Dublin Unified School District: 2019 Bond Measure Feasibility Survey - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Page 1 September 2019

Dublin Unified School District:

2019 Bond Measure Feasibility Survey September 2019

Page 2 September 2019

Overview and Research Objectives

Dublin Unified School District commissioned Godbe Research to conduct a survey of local voters with the following research objectives: ➢ Gauge the public’s perceptions of whether the District is providing a quality education to students, effectively managing public funds, and needs additional funding; ➢ Assess potential support for a bond measure to improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State; ➢ Prioritize projects and programs to be funded with the proceeds; ➢ Test informational and critical statements; ➢ Identify the rate issues; and ➢ Identify demographic and/or voter behavioral characteristics to validate the representativeness of the sample.

Page 3 September 2019

Methodology Overview

➢ Data Collection Landline (36), cell phone (98), text to

• nline (421), and email to online (70)

interviewing ➢ Universe 21,188 likely November 2020 voters in the Dublin Unified School District, with a subsample of those likely to vote in the March 2020 election (14,562) ➢ Fielding Dates August 8 through August 15, 2019 ➢ Interview Length 22 minutes ➢ Sample Size 625 Likely November 2020 voters 458 Likely March 2020 voters ➢ Margin of Error ± 3.86% Likely November 2020 voters ± 4.51% Likely March 2020 voters

The data have been weighted to reflect the actual population characteristics of likely voters in the Dublin Unified School District in terms of their gender, age, and political party type.

Page 4 September 2019

Key Findings

Page 5 September 2019

• Q1. Opinion on Whether DUSD is Providing a

Quality Education

March 2020 (n=458)

Very Favorable 24.9% Somewhat Favorable 38.5% Somewhat Unfavorable 11.8% Very Unfavorable 6.2% DK/NA 18.6%

March 2020 Total Favorable 63.3% Total Unfavorable 18.1% Ratio Fav to Unfav 3.5

Page 6 September 2019

• Q2. Opinion on Whether DUSD Effectively

Manages Public Funds

March 2020 (n=458)

Very favorable 14.7% Somewhat favorable 29.9% Somewhat unfavorable 25.3% Very unfavorable 11.1% DK/NA 19.0%

March 2020 Total Favorable 44.6% Total Unfavorable 36.4% Ratio Fav to Unfav 1.2

Page 7 September 2019

• Q3. Agreement on Whether DUSD Needs

Additional Funding

March 2020 (n=458)

Strongly agree 23.4% Somewhat agree 33.3% Somewhat disagree 19.0% Strongly disagree 12.9% DK/NA 11.6%

March 2020 Total Agree 56.6% Total Disagree 31.8% Ratio Agree to Disagree 1.8

Page 8 September 2019

• Q4. Uninformed Support for Bond Extension

and Increase

Sample A

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% March 2020 23.3% 39.5% 12.1% 15.7% 9.4% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA

62.8%

To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall the Dublin Unified School District

• construct and complete

schools to prevent

• vercrowding; and
• update aging classrooms and

science labs; by issuing $290 million dollars in bonds at legal interest rates, raising approximately $18.3 million dollars annually, with rates averaging $50 per $100,000 assessed value while bonds are outstanding, with citizen oversight, annual audits, no funds for administrator salaries, and all funds used for Dublin Unified School District schools?

Page 9 September 2019

• Q5. Uninformed Support for Bond Extension

Only

Sample B

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% March 2020 33.9% 28.6% 11.0% 20.1% 6.4% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA

62.5%

To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall the Dublin Unified School District

• construct and complete

schools to prevent

• vercrowding; and
• update aging classrooms and

science labs; by issuing $151 million dollars in bonds at legal interest rates, raising approximately $9.7 million dollars annually, with rates averaging $27 per $100,000 assessed value while bonds are outstanding, with citizen oversight, audits, no funds for administrator salaries, and all funds for Dublin Unified School District schools?

Page 10 September 2019

• Q6. Features of the Measure I

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2.

