Sample Ballot and

Voter Information Pamphlet

ALAMEDA UNIFIEDSCHOOL DISTRICT

Special Vote by MailElection

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2010

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On Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Alameda Unified School District will hold a Special Vote by Mail Election

VBM

• NopollingplaceswillbeutilizedforthisElection.

• AllVotebyMailballotsmustbereturnedtotheRegistrarofVotersOfficeorAlamedaCityClerk’sOfficenolaterthan8:00p.m.onElectionDay.

• FirstdayofmailingthevotebymailballotisMay24,2010.

• DeadlinetoregistertovoteforthisElectionisJune7,2010.

Postmarks do not count.

S

VOTER’S PAMPHLET

The fol lowing pages contain

MEASURE INFORMATION

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF OR IN OPPOSITIONTO THE PROPOSED LAWS ARE THE

OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS.

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COUNTY COUNSELʼS IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OFMEASURE E

ANALYSIS BY COUNTY COUNSEL OF ANALAMEDA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL PARCEL TAX MEASUREMeasure E, an Alameda Unified School District (“Dis-

trict”) special parcel tax measure, seeks voter approval toauthorize the District to levy an annual special parcel taxon each parcel of taxable real property for a period of eightyears, beginning July 1, 2010.

School districts have the authority to levy special taxesupon approval by two-thirds of the votes cast on the spe-cial tax proposals pursuant to Article XIIIA, Section 4 andSection 2 of Article XIIIC of the California Constitutionand sections 50075-50077, 50079, and 53722 of the Cali-fornia Government Code.

If two-thirds of the qualified electors voting on thismeasure vote for approval, a special tax will be imposedannually for eight years at the following annual rates: (1)$659.00 per parcel of taxable residential real property andtaxable institutional real property; and (2) $0.13 persquare foot of lot or $9,500.00 per parcel, whichever isless, of taxable non-residential real property. The tax willbe collected by theAlameda County Treasurer-Tax Collec-tor at the same time and in the same manner as ad valoremproperty taxes are collected. Upon application to the Dis-trict, an exemption may be granted to each property ownerwho is 65 years of age or older who occupies the parcel ashis or her principal place of residence and to each propertyowner who receives Supplemental Social Security Incomefor a disability regardless of age. If passed, this specialparcel tax shall replace two existing special tax measures(Measure A and Measure H) in their entirety.

If the measure passes, the allocation of the funding rev-enue is to be used for the specific purposes set forth in thefull text of the measure printed in this sample ballot,including supporting small class sizes, computer andclassroom technology, programs to help students qualifyfor college, etc. The measure further provides that themonies collected shall be accounted for separately andshall be expended only for those specified purposes. A cit-

izens’ oversight committee will advise the Board and pub-lic annually about proper expenditure of the proceeds ofthe special tax.

If two-thirds of the qualified electors voting on thismeasure do not vote for approval, the measure will fail, theDistrict will not be authorized to levy the special tax out-lined above, and Measures A and H will remain in effect.

s/RICHARD E. WINNIECounty Counsel

The above statement is an impartial analysis of MeasureE, which measure is printed in full in this sample ballotpamphlet. If you desire an additional copy of the measure,please call the Elections Official’s office at (510) 272-6933and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

E To maintain high quality Alamedapublic schools by protecting strongcore academic programs that pro-

mote science, math, and language arts,attracting and retraining excellent teachers, and sup-porting art, music and small class size, shall AlamedaUnified School District replace two existing parceltaxes with one annual parcel tax for 8 years in theamounts described in the voter pamphlet, with anexemption for seniors, no funds for administrators’salaries, and every dollar staying in Alameda schools?

YES

NO

ALAMEDA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT MEASURE E

REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OFMEASURE E

What AUSD isn’t telling us:

It is possible to balance the budget without imposing aparcel tax, or eliminating important programs likeclass-size reduction, math and reading support, andelementary band and strings.

Measure E will not protect property values. Alamedahomes will still retain their appeal to buyers comparingschools.

AUSD has overstated the shortfall. An exaggeratednumber of teacher termination notices were distributedprematurely, creating unnecessary panic.

The advisory committee is chosen and their duties areset by the very board that they are supposedly oversee-ing.

Seniors and disabled citizens will have to pay the taxunless exempted, but many do not qualify; for thosethat do, the time period to apply is unadvertised andvery short.

This tax has the same questionable structure thatcaused AUSD to be sued twice before. The lawsuitshave cost us over $200,000 so far.

How much taxation is enough? California, especiallyAlameda, already have income and sales taxes that areamong the highest in the nation. Although Measure Ewould replace A and H, the taxes you would pay will betwice the amount for 8 years instead of the current amount,ending in 2012.A replacement tax levied in these turbulent economictimes is fiscally irresponsible. Measure E is a regressivetax that continues to put greater stress on our neighborswho have already experienced pay cuts and layoffs, andthose on fixed incomes. The fact is, AUSD needs to tightenits belt this can be accomplished with responsible manage-ment.

s/Dennis H. GreenPast President Alameda Chamber of Commerce

s/George J. BorikasProp. Owner

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE EAlameda has excellent schools. Our test scores are highand getting better every year, with 13 schools alreadyexceeding the state’s target scores. Many of our graduatesattend top colleges and universities across the state andcountry, and our high schools are named among the best inthe nation. Our quality schools make Alameda a desirableplace to live.

However, Alameda Unified School District is facingunprecedented funding cuts from the State. The Districthas already cut millions from its budget and will imple-ment additional efficiencies resulting in further savings.Although AUSD’s administrative costs are already amongthe lowest in the country, the District has launched anextensive streamlining effort using business principles tolower administrative costs even more.

Even with savings from increased efficiencies, cuts fromthe State are impacting our classrooms with teachers lay-offs and program cuts.

Measure E would immediately replace the existing schoolparcel taxes and preserve quality education by:

• Protecting core academic programs such asmath, science and language arts

• Attracting and retaining excellent teachers• Supporting art, music and AP programs• Supporting small class size• Supporting high school sports programs

Under no circumstances will funds go to pay adminstra-tors’ salaries. Every cent from Measure E stays in Alame-da. An Independent Advisory Committee and mandatoryannual audits ensure funds are spent as promised. Seniorsare eligible for an exemption.

Without Measure E, neighborhood schools will close, theschool year will be shortened, teacher layoffs will increaseand programs such as music, sports and AP will be cut tothe detriment of our students and our community.

With Measure E, our community will continue to benefitfrom excellent schools, which help maintain property val-ues and Alameda’s unique small town quality of life.

Please VoteYes on Measure E.

s/Alice Lai-BitkerPresident, Alameda County Board of Supervisors

s/Beverly JohnsonMayor, City of Alameda

s/Tracy L. JensenMember, Alameda Unified School District, Board ofTrustees

s/Niel TamMember, Alameda Unified School District, Board ofTrustees

s/Dennis G. PagonesBusiness Owner

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REBUTTALTO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE EThe opposition comes from people outside Alameda whodon’t understand that our great schools are the cornerstoneof Alameda’s family-friendly community and our small-town quality of life.

FACT: Alameda has excellent schools, rising test sco-res, and graduates attending colleges and uni-versities nationwide.

FACT: Measure E will IMMEDIATELY REPLACE theexisting AUSD school parcel taxes. Homeown-ers will pay less than $1 per day more than theycurrently pay to keep excellent schools.

FACT: Alameda Unified School District is facingunprecedented cuts in state funding. WithoutMeasure E, AUSD will be forced to make $7million in cuts that will directly impact studentsthis fall.

FACT: Measure E will create a reliable, locally con-trolled funding source for our schools.

FACT: AUSD continues to streamline operations andlower administrative costs, which are alreadyamong the lowest in Alameda County.

FACT: Without Measure E, AUSD will have to close atleast 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school and1 high school, shorten the school year, increaseteacher layoffs, and cut critical programs suchas music, sports and Advanced Placement.

FACT: Measure E will help our schools preserve coreacademic programs that are preparing our stu-dents for college and career, keep class sizessmall, and attract and retain excellent teachers.

FACT: No funds will go to pay administrators.

FACT: Seniors are clearly eligible for an exemption.

Don't let outside interests sacrifice our kids just to furthertheir own political agenda.

Vote YES on Measure E to protect high quality educa-tion for our community.

s/Ron MatthewsPresident Alameda Little League

s/Marie GilmoreCouncilmember

s/William A. SonnemenRetired Principal Encinal High School

s/Michael J. Robles-WongPresident, Community of Harbor Bay Isle

s/Paul BentzExecutive Director, CLCS

ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE EMeasure E is a huge property tax increase. Vote NO! Mailyour ballot in!

Last year the State raised income taxes, sales taxes, andcar taxes. It was the largest tax increase in California his-tory. Now Alameda Unified School District wants to raiseproperty taxes too.

Public education already costs taxpayers over $283,000PER CLASSROOM. Included in that are two propertytaxes that local voters approved in recent years.

This measure would more than DOUBLE those propertytaxes on homeowners, from $309/year to $659/year!

This tax has the same questionable structure that causedAUSD to be sued twice before. Those lawsuits cost us over$100,000 so far. Reject a third lawsuit!

