Solution wrote on Sep 1, 2008 5:25 PM:Vote NO and have more checkpoints. More money and safer streets.

CAUTION wrote on Sep 1, 2008 5:33 PM:The Prop T bond measure’s Financing Plan is worse than subprime. The Escondido Union High School District claims that no taxes will be collected for 11 years. Then property taxes will be collected for at least 33 years.

No tax payments while interest accumulates for 11 years. The public’s future tax liability will greatly increase under this irresponsible Financing Plan.

Million In New Taxes wrote on Sep 1, 2008 5:38 PM:This $98 million bond will cost taxpayers somewhere between $400 million and $500 million in new taxes. Most of these new taxes will not be used for classroom improvements. Instead, a significant portion of these new taxes will be paid to investors so that the District can claim that the bond maintains our schools 'WITHOUT raising tax rates.'
$400+ Million In New Taxes!

Escondido taxpayers still have about 12 years to finish paying off Proposition A which financed the construction of Valley Center High School. Because the District has decided to wait until Proposition A is paid off (about the year 2021) before starting to collect to start paying on this $98 million bond, the financing cost for Proposition T will be about $80 million more than without the 11 year delay.

Proposition T will burden current AND future generations. No taxes will be collected for 11 years while the public’s liability increases. After that, everyone will pay for 33 years through property taxes or indirectly through rents. Worse yet, even our children, and even our grandchildren, will have to pay as adults until about 2054!

Ignores Real Estate Crash wrote on Sep 1, 2008 5:41 PM:The Financing Plan for Proposition T ignores now FALLING REAL ESTATE VALUES! The 'best estimate' of the tax liability in the proposition's TAX RATE STATEMENT is based on predictions of economic conditions over the next 44 years! The Plan hopes for growth in assessed values at a rate of 5.05% per year for 44 years with no accountability for wrong economic predictions.

Vote For Accountability Vote NO wrote on Sep 1, 2008 5:43 PM:Vote “NO” on Proposition T. Do not approve bond debt before the funds are actually needed. An immediate need for $98 million is lacking. The Financing Plan calls for issuing bonds of $20 million in 2009, $50 million 2013, and $28 million in 2016. Thus, $78 million of this bond measure is not needed for many years. This bond measure should have been for only $20 million to fund the immediate needs of the District. After prudently using that financing, the District can return to voters in 2012 in time for financing the remaining $78 million when it is actually needed. Vote to require District accountability by requiring the District to request voter approval as the funds are actually needed. Vote 'NO' on Proposition T.

hey escondido wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:23 PM:vote no, its a scam for you property
owners.

Stagnant Enrollment wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:52 PM:The high school enrollment has been stagnant for over 3 years. There is no need for a new landlocked expansion campus. Being landlocked, the new campus will have no room for expansion unless the district decides to build highrises on the site.

Makes Sense wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:54 PM:If Prop T doesn't raise taxes, let's not raise them for 100 years or 1000 years! Let's vote yes on every school bond that doesn't raise taxes.

Hey, the money's for the children. Let them (and their children) pay for it.

BTW, where's the educators' promises that better facilities lead to a better education?

EUHSD's highest priority has apparently been to spend money with dubious promises of educational achievements.

"This

Higher Taxes Without Limits wrote on Sep 1, 2008 8:04 PM:The District has avoided public debate and review of Prop T's so-called TAX RATE STATEMENT. The TAX RATE STATEMENT differs from recent newspaper reports:
'The $98 million extension would raise the annual tax rate for homeowners from $14 per $100,000 of assessed valuation to the 1996-approved tax rate of $18.50 per $100,000, Dragon said.'
'That is the most the district could levy, he said.'
'Dragon said on a $200,000 house, for example, it would cost homeowners $9 more per year until the bond is paid off.'
'Payments on the 1996 bond are set to expire in 2021. Dragon declined to say how many more years homeowners would have to pay taxes if voters approve the bond extension, saying he would provide that information at Thursday's meeting.'
www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/07/21/news/inland/escondido/z3f86c75348e20cb48825748d00717492.txt

It appears that none of these statements made in July 2008 by an EUHSD Administrator are consistent with the Prop T's TAX RATE STATEMENT.

Mayor Bond Debt wrote on Sep 1, 2008 8:11 PM:Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler has yet to see a bond debt measure she does not support.

Citys Redevelopment Money wrote on Sep 1, 2008 8:23 PM:I am glad the Escondido Mayor is willing to contribute $46.6 million from the Escondido Redevelopment Agency to help fund this high school expansion project.