Somewhat More Likely Somewhat Less Likely Much Less Likely

• 2
• 1

1 2

• P. Replace aging roofs and outdated heating and cooling

systems for student safety and to improve energy efficiency

• T. Maintain small class sizes
• I. Provide advanced instruction that prepares students for

college and 21st century careers

• G. Provide classrooms, science labs and computer labs to

accommodate growing student enrollment and relieve

• vercrowding
• L. Update classroom technology to support 21st century

learning environment

• H. Protect the quality of academic instruction in core

subjects like math, science, reading, and writing

• F. Relieve overcrowding at Dublin High School

0.92 0.92 0.92 0.93 0.95 0.98 1.12

Much More Likely

Sample C Sample D

Tier 1

74.7% 71.3%

Page 11 September 2019

• Q6. Features of the Measure II

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2.

Somewhat More Likely Somewhat Less Likely Much Less Likely

• 2
• 1

1 2

• A. Construct schools to prevent overcrowding
• B. Complete the second comprehensive high school on the

east side of the District

• O. Update schools to improve student safety
• R. Ensure access for students with disabilities
• K. Modernize older schools to ensure they are safe and

have up-to-date classrooms and science labs including at Wells and Fallon Middle Schools, and Dublin and Dougherty Elementary Schools 0.86 0.86 0.87 0.87 0.91

Much More Likely

Sample C Sample D

Tier 2

70.0% 71.4%

Page 12 September 2019

• Q6. Features of the Measure III

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2.

Somewhat More Likely Somewhat Less Likely Much Less Likely

• 2
• 1

1 2

• M. Build a new elementary school to relieve overcrowding
• E. Build a new school at Camp Parks to relieve
• vercrowding
• D. Update and reopen Nielsen Elementary school to

accommodate our growing student enrollment and ensure students can attend their neighborhood school

• J. Provide additional classrooms, science labs and

engineering labs at the second comprehensive high school 0.45 0.59 0.77 0.85

Much More Likely

Sample C Sample D

Tier 3 Tier 2 cont’d

67.3% 53.8%

Page 13 September 2019

• Q6. Features of the Measure IV

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, “No Effect” = 0, “Somewhat Less Likely” = -1, and “Much Less Likely” = -2.

Somewhat More Likely Somewhat Less Likely Much Less Likely

• 2
• 1

1 2

• Q. Provide a high school aquatic complex with 50-meter

competition and warm-up pools

• N. Provide a gym for Cottonwood Creek Elementary

Schools

• S. Provide high school competition and warm-up pools
• C. Provide a high school performing arts theater
• 0.02

0.14 0.20 0.25

Much More Likely

Sample C Sample D

Tier 5 Tier 4

49.3% 40.2%

Page 14 September 2019

• Q7. Informational Statements I

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, and “No Effect” = 0.

1 2

• E. The measure will help relieve overcrowding at each of
• ur schools and limit increases to class sizes
• P. The measure includes a plan on a school by school

basis detailing how the money will be spent

• B. This measure requires citizens' oversight and reports

to the community to ensure the funds are spent as promised

• R. Building a new comprehensive high school campus on

the east side will relieve student overcrowding and save money

• C. By law, no money from this measure can be used for

administrator salaries

• A. Every penny from this measure will benefit local

schools, be controlled locally, and cannot be taken away by the State 1.24 1.28 1.29 1.29 1.30 1.32

No Effect Somewhat More Likely Much More Likely

Tier 1

73.6% 72.3% Sample A Sample B Sample C Sample D

Page 15 September 2019

• Q7. Informational Statements II

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, and “No Effect” = 0.

1 2

• M. The measure is not a tax increase, it just extends the

current rate

• N. east and West Dublin are continuing to grow, and

school enrollment is increasing. This measure will create a stable source of funds to help build classrooms, science labs and other school facilities to relieve student

• vercrowding
• F. This measure will help provide all Dublin students with

equal access to modern, high-quality educational

• facilities. All Dublin students will benefit from the measure

and receive their fair share of funding

• I. In the past, the State funded 40 percent of school

construction, but now leaves this entire responsibility to local communities. Without this measure, there are no resources available to improve or expand Dublin schools 1.16 1.16 1.19 1.19

No Effect Somewhat More Likely Much More Likely

Tier 1 cont’d

66.4% 66.7% Sample A Sample B Sample C Sample D

Page 16 September 2019

• Q7. Informational Statements III

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, and “No Effect” = 0.