They say this tax won’t go to salaries. But the measureitself says it’s needed for “retaining excellent teachers.”How? By freeing up other money which can go to salaries.

They say they’ll appoint a citizen oversight committee.But it’s hand-picked by the tax spenders, and advisoryonly. It would be powerless to stop wasteful spending.

New charter schools, which are cheaper, perform better,and represent the future of public education, are DENIEDany of this tax by the entrenched establishment that wrotethis measure.

Seniors, don’t rely on the “senior exemption.” Lawyersbelieve the exemption is barred by state law. If a courtagrees, you’ll pay too.

Renters, if you vote to increase your landlord’s propertytaxes, it will be passed on to you.

Now is not the time for more taxes. Thousands of employ-ees are laid off or furloughed. Self-employed businessowners have less work, or have closed altogether. Yet theirproperty taxes are still due. Have pity. Anyone who can’tafford this new tax will lose his home.

We need EVERY NO VOTE to stop this tax! Please mailyour ballot in.

s/Jon CoupalPresident, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

s/Terrence D. GossettPresident, Californians for Property Rights

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• Supporting small class sizes• Maintaining outstanding core instructional pro-

grams that help students succeed and keep testscores high, such as competitive science, math andlanguage arts programs

• Supporting computers and classroom technology• Keeping school media centers and libraries open

and staffed• Supporting programs and services that help stu-

dents qualify for college, such as AP programs, andprepare students for careers

• Supporting Alameda students in Alameda’s existingpublic charter schools

• Supporting music, arts and athletics programs thatprovide a well-rounded education for Alameda kids

AMOUNT AND BASIS OF TAX

Upon approval of two-thirds of those voting on thisMeasure, the District shall be authorized to levy an annualqualified special tax (education parcel tax) on all Parcelsof Taxable Real Property, commencing on July 1, 2010 fora period of 8 years at the following annual rates:

Property Type Annual Rate of Tax

Taxable Residential Real Property $659 per parcelTaxable Non-Residential Real Property The lesser of

$0.13 per squarefoot of total lotor $9,500 perparcel

Taxable Institutional Real Property $659 per parcel

For purposes of the tax levy, the following definitions shallapply:

“Parcel of Taxable Real Property,” regardless of use co-de classification, is defined as any unit of real property inthe District that receives a separate tax bill for ad valoremproperty taxes from the County Treasurer-Tax Collector’sOffice. All property that is otherwise exempt from or uponwhich no ad valorem property taxes are levied in any yearshall also be exempt from the special tax in such year.

“Taxable Residential Real Property” is any Parcel ofTaxable Real Property which is classified by the AlamedaCounty Assessor as any of the following: (a) a single fam-ily residential unit; or (b) a multiple residential unit com-prised of 2 to 4 dwelling units; or (c) a multiple residentialunit comprised of a condominium whether or not suchparcels are then inhabited, developed or improved.

“Taxable Institutional Real Property” is any Parcel ofTaxable Real Property which is classified by the AlamedaCountyAssessor as “Institutional” for taxation purposes asUse Code 6800, consisting of Club Houses and LodgeHalls.

“Taxable Non-Residential Real Property” is any otherParcel of Taxable Real Property not specifically defined asTaxable Residential Real Property or Taxable InstitutionalReal Property above, whether or not such parcel is then

FULL TEXT OF MEASURE EALAMEDA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROTECTION OF QUALITY LOCAL EDUCATIONMEASURE OF 2010

This Proposition may be known and referred to asthe “Alameda Unified School District Protection of Quali-ty Local Education Measure of 2010” or as Measure “E”.

To maintain high quality Alameda public schoolsby protecting strong core academic programs that promotescience, math, and language arts, attracting and retainingexcellent teachers, and supporting art, music and smallclass size, shall Alameda Unified School District replacetwo existing parcel taxes with one annual parcel tax for 8years in the amounts described in the voter pamphlet, withan exemption for seniors, no funds for administrators’salaries, and every dollar staying in Alameda schools?”

FINDINGS

A superior and comprehensive K-12 education pro-gram delivers many long-lasting benefits and advantagesto all the children and residents of a community and theAlameda Unified School District (“District”) is committedto offering a high-quality educational program to all stu-dents in the District.

However, perpetual California State budget prob-lems threaten the District’s many successful educationalprograms with an increasingly uncertain fiscal future thatdoes not provide adequate state funding.

The District is already operating on a very lean bud-get and every effort has been made to keep cuts as far awayfrom the classroom as possible by streamlining the DistrictOffice to maximize efficiencies, reducing administratorsand non-teaching staff to a minimum, and maximizingparent/community donations.

