colleges would be unable to remain competitive in preparing students for jobs in high demand industries and university transfer.

The Board of Trustees determines that San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College MUST:

(i)               Maintain affordable education for local students and Veterans;

(ii)             Repair or replace leaky roofs, old rusty plumbing and faulty electrical systems;

(iii)            Improve Veteran’s Center to provide job training, job placement and support services to Veterans;

(iv)            Improve student safety and campus security options;

(v)             Upgrade classrooms, labs, and job-training facilities in engineering, industrial technology, automotive technology and manufacturing;

(vi)            Adhere to stringent FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY safeguards including:

(a)      All expenditures will be subject to annual independent financial audits,

(b)     No funds will be used for administrators’ salaries and pensions,

(c)      An independent citizens’ oversight committee will be appointed to ensure that all funds are spent only as authorized.

The following types of projects are authorized to be undertaken at San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills College and at District Sites and Facilities:

PROVIDE AN AFFORDABLE EDUCATION
FOR LOCAL STUDENTS AND VETERANS:

Basic Upgrade Projects Needed To Make San Bernardino Valley College

and Crafton Hills College Safe Places

For Students Seeking Job Training and Job Placement

Goals and Purposes: Because the cost of attending the University of California and State University systems has become so expensive, many more students are starting their education at community colleges. This measure will ensure local students have access to an affordable, high-quality education here in San Bernardino County.

Our local community colleges ensure that lower and middle-income students who can’t afford the high price of a university still have an opportunity to succeed in college and careers. This measure will provide the affordable, high quality education that all students deserve.

·     Improve access to college facilities for people with disabilities.

·     Improve Veterans Centers to provide job training, job placement, counseling, and support services to military veterans and their families.

·     Repair or replace leaky roofs, old rusty plumbing, and faulty electrical systems.

·     Upgrade libraries to accommodate modern technology, digital resources, and improve instructional support for students.

·     Improve student safety and campus security systems, including security lighting, security cameras, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers.

PROVIDE JOB AND CAREER TRAINING
CLASSROOM IMPROVEMENTS:

To Help Students and Veterans Transfer
Be Trained For High Demand Jobs

Goals and Purposes: We have thousands of military veterans returning from service who need job training, job placement, counseling and support services. Improving the Student and Veterans Centers will ensure that our veterans receive the support they need.

Our local community colleges are a vital resource for our community. They educate the healthcare professionals that serve our medical needs, the police and fire fighters that keep us safe, and the skilled workers that fuel our local economy.

·       Upgrade classrooms and career training facilities for engineering, industrial technology, manufacturing, automotive technology, and logistics.

·       Upgrade classrooms and labs to help local students complete the first two years of college affordably, and then transfer to the Cal State or UC systems.

·       Upgrade classrooms and labs and career training facilities for emergency medical services, anatomy and nursing.

·       Upgrade classrooms, labs and career training facilities for biology, physical sciences, and information technology.

·       Improve and expand classrooms and career facilities for core subjects including math, economics, humanities and social sciences.

·       Improve Student Centers to provide job training, job placement, counseling, and support services to students.

In addition to the projects listed above, at all District sites and facilities, repair, renovation and construction projects may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: replace, renovate, upgrade or construct student and staff restrooms, aging electrical and plumbing systems, campus wide infrastructure improvements, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; acquire vehicles; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies; repair and replace worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls doors and drinking fountains; replace or remove outdated buildings and classrooms and construct new classrooms and support buildings; install wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrade facilities to meet current environmental sustainability and State compliance standards; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; upgrade, resurface, replacing or relocate hard courts, fields, turf and irrigation systems; install turf on athletic fields; upgrade classrooms; build or upgrade facilities, including at San Bernardino Valley College, new Career Pathway Buildings, Student Services and Instructional Building, warehouse facility, Physical Science, Health Life Safety Building secondary effect, softball field, and at Crafton Hills College, a new Public Safety Training Center, new gymnasium and tennis courts, soccer field and outdoor kinesiology laboratories, instructional buildings and teaching pool; construct, expand, repurpose, repair or reconfigure facilities to create large lecture classrooms, college support buildings, District administration building, campus centers, maintenance and operations buildings, performing arts centers, Crafton Hall, Central Complex 2, West Complex, gym demolition and Child Development center (Crafton Hills), student support buildings, libraries, Greek Theater and Planetarium; upgrade, resurface and recondition existing parking lots, roads and sidewalks; repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace water lines and valves and sewer lines; construct, upgrade, acquire or expand multi-use classrooms and labs, fine arts and visual and performing arts facilities, college storage and recycling facilities, swing space, outdoor classrooms/ performance space, child development buildings, student service/campus center and instructional buildings, and athletic fields; improve water conservation and energy efficiency; acquire land; 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 to reflect wayfinding master plan, bells and clocks; demolition of unsafe facilities; install or upgrade new security systems, such as security (surveillance) cameras, burglar alarms, handrails, outdoor lighting, fencing, landscaping, gates, gateways and classroom door locks; replace sewer lines and improve drainage systems to prevent flooding; upgrade roadway and pedestrian paths and pathways and bridges for improved safety and access for emergency vehicles; construct parking structures; improve surface parking utilities and grounds. The project list also includes the refinancing of outstanding lease obligations and the funding of an endowment for technology and other authorized projects. The upgrading of technology and related infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, upgrading classroom technology, acquisition of enterprise software systems, expanding wireless internet access throughout both college campuses, 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 and funding of a technology endowment.

The listed projects will be completed as needed. Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program/project management, staff training expenses, a customary contingency, and costs associated with the Total Cost of Ownership of facilities and equipment. 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. The allocation of bond proceeds may be affected by the final costs of each project. Some projects may be undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local public or non-profit agencies. The budget for each project is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond the District’s control. 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.

FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY

This bond measure has strict accountability requirements including:

1.        All money will benefit San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College campuses and CANNOT BE TAKEN BY THE STATE.

2.        NO MONEY can be used for ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES or pensions.

3.        Require TAXPAYER OVERSIGHT and yearly audits to ensure all funds are used locally, effectively and as promised.

4.        NO ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher, faculty and college administrator salaries, pensions and other operating expenses.

5.        FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY. THE EXPENDITURE OF BOND MONEY ON THESE PROJECTS IS SUBJECT TO STRINGENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS. BY LAW, PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL AUDITS WILL BE PERFORMED ANNUALLY, AND ALL BOND EXPENDITURES WILL BE MONITORED BY AN INDEPENDENT CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT AS PROMISED AND SPECIFIED. THE CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MUST INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, REPRESENTATION OF A BONA FIDE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION, A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND A SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION. NO DISTRICT EMPLOYEES OR VENDORS ARE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON THE CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.