1 2

• J. This measure would complete urgent updates and

upgrades at Dublin Elementary and Dougherty Elementary, two of Dublin's older schools

• Q. The Dublin Unified School District has completed

projects on time and on budget. The measure will continue that progress by funding the next phase of urgent improvements

• H. Completing a new high school on the east side will

reduce traffic and help solve neighborhood parking problems

• S. Every school and all students will benefit from this

measure

• G. This measure ensures that schools will be updated,

relieve overcrowding and meet current safety codes, even if the State fails to adequately fund our schools. 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16

No Effect Somewhat More Likely Much More Likely

Tier 1 Cont’d

70.4% 69.2% Sample A Sample B Sample C Sample D

Page 17 September 2019

• Q7. Informational Statements IV

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, and “No Effect” = 0.

1 2

• L. The measure completes the District's current facility

master plan

• K. Much of the cost of this measure will be offset by the

expiration of an existing bond. This measure is only an increase of $23 per $100,000 of assessed value per year

• D. The quality of local schools contributes to the value of
• ur homes. Good schools make our neighborhoods more

desirable and protect our property values

• O. Dublin's elementary, middle and high schools are

among the best in California. This measure will maintain student achievement and our tradition of academic excellence 0.89 1.02 1.09 1.11

No Effect Somewhat More Likely Much More Likely

Tier 2

63.9% 52.4% Sample A Sample B Sample C Sample D

Tier 3

Page 18 September 2019

• Q8. Interim Support for Bond Extension and

Increase

Sample A

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% March 2020 Initial Test March 2020 Interim Test 23.3% 32.7% 39.5% 34.8% 12.1% 11.0% 15.7% 13.2% 9.4% 8.3% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall the Dublin Unified School District

• construct and complete

schools to prevent

• vercrowding; and
• update aging classrooms

and science labs; by issuing $290 million dollars in bonds at legal interest rates, raising approximately $18.3 million dollars annually, with rates averaging $50 per $100,000 assessed value while bonds are outstanding, with citizen

• versight, annual audits, no

funds for administrator salaries, and all funds used for Dublin Unified School District schools?

62.8% 67.5%

Page 19 September 2019

• Q9. Interim Support for Bond Extension Only

Sample B

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% March 2020 Initial Test March 2020 Interim Test 33.9% 41.0% 28.6% 28.5% 11.0% 12.7% 20.1% 12.3% 6.4% 5.6% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall the Dublin Unified School District

• construct and complete

schools to prevent

• vercrowding; and
• update aging classrooms

and science labs; by issuing $151 million dollars in bonds at legal interest rates, raising approximately $9.7 million dollars annually, with rates averaging $27 per $100,000 assessed value while bonds are outstanding, with citizen

• versight, audits, no funds

for administrator salaries, and all funds for Dublin Unified School District schools?

62.5% 69.5%

Page 20 September 2019

• Q10. Critical Statements

March 2020 (n=458)

Note: The above rating questions have been abbreviated for charting purposes, and responses were recoded to calculate mean scores: “Much More Likely” = +2, “Somewhat More Likely” = +1, and “No Effect” = 0.