Increased local revenues are necessary to ensure themaintenance of high-quality education in Alameda andlocal voters and taxpayers have provided strong support ofthe District’s schools with parcel tax measures since 2001.

The Board of Education (“Board”) desires toreplace both existing parcel taxes with a new tax whichmore fairly distributes the tax burden between small busi-ness parcels and residential properties.

By replacing both existing parcel taxes, local voterscan ensure that our schools will receive a stable, reliable,local source of funding.

PURPOSES

Moneys raised under this Protection of QualityLocal Education Measure of 2010 are authorized to beused only to provide financial support to local school pro-grams in accordance with priorities annually establishedby the Board and to the extent of available funds, includ-ing but not limited to:

• Maintaining highly qualified and experiencedteachers and minimizing layoffs for teachers andschool employees

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Appropriations Limit

Pursuant to California Constitution article XIIIBand applicable laws, the appropriations limit for the Dis-trict will be adjusted periodically by the aggregate sumcollected by levy of this special tax.

Accountability Measures

The proceeds of the special tax shall be appliedonly to the specific purposes identified above. The pro-ceeds of the special tax shall be deposited into a fund,which shall be kept separate and apart from other funds ofthe District. No later than January 1 of each year while thetax is in effect, the District shall prepare and file with theBoard a report detailing the amount of funds collected andexpended, and the status of any project authorized to befunded by this measure.

In addition, an advisory committee of citizen stake-holders shall be appointed or designated by the Board toensure that the special tax proceeds are spent for theirauthorized purposes, and to report annually to the Boardand the public regarding the expenditure of such funds.The size, structure and scope of duties of the advisorycommittee shall be set by the Board.

Severability

The Board hereby declares, and the voters by app-roving this Measure concur, that every section and part ofthis Measure has independent value, and the Board and thevoters would have adopted each provision hereof regard-less of every other provision hereof. Upon approval of thisMeasure by the voters, should any part of the Measure ortaxing formula be found by a court of competent jurisdic-tion to be invalid for any reason, all remaining parts of theMeasure or taxing formula hereof shall remain in fullforce and effect to the fullest extent allowed by law.

inhabited, developed or improved. In addition to otherproperties, Taxable Non-Residential Real Property specifi-cally includes multiple residential property consisting of 5or more dwelling units.

The District annually shall provide the Alameda Coun-ty Tax Collector a report indicating the parcel number andamount of tax for each Parcel of Taxable Real Property.

This parcel tax shall replace Measures A and H, thetwo education parcel tax measures currently in effect. Inthe event that this Measure is not approved by the requisitetwo-thirds vote, the existing parcel taxes shall continue ineffect until their scheduled expiration. Under no circum-stances shall the education parcel tax approved in thisMeasure and any of the existing two parcel taxes be col-lected in the same year.

CLAIM / EXEMPTION PROCEDURES

Upon application, an exemption may be granted onany Parcel of Taxable Residential Real Property which is(a) owned by one or more persons aged 65 years or older,and (b) which is the owner’s principal place of residence(“Senior Citizen Exemption”). Upon application, an exem-ption may be granted on any Parcel of Taxable ResidentialReal Property which is (a) owned by one or more personsreceiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability,regardless of age, and (b) which is the owner’s principalplace of residence (“SSI Exemption”).

With respect to all general property tax matterswithin its jurisdiction, the Alameda County Tax Assessoror other appropriate County tax official shall make all finaldeterminations of tax exemption or relief for any reason,and that decision shall be final and binding.

With respect to matters specific to the levy of thespecial tax, including the Senior Citizen and SSI Exemp-tions, owners must submit applications to the District inthe manner and at the time set forth in procedures estab-lished by the District. Application forms shall be availablefrom the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Any oneapplication from a qualified applicant for an exemptionwill provide an exemption for the parcel for that assess-ment year only, and exemptions must be renewed annuallywith the District. In determining whether a parcel is tax-able as Residential Real Property, Institutional Real Prop-erty, or Non-Residential Real Property, the District shallrefer to the manner in which the County classified theproperty on June 22, 2010, except in extraordinary circum-stances, in which case the property owner may file a claimwith the District for re-computation of the tax in accor-dance with the procedures established by the District. Thedecisions of the District regarding exemptions, refunds,reductions, or re-computations shall be final and binding.The procedures described herein, and any additional pro-cedures established by the Board shall be the exclusiveclaims procedure for claimants seeking an exemption,refund, reduction, or re-computation of the special tax.Whether any particular claim is to be resolved by the Dis-trict or by the County shall be determined by the District,in coordination with the County as necessary.

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