'Superintendent Ed Nelson has said he would also use bond and REDEVELOPMENT money to replace aging portable facilities at the district's traditional campuses with permanent buildings, improve science labs and performing arts facilities, and build a permanent adult education facility. The proposed projects would ease crowding and offer more learning options for students, he said.'
www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/07/30/news/inland/escondido/zbe932fda66e258408825749600804f4a.txt (July 31, 2008)

Oh... wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:31 PM:Oh...so NOW the city cares about the schools.

Now the district will actually speak with the city about what's been happening at the schools for the last many years.

Well, FORGET IT!!

You can count on at least two "NO" votes right here. And you can bet that we won't promote your "too little too late" bond!

ONe last comment about the City's involvement: Again, you "leaders" are trying to project some sort of image that is of your own mind - you do not support your residents - you value future residents. It is quite sad and disappointing and disheartening to see such political fanagaling.

And as far as the chamber of commerce goes...they should stick to their own business - business. And also promoting more housing (that's their side job).

Help wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:06 PM:Stop Taxing Us where are you?

NSShirlock wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:13 AM:On the upside, this fiasco-in-the-making ensures us that in 2 years we will have seen the last of the current mayor. Just keep trying to pass bogus bonds. History will not look kindly on Lori Holt Pfeiler. How many times can she get it wrong? Only as long as we will let her!

Lou wrote on Sep 2, 2008 5:05 AM:We currently have students at San Pasqual using storage rooms for classrooms, while I agree we need more infrastructure we also need more enforcement on the immigration issues this would produce less of a burden on our already over taxed networks and schools. I will support the measure, but it is high time the state, county and city do their part in reducing the burden on the people, let's cut the programs that are being used to finance illegals and use that money to build better facilities for the citizens.

Spinzone wrote on Sep 2, 2008 5:24 AM:Public relations consultant Tom Hogarty is heading the committee to push the districts message. This campaign will be an opportunity to judge the integrity of his public relations work.

Prop T Increases Taxes wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:06 AM:On my 2007-2008 property tax bill, I was charged $13.13 per $100,000 of assessed value for the 1996 high school bond. If Prop T is really an just an extension, then why is the tax rate going to up so much (to $18.50 per $100,000 of assessed value). That is a 41% increase in tax rates! [($13.13 - $18.50)/$13.13 = 40.9%]

Bill wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:14 AM:Does the mayor send the police to a bank robbery? It's a federal crime to rob a bank!! She tries telling us that the illegals are a federal problem, which I don't buy. I think maybe she should take care of what's happening in our community and the main reason why we need this money for our schools. She needs to come out and say...if it wasn't for the illegals here, we wouldn't be asking for this money. Be honest, for once, politician!!

Bill in Escondido wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:23 AM:It is irresponsible to ask taxpayers for $98,000,000 when property values are down, income is down, and people are struggling to stay in Escondido.

Yes, some facilities need to be upgraded. Mayor Pfeiler, may we have that check for $46.6 million dollars NOW, so we can make the improvements to the exisitng schools?

The districts own studies, coupled with the elemetary school districts reports of lower student population, do NOT support the need for a new school.

We need to focus on education and teaching the students who belong here in our schools.

Let's get some QUALITY education going here and then ask me for money.

Until then, I urge you to vote NO on Proposition T.

Sorry not with wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:32 AM:tax payers money, lay off teachers and administrators and have the school district appeal to the Federal Government regarding teaching children of Illegal Aliens. Unless you haven't noticed money is tight! NO!

It is amazing wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:56 AM:the only time I hear from Mayor Lori is when she wants to spend our money. Lori, what is giving you trouble is it the "N" or the "O"? Or are you proposing you take a slary reduction and give the money tho the school district?

To Lou wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:59 AM:Using storeage rooms as classrooms is against the law and should be reported to the health deptartment immediately! If this is the mentality of our educators I say NO bond!

To Sorry not with wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:10 AM:Lay off teachers? HELL NO! Deport Illegal Aliens and their offspring... and send Mayor Lori with them! SOMEONE has to run against her!

Bryan wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:55 AM:Its the illegals or the teachers, pick one.

No to the school bond wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:13 AM:What burns me is that the EUHSD was given thousands of pages of research which gave them resources, names and phone numbers of contacts to accomplish some of their goals without floating a bond to do it. They never followed up on any of it! They don't need this kind of money or to burden taxpayer when there are quasi private funds available, companies and corporations who want to partner with school systems to create a skilled and educated workforce for the future. They need to take a page from the Tri-Cities failed bond measure notebook. Voters won't pass a bond of this magnitude in these tough economic times. Where are those yard signs? The EUHSD needs to see them all over town because they somehow paid consultants to survey people who won't have to pay for the bond,so they were all for it. And, obviously the out of touch mayor doesn't realize property owners don't want to pay on another bond!

