Why vote No on Measure H

First take a look at our web site: www.NOOonH.org

No to an Overpriced Renovation

Recent demolition and new theater construction by Bay Area public schools range from $500/square foot (actual cost) to $700/SF (projected cost). The proposed renovation is budgeted at $836/SF. The Measure does not make sense.

Why Measure H is the Wrong Measure

We are grateful to the teachers and parents who have made the Arts flourish in Piedmont. Clearly the theater needs work. Architectural firms were invited to compete on a pre-established conceptual design and alternative approaches were not considered when the projected construction cost doubled. The selected architect was constrained to just “examine the building’s integrity, prepare preliminary drawings, and estimate costs to repair the building”. The resulting product does not really fix the inherent problems of the theater and brings no incremental educational value. Why waste money when since 2008 school programs have been cut, class sized increased, and total instruction days decreased. Let us spend our money wisely and force a reset by voting No.

No to "Creative" Financing

As responsible citizens, we refuse to push payments to future generations to avoid higher tax rates today. The “creative” financing used in the most recently issued bonds (Series E in 2013) have a repayment multiplier of 5.3, a multiplier which is now illegal under a new law AB 182 in effect since January 1, 2014. The Board of Education has refused to give up the creative financing option for this bond. Our assessment rates are already adjusted each year to pay back $164 million over the next thirty years. Yes, the community is wealthy, but let us be a good example for our students by living within our means and paying our own bills rather than unduly burdening future generations.

Yes to Participatory Democracy

We support handicapped access and the clearly needed safety improvements to the theater. The affected constituency was not involved. The threat that the theater will be closed by lawsuits is not true. These facts are well documented in the Piedmont Post. Scare tactics distort the public debate, undermine trust, and take Piedmonters for granted. We need to nurture community goodwill so that taxpayers respond generously to the next State school budget cuts. Vote No to promote true participatory democracy.

Rebuild versus Rehab

Renovation is inefficient compared to a new construction project. The design contingency is 15% instead of 5%. Extensive renovation carries more risks in costly change orders as unforeseen problems are found during construction, compared to a rebuild where change orders come from controllable "changes of scope". The financial risk of renovation is much higher than the 5 to 7% cost inflation rate that the Board uses to justify rushing the project.

Yes to a Simple Fix

The Board has set aside $500,000 in the modernization fund to fix the roof, and replace the HVAC systems, lighting, and seating. We encourage the Piedmont Ed Foundation and associated Parents' Clubs to spend their money on an accessibility ramp and to continue their fundraising for further modernization of the theater. We believe that a full rebuild of the theater is the way to go in the long term.

Let us not spend more money than necessary on the theater renovation. Encourage the District to investigate other options. Our kids deserve better! Push the pause button! Vote NO on Measure H.

www.NOOonH.org