Portola Valley Elementary School District: 2017 Revenue Measure Feasibility Survey October 25, 2017 Page 1
Overview and Research Objectives Portola Valley Elementary 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 and effectively managing public funds; Assess potential voter support for bond measures to repair and improve aging schools to protect quality academic instruction with funding that cannot be taken by the State; Prioritize projects and programs to be funded with the proceeds; Test the influence of supporting and opposing arguments on potential voter support; Identify the rate at which voters will support the measure; and Identify any differences in voter support due to demographic and/or voter behavioral characteristics. Page 2
Methodology Overview Data Collection Universe Landline, cell phone, text to online, and email to online interviewing 3,252 likely November 2018 voters in the Portola Valley Elementary School District, with a subsample of those likely to vote in the June 2018 election (2,232). Fielding Dates September 23 through October 4, 2017 Interview Length Sample Size Margin of Error 23 minutes 254 Likely November 2018 voters 153 Likely June 2018 voters (n=59 Landline, n=56 Cell Phone, n=16 Online from email, n=123 Online from text) ± 5.90% Likely November 2018 voters ± 7.65% Likely June 2018 voters The data have been weighted to reflect the actual population characteristics of likely voters in the Portola Valley Elementary School District in terms of their gender, age, and political party type. Page 3
Key Findings Page 4
Opinion on Whether PVESD is Providing a Quality Education / November 2018 (n=254) Not sure 24.3% Very Unfavorable 0.9% Very Favorable 39.0% Somewhat Unfavorable 7.3% Somewhat Favorable 28.5% Total Favorable = 67.4% Total Unfavorable = 8.3% Ratio Fav to Unfav = 8.2 Page 5
Opinion on Whether PVESD is Effectively Managing Public Funds / November 2018 (n=254) Not sure 38.3% Very Favorable 16.0% Somewhat Favorable 26.8% Very Unfavorable 4.2% Somewhat Unfavorable 14.7% Total Favorable = 42.8% Total Unfavorable = 18.9% Ratio Fav to Unfav = 2.3 Page 6
Uninformed Support for $40M Bond Measure November 2018 (n=254) November 2018 54.8% 23.7% 31.1% 14.1% 19.0% 12.0% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To repair aging schools to protect quality academic instruction with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Portola Valley Elementary School District: repair, replace, and add new classrooms for math, science, reading, writing, and technology instruction. replace leaking roofs, renovate and replace aging restrooms, build new science classrooms, and acquire, repair, construct classrooms, equipment, sites and facilities, by issuing $40 million dollars in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizens oversight, no money for administrators, and all funds staying local? Page 7
Support for Different Rates November 2018 (n=254) 41.9% 42.4% 48.3% 53.1% 55% 23.6% Probably Yes 23.8% Definitely Yes 23.9% 22.6% 18.0% 19.8% 24.5% 29.5% 0% $54 $45 $36 $27 Annual Tax per $100,000 Page 8
Features of the Measure November 2018 (n=254) H. Repair and replace aging and leaking roofs L. Protect the quality of academic instruction in core 0.93 0.85 68.6% Tier 1 I. Replace outdated electrical, heating and air 0.71 K. Upgrade outdated fire alarm systems 0.68 P. Update electrical wiring and wireless networks to B. Build new science classrooms G. Repair and update outdated classrooms E. Upgrade classroom computers and instructional C. Renovate and replace aging restrooms D. Build new music classrooms and facilities A. Construct new classrooms J. Upgrade outdated security alarms, cameras, classroom M. Repair and reconfigure sidewalks, parking areas and 0.68 0.65 0.56 0.56 0.54 0.30 0.26 0.25 0.20 Tier 2 Tier 3 O. Update playgrounds, play equipment and play 0.16 N. Renovate existing gym and multi-use facilities and add F. Make outdoor classroom improvements including -0.21 0.00 28.4% T-4 T-5-2 -1 0 1 2 Somewhat Somewhat Less Likely More Likely Much Less Likely Much More Likely 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. Page 9
Influence of Informational Statements November 2018 (n=254) A. Every penny from these measures will benefit local schools, be controlled locally, and cannot be taken D. These measures require independent citizens' oversight and reports to the community to ensure the B. The measures will upgrade classrooms and educational facilities to meet current health and safety codes G. Repairing and replacing old buildings and aging heating systems, cutting utility bills, and other bond- H. Portola Valley Elementary School District is proud to have award-winning schools. These measures protect C. None of the money from these measures can be used to increase salaries, benefits or pensions for J. The local residents will have access to the updated facilities, including music facilities, multipurpose F. The school facilities funded by these measures are essential to building a strong academic foundation. E. Good schools make our neighborhoods more desirable and support our property values I. These measures will support 21st century learning at all schools 1.04 0.93 0.89 0.88 0.85 0.84 0.81 0.78 0.76 0.66 63.5% 42.3% Tier 1 Tier 2 0 1 2 No Effect Somewhat Much More More Likely Likely 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. Page 10
Interim Support for $40M Bond Measure November 2018 (n=254) Nov 2018 Interim Test Nov 2018 Initial Test 22.2% 23.7% 55.2% 54.8% 33.0% 31.1% 13.6% 14.1% 20.6% 19.0% 10.6% 12.0% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To repair aging schools to protect quality academic instruction with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Portola Valley Elementary School District: repair, replace, and add new classrooms for math, science, reading, writing, and technology instruction. replace leaking roofs, renovate and replace aging restrooms, build new science classrooms, and acquire, repair, construct classrooