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GAVILAN JOINT COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
AFFORDABLE EDUCATION, JOB TRAINING, COLLEGE TRANSFER, AND VETERAN SUPPORT MEASURE ELECTION NOVEMBER 6, 2018

“To upgrade classrooms, science, healthcare, technology, engineering/career training labs, repair aging facilities, shall Gavilan Joint Community College District’s measure authorizing $248,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying 2 cents/$100 assessed value, $14,000,000 annually while bonds are outstanding, constructing, acquiring, repairing classrooms, facilities, sites/equipment, Veterans Center, adding a campus in San Benito County, improving local access to affordable education, with citizen oversight, all money locally controlled, be approved?”

PROJECTS

The Board of Trustees of the Gavilan Joint Community College District, to be responsive to the needs of its community, evaluated Gavilan 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 science, math, engineering and technology were each considered in developing the types of projects to be funded by this measure, as such are described below. In developing the types of projects, basic repairs (such as repairing leaky roofs, old rusty plumbing, faulty electrical systems, improving access for disabled students), job training facilities, student 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, Gavilan College would be unable to remain competitive in preparing students for jobs in high demand, local industries and university transfer.

The Board of Trustees determines that Gavilan College MUST:

(i) Provide an affordable local alternative to four-year universities for local students and returning veterans;

(ii) Provide job training classrooms and vocational facilities for science, math, engineering, technology, computer science and cyber security;

(iii) Expand the Veterans’ Center and provide job training, job placement, counseling, and support services to military veterans and their families;

(iv) Ensure that Gavilan College expands access so more students can enroll in high quality and affordable education programs to help students transfer to a four year college and receive career training in growing local industries; and

(v) ALL MONEY RAISED BY THIS MEASURE WILL BE LOCALLY CONTROLLED TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND STUDENTS AND CANNOT BE TAKEN BY THE STATE.

The following types of projects which are authorized to be undertaken at Gavilan College, include:

PROVIDE AN AFFORDABLE EDUCATION IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR LOCAL STUDENTS AND VETERANS:

Basic Upgrade Projects Needed To Allow Gavilan College to Provide Job Training and Vocational Programs In Healthcare, Police, Firefighting, and Skilled High Tech Workforce

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 our community. We need to upgrade our classrooms, labs, and career training facilities to current industry standards so our students can compete for today’s high-skilled jobs.

  • Repair or replace leaky roofs, old rusty plumbing, and faulty electrical systems.
  • Improve access to college facilities for people with disabilities.
  • Improve college safety and security systems, including fire security and sprinklers, safety lighting, security door locks, security cameras and emergency communication systems.
  • Upgrade classrooms and labs to help local students complete first two years of college affordability, and transfer to the Cal-State or UC systems.
  • Renovate the aging college library to meet modern standards for technology and research.

PROVIDE JOB TRAINING AND COLLEGE TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES:

Classroom and Program Improvements To Help Local Students and Veterans Transfer to Four-Year Universities and Be Trained For Good Paying, Modern Careers

Goal and Purpose: 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.

Our community is in the shadow of Silicon Valley. Gavilan College provides an affordable gateway for local students to acquire the skills they need to compete for careers in the world’s fastest-growing industries. We need to invest in Gavilan so our kids have the opportunity to share in the bright future being created just a few miles away.

  • Expand vocational training facilities/programs for disabled students.
  • Upgrade science, computer and technology labs; construct new permanent buildings.
  • Expand career and academic counseling facilities/resources for students.
  • Upgrade job training and vocational classrooms for computer science and cyber security.
  • Repair deteriorating classrooms and facilities.
  • Upgrade classrooms, labs and career training facilities for science, engineering and technology.
  • Add permanent classrooms and labs in San Benito County.
  • Add permanent classrooms and labs on the District owned 15 acre parcel known as the Coyote Valley Campus to offer additional classes, certificated programs and degrees.
  • Expand Veterans Centers which provide job training, job placement, counseling, and support services to military veterans and their families.
  • Upgrade science centers and wet labs to allow for current instruction in healthcare, biology, chemistry and physical sciences.

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 and the refinancing of outstanding lease obligations, 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. 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: renovate student and staff restrooms; replace aging electrical and plumbing systems; upgrade central plant for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water treatment improvements; repair and replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; acquire vehicles; repair and replace worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls doors, drinking fountains and pedestrian bridge; replace or remove outdated buildings and classrooms and construct new classrooms and support buildings; install or replace faulty wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrade facilities to meet current earthquake safety and environmental sustainability and State compliance standards; repair and replace fire alarms, emergency communications, universal access and security systems; upgrade classrooms; build new facilities, including, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) building, student services center, library/learning resource center, visual and performing arts complex; major renovation/construction projects include the construction, expansion, upgrade or reconfiguration of facilities including a new campus on District owned property in San Benito County; 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, swing space; 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, site parking, utilities and grounds. The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, upgrading classroom technology, 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. 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 Gavilan Joint Community College District 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.