VOTE NO ON PROP T wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:15 AM:Prop T is a scam. To propose a bond that indebts your grandchildren by extending a 1996 bond through 2054 is crazy. Our tax and spend Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler thinks this is a good idea. What more do you need to know about her before you demand her resignation.

To Lou wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:42 AM:Do you have a room number for this storage room converted to a classroom. I hope to meet with the San Pasqual principal, and to do a follow-up visit.

Questions for Lou wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:56 AM:Your assertion that 'we currently have students at San Pasqual using storage rooms for classrooms' is a concern. Did you witness this as a fact, or is this second hand information. If so, can you provide a trail to the ultimate source of your assertion. Please response promptly to protect the integrity of the bond measure campaign.

To Lou wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:08 AM:I just sent the following email message to the SPHS Principal. If she does not respond, the message will be sent the the entire EUHSD Board and Administration.

Dear SPHS Principal,

An annonymous comment was made [below] an article in today's North County Times stating that "we currently have students at San Pasqual using storage rooms for classrooms." Is this comment based on true facts?

To Bill in Escondido wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:29 AM:What do you mean by "Can we have that check for $46.6 million dollars now?".
Does the city owe the school district that money and for what?

NO NO NO wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:32 AM:No, Mayor Lori, this is not a "good investment" or "economic development".
We taxpayers are not stupid as the EUHSD school board and the City Council thinks we are, and this time we are paying attention! We pay enough taxes, and Prop T will extend the 1996 bond indefinitely. Building an overflow school for 500 elite students will take away teachers and resources from the kids who stay on the other three campuses. How does that "have students prepared for a good job?" Take a look at the test scores and drop out rate in Escondido and tell me spending almost half of this bond money on a magnet school is going to benefit ALL of the students. This bond is unfair to the students and the taxpayers of Escondido!

Vote NO on Prop T

Storage rooms for classrooms wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:37 AM:The fact that Lou made this unfounded comment and that he said he will vote yes on Prop T should tell us something right there. He should do a little research before opening his mouth.

No on Prop T yard signs wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:39 AM:Are the groups against this proposition getting some yard signs soon? If so, where do I get one?

fred wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:05 AM:to NO on T ...like I tell my kids " Make your own , get creative "

Questions wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:15 AM:if middle school enrollments are down,won't the HS enrollments reflect this decrease by the time the new school/classrooms are completed?...Why is the district suddenly concerned about class size being above the state standard of 27 when class size has been 30-35+ for years?...If space on the campuses is such an issue, why is the district spending millions to build "learning centers" (using precious space)while shutting down Center City HS (which provided an alternative for 300-400 students per year)?...Why build a small high school when there are currently two charter high schools in Escondido?

Bill in Escondido wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:35 AM:The 46.6 million I referred to is the amount Superintendent Ed Nelson is expecting from the city. These are redevelopment funds that he discussed at the July 24 school board meeting. It is part of their plan to finance 153 million in improvements.

Prop T Yard signs wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:39 AM:Yes, we are getting signs. However, we cannot post contact information on this forum. We do have a web site starting up.

For now, all I can do is say "Vote no on Prop T".

To Vote For Accountability wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:14 PM:We don't care about accountability -
On a local level: we keep the same Council members, we burn tax dollars to try and force apartment owners to do background checks.
At the state level: the funds from the state lottery that were supposed to be dog-eared for education have somehow disappeared.
On a federal level: we fund Iraq before Katrina, we get sold this big lie but no one is accountable.
If we want our kids to be competitive, we pass this bond.

Bobby Boy wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:30 PM:Vote YES on Prop T! I will support this bond and I will tell everyone I know to support this bond -because it is the right thing to do for our community.

Citra resident wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:50 PM:Ever wonder why Poway has such great schools? Because those residents are willing to do what's necessary to give their children the opportunity to succeed (yes, they have immigrants too).

To Does The City Owe . million wrote on Sep 2, 2008 1:53 PM:That is a good question. The high school district's superintendent told the EUHSD Board that yes, the City does owe the high school district $46.6 million, and immedicately the cost of the expansion projects exploded from $108 million to about $150 million. The City had no response to a inquiry about the $46.6 million owed to the high school district. Is the high school school district going to blindside the City of Escondido? Alternatively, are the City and the high school district going to explain to voters where the $46.6 million in Redevelopment Funds is coming from, and when? Finally, if $46.6 million really coming from the City, then shouldn't Prop T be for only $42 million?

To Citra Resident wrote on Sep 2, 2008 2:44 PM:About Poway, what does '(yes, they have immigrants too)' mean? Are you trying to say that the immigrant populations in both districts are the same? First, no one knows who is an immigrant by looking at them. SANDAG has complied population figures by race, ethnicity, and age, as of October 2007. In the Poway school district, 11% (668 of 6,150) of the population ages 15-17 is Hispanic, while in the EUHSD, 50% (3,969 of 7,953) of the population ages 15-17 is Hispanic. You attempt to minimize the effect of recent immigrants on the lack of 'great' Escondido schools, when compared with Poway's 'great schools', lacks credibility.

Bubble Boy wrote on Sep 2, 2008 2:51 PM:Vote NO on Prop T. I will not support this bond and I will tell everyone I know to not support this bond - because it is the WRONG thing to do to our community!

Redevelopment Funds wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:17 PM:If the city owes the high school district $46.6 million, what does the city owe the elementary district and where is all this money coming from?

BTW wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:26 PM:Let's talk about a spin, someone ask Bill Durney why he's running. He's a resident near the Citracado property who's been looking for any excuse to NOT have a school near his home for years. Opposing Prop T just gives him an opportunity to spread more bogus information.

Invest in your community wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:43 PM:Escondido High School District wants to do something unique and different - what a nice change! As a business owner, I can tell you there are not enough students prepared for the workplace and courses aren't rigorous enough for those who wish to excel. The options that are being presented are important for everyone, especially the business community.

What does Immigrants wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:23 PM:have to do with this issue, Immigrants aren't the problem ILLEGAL ALIENS are the problem!

Bill wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:39 PM:It's not the illegals or the teachers...it's the illegals kids or our kids!!

As for immigrants, the government is trying to confuse the issue by calling illegals that at times!

WAIT A MINUTE wrote on Sep 2, 2008 5:29 PM:What is all this talk about redevelopment money. The schools were never deprived of one dime through the redevelopment process. When the City formed the Redevelopment Agency the school districts, both elementary and high school, were exempted from financial loss. Special legislation was enacted and the schools were made financially whole from the get go.

The Mayor, the Chamber and special interests are at it again. They will tell you anything to get you to tax yourself out of your home. Put a stop to this egregious nonsence. Swiping a credit card and incurring huge debt is the last thing any of us should be doing right now; ditto for government. VOTE NO ON PROP T.

U have to b kidding wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:03 PM:Isn't inappropriate to have the mayor endorsing this bond?

Bill in Escondido wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:52 PM:to BTW -

You obviously don't know me or the reasons I am running for school board. You've got it all wrong.

And, all the "bogus information" has come from the school board meetings.

Scam bonds wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:17 PM:We got suckered into Vista Unified School District bond measure PROP O. We where told that we wound have nice new standard construction schools built and got "trailer schools" instead. We deturmined that (7) seven million dollars went unaccounted for and several high ranking school officials retired early after the bond money went missing. Please don't be fooled like we where. Vote NO, NO, NO on PROP T. P.S. We have defeated Tri-City Medical Centers $598,000,000 bond measure (3) three times now. You can beat this bond.

NO NO NO wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:09 PM:By 2054 when this bond is paid off, everything will be obsolete and in need of repair long before them. How do you say More Taxes??? When taxes are approved they are never enough and never end. Wake up people. Lets buy computers for every child and concentrate on quality education, spending money IN THE Classroom! As for our Mayor heading up the yes campaign, she should stay out of it and be neutral.

Better Idea wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:24 PM:Lets' try and find a private high school that will build here because both McCain and Bush are for legalizing all illegal immigrants. They aren't going anywhere and more will come. I refuse to pay another dime for their education-period. No amount of money is going to help when so many in the classroom don't speak English. Let people have the opportunity to provide a quality education to their children and pay for that instead of endless bonds that get us nowhere.

To Invest In Our Community wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:17 PM:Do you want us to invenst in the bonds or just pay higher taxes? By the way, by 2054, these bonds will generate over $300 million in interest costs. Perhaps your post should read invest in Wall Street investors, because that is where 75% of our tax money will go! What kind of businessman recommends borrowing money and not making any payments for 11 years as interest cost skyrocket by $80+ million over the life of the bonds!

To BTW wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:58 PM:Bill Durney would be running for school board regardless of what he thinks about this bond issue. Charlie Snowder's seat is up for grabs, and Kurt Marler needs to be voted out. What this school board needs is a couple of new people with some fresh ideas instead of the visions Tina and her gang keep having.I attend the school board meetings and I am always happy to hear what Bill has to say when he addresses the board.

If anything is "Bogus", it's Prop T.
VOTE NO on T and give Bill Durney your support.

Vote No wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:01 PM:The HS district just took a huge hit from the state's budget cuts and the district had to layoff some employees.

So, how will they staff this new school if the monies are for "the children"?

Will the district take all the really really really good teachers and take them over to the "special new school" and then everyone will gather for a lovely photo op? So, all the really good teachers will be over at the new special school that WE DON'T NEED (enrollment is DROPPING)?

Don't fall for it! The district has been very very irresponsible with their money - while taking pay raises OUR children have placed last in SAT scores.

What the HECK am I contributing to...a less than acceptable outcome (academically)?

No. I'm not voting for this PUBLIC RELATIONS bond! And Mayor Pfeiler should BUTT OUT! She hasn't given a darn about the schools - she has approved development after development KNOWING the schools are over-crowded!!

As a matter of fact, the whole darn council are very much responsible for this overcrowding, as well as the HS district school board!

The facts will come out and I hope the VOTE NO on Prop T website will enlighten the residents to the district's outrageous bond!!

VOTE NO on PROP T.

no no and no wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:31 PM:illegal immigration is a huge drain on educational and medical facilities. The over crowding of schools is a direct effect of illegal immigration. Figure out a way to correct that problem first, and then maybe I will consider giving more tax dollars to the district. Until then...forgetaboutit.

Fortune Teller wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:37 PM:I can see the future:

Look for the escondido "incumbents" to jump on the "School Bond" Band Wagon!

If they had any sense, they would continue to say what they have all along - which is:

'That is not under our purview'.

I say: I got yer Purview!!!

Again and Again NOOO wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:56 AM:School Districts take your choice, teachers and educators jobs? Or help America tell Washington DC to deport illegal aliens and their children. Until the school employees and their unions help to rid America of illegal aliens we will continue to vote NO!

The voters will fight wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:02 AM:this bond tooth and nail until something is done about the illegal aliens over crowding our children's schools.

To Wait a Minute wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:16 AM:You need to do a little research on the development monies which are due.
This has nothing to do with being-
For or Against the Bond.

student wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:12 PM:I am a student at Orange Glen, and please make this known, spread it to everyone you know, do NOT let this bond be passed. For the people blaming this on illegal immigrants, have you ever been in a classroom? Just because someone doesn't speak perfect english doesn't mean they are an illegal immigrant. Open up your eyes and quit being so ignorant. Why do you think they want to build a new school? Maybe to suck the last of the white kids to get them away from the 'colored races.' Ever hear of Escondido Charter High School? Their mascot is the WHITE tigers. I'm pretty sure you can tell why. And because they are a charter school, they can have entrance exams to practically pick who they want in their school. Anyways, that was a little off topic but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. open up your eyes and see what this bond really means. What this bond really means is that your grandchildren will be recieving the repercussions of the frugal decision to pay for everything now, and to leave the devastating effects for their well-being in the future. The future of our children and grandchildren at our hands, so please use them wisely to check NO on prop t.

to student wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:48 AM:I for one do not in any way shape or form believe you are a student. Students are not concerned with the passage of this bond. Most of them cannot even vote and I am betting, none of them are property owners. And yes, I have spent 12 years in the classroom volunteering my time to get the children of illegal immigrants up to grade level in reading. Why did I spend so much time doing this? Because they were draining time away from the teachers ability to conduct their business, which should be to teach subject matter, not to be a translator.

To To Student wrote on Sep 4, 2008 11:13 PM:Pretty foul of you.

You said you spent 12 years in the classroom volunteering because the illegal immigrants were draining time away...blah, blah, blah.

HOW DO YOU KNOW THEY WERE ILLEGAL??

And...I would have fired you in a heartbeat for seeing color in a classroom. Pretty foul of you to have been a "volunteer" (I mean board member) and the whole time judging those you are "teaching". I'm sure your students really found your teachings worthwhile, as they felt your hate for all that is not white bad vibes!! Shame on YOU!!!

Now...to student: If you are a student - then I say "Great Job, speaking up". Keep your head held high and thank you for sharing your thoughts!!

To the hater: please move & please don't enter anymore classrooms - student is right - just because a child (oh yes, they are children) doesn't speak perfect English does not make them illegal.