Measure F, like Measure A, is important to local schools

Measure F on the Tuesday ballot fulfills a critically important need to significantly improve your neighborhood schools and the education of our kids. We want readers to understand two basic things. First, its precursor, Measure A, has been extraordinarily successful at restoring our existing schools. Second, Measure F is an appropriate and prudently designed next step to correct other immediate needs and to upgrade our schools for the future. Again, Newport-Mesa is setting the standard of commitment for educational excellence.

Here are a few facts about Measure A:

* It was intended to refurbish aging, failing facilities throughout the district that serve 25,000 students and teachers on 28 campuses.

* The master plan for the project was created by an outside consultant and was reviewed and modified by a committee of 30 residents before being adopted by the school board.

* It was approved by 72% of the voters in 2000.

* It established an oversight committee of 31 residents that meets publicly to ensure that the promises of Measure A are being fulfilled. In each of its quarterly reports to the board, the committee has reported just that. Orange County Treasurer John Moorlach has given those efforts his highest grade.

* It requires independent financial and performance audits.

* To protect facilities in the future, the board committed 4% of the annual budget to be allocated for maintenance through 2028, more than the 3% state guideline.

* To provide funds for future refurbishment, the board committed to fund an endowment from asset sales and specified cash receipts that will grow over time.

* It incorporated seismic upgrades to structures even though not required by the state.

* By the end of 2006, Measure A will be complete throughout the district.

* Health and safety upgrades included restrooms, seismic and fire alarms.

* It added access for people with disabilities.

* Infrastructure refurbishment included plumbing, electrical, roofs, dry rot and windows.

* Every classroom was modernized with paint, carpet, lights, sinks, cabinets and wall coverings.

* Administrative offices were upgraded.

* It provided new exterior painting, refurbished landscaping and new playground equipment.

* Even with the cost of seismic upgrades and significant increases in the cost of materials, the only Measure A items not completed are elementary school multi-purpose rooms, high school theaters and athletic facilities.

According to the quarterly reports of the oversight committee and any objective review of its accomplishments, Measure A has been successfully administered, continues to refurbish our existing school sites and will have fulfilled its promise to the voters.

Here are a few facts about Measure F:

* It is intended to build on the success of Measure A by replacing unusable school facilities and by adding new facilities to all school sites throughout the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

* The project list was developed through resident involvement.

* Several hundred participants updated the district’s strategic plan, which guides the district through 2010. They identified programs such as hands-on science and performing arts and the need for upgraded technology for classrooms and libraries.

* The Measure A oversight committee identified projects such as replacing the Robins Hall and Loats Theater building at Newport Harbor High School that was closed in 2003 when it was found to no longer meet seismic safety standards.

* A facilities advisory committee made up of 60 residents reviewed the project list and funding options through the spring of 2005, recommending unanimously that the board proceed with Measure F.

* It adopts all the safeguards proven effective in Measure A and adds two new safeguards.

* The property tax rate paid by taxpayers for Measure F will never exceed the rate paid under Measure A this year. Measure F bonds up to $282 million will be paid off by taking advantage of our increasing property values and by extending the time that bonds will be outstanding.

* A residents committee will oversee the issuance of new bonds and the prioritization of how those bond proceeds will be spent. Twenty-one parents with children in the schools, five from each high school zone and one chairperson, will review the district’s plans before any issuance can go before the school board for approval.

* It will provide new educational facilities equitably across the district.

* It will built hands-on science classrooms at elementary schools.

* It will upgrade libraries and add new technology.

* It will refurbish multi-purpose rooms at elementary schools.

* It will replace seismically unsafe buildings at Newport Harbor High.

* It will separate seventh- and eighth-graders from ninth- through 12th-graders on high school campuses.

* It will add high school performing arts facilities.

* It will build athletic facilities, such as an Olympic-size pool at Costa Mesa High School, a stadium at Estancia High School and a gym at TeWinkle Middle School.

* It will improve site safety.

Local bonds are administered and spent locally, without strings attached by the state. They cannot be used for administrator or teacher salaries. The enhanced property values brought about by a community’s commitment to improving its schools more than outweighs the cost of taxes triggered by the bonds. Resident oversight protects the taxpayers.

Orange County Treasurer John Moorlach reviewed Measure A and Measure F in accordance with five assessment categories. He awarded our district three A’s and two Bs, for an overall grade of B.

Newport-Mesa set the standard for the state with Measure A, incorporating resident oversight, independent audits and maintenance commitments. Building on that success, and setting a new, higher standard for the state, Measure F incorporates tax limits and more resident oversight to ensure that our educational needs are met now and in the future. Both measures are examples of responsible local government at its best.

Please join us in voting yes on Measure F on Tuesday.

SCOTT PAULSEN

President Newport-Mesa Schools

Foundation and a retired principal

HANK PANIAN

Retired teacher

MICHELE GRAHAM

President of

Harbor Council PTA

JILL MONEY

Past president of

Harbor Council PTA

MARK SCHULTHEIS

Co-chairman of the facilities

advisory committee for Measure A

CHRISTINE LUDLOW

Chairwoman of the oversight

committee for Measure A

MARK BUCHANAN

Past chairman of the oversight

committee for Measure A and the

chairman of Citizens for Quality

Schools-Yes on F

GORDON BOWLEY

Vice president of

Costa Mesa United

RICHARD RIVA

President of the

Newport Harbor Navigators