1 2

• B. Administrative and employee salaries, benefits and

pensions are out of control. We need to contain these costs before we look at increasing taxes

• C. If the School District managed the money better, they

would not need to raise taxes

• E. The District promised the last measure would build a

new high school east of Dougherty (Doort-ee) Road. We can't trust the District will do what is says with this money

• D. If we just stopped the developers from building more

houses, we wouldn't need to increase taxes to build new schools

• F. Money from this measure will go to build new schools

in east Dublin. They already have new schools and we should not have to pay for more east side projects

• A. Voters have passed millions of dollars in bonds and

parcel taxes to fund local schools and the State increased income and sales taxes on top of that. Enough is… 0.76 0.85 0.88 0.88 0.91 0.93

No Effect Somewhat More Likely Much More Likely

Tier 1

53.0% 43.7% TA Districts 1 & 2 TA Districts 3, 4 & 5

Page 21 September 2019

• Q11. Informed Support for Bond Extension and

Increase

Sample A

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% March 2020 Initial Test March 2020 Final Test 23.3% 26.8% 39.5% 34.9% 12.1% 13.5% 15.7% 14.7% 9.4% 10.1% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall the Dublin Unified School District

• construct and complete

schools to prevent

• vercrowding; and
• update aging classrooms

and science labs; by issuing $290 million dollars in bonds at legal interest rates, raising approximately $18.3 million dollars annually, with rates averaging $50 per $100,000 assessed value while bonds are outstanding, with citizen

• versight, annual audits, no

funds for administrator salaries, and all funds used for Dublin Unified School District schools?

62.8% 61.7%

Page 22 September 2019

• Q12. Informed Support for Bond Extension

Only

Sample B

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% March 2020 Initial Test March 2020 Final Test 33.9% 35.5% 28.6% 27.3% 11.0% 14.7% 20.1% 14.7% 6.4% 7.8% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall the Dublin Unified School District

• construct and complete

schools to prevent

• vercrowding; and
• update aging classrooms

and science labs; by issuing $151 million dollars in bonds at legal interest rates, raising approximately $9.7 million dollars annually, with rates averaging $27 per $100,000 assessed value while bonds are outstanding, with citizen

• versight, audits, no funds

for administrator salaries, and all funds for Dublin Unified School District schools?

62.5% 62.8%

Page 23 September 2019

Summary & Recommendations

➢ The survey revealed a base of community support for a bond measure in the Dublin Unified School District. ▪ Support for the $290 million measure in the March 2020 election was 62.8% on the uninformed test, 67.5% on the interim test and 61.7% on the informed test. ▪ Support for the $151 million measure in the March 2020 election was 62.5% on the uninformed test, 69.5% on the interim test and 62.8% on the informed test. ➢ Top tier features of the measure (listed below) illustrate resident priorities: ▪ Relieve overcrowding at Dublin High School. ▪ Protect the quality of academic instruction in core subjects like math, science, reading, and writing. ▪ Update classroom technology to support 21st century learning environment. ▪ Provide classrooms, science labs and computer labs to accommodate growing student enrollment and relieve overcrowding. ▪ Provide advanced instruction that prepares students for college and 21st century careers. ▪ Maintain small class sizes. ▪ Replace aging roofs and outdated heating and cooling systems for student safety and to improve energy efficiency.

Page 24 September 2019

Summary & Recommendations

➢ Key informational statements include: ▪ Every penny from this measure will benefit local schools, be controlled locally, and cannot be taken away by the State. ▪ By law, no money from this measure can be used for administrator salaries. ▪ Building a new comprehensive high school campus on the east side will relieve student

• vercrowding and save money.

▪ This measure requires citizens' oversight and reports to the community to ensure the funds are spent as promised. ▪ The measure includes a plan on a school by school basis detailing how the money will be spent. ▪ The measure will help relieve overcrowding at each of our schools and limit increases to class sizes. ▪ In the past, the State funded 40 percent of school construction, but now leaves this entire responsibility to local communities. Without this measure, there are no resources available to improve or expand Dublin schools. ▪ This measure will help provide all Dublin students with equal access to modern, high- quality educational facilities. All Dublin students will benefit from the measure and receive their fair share of funding.

Page 25 September 2019

Summary & Recommendations

➢ Given the survey findings and the 55 percent majority required for approval, TBWB and Godbe Research recommend that the Dublin Unified School District continue the process to prepare for a March 2020 bond measure election.

Page 26 September 2019

Page 27 September 2019

www.godberesearch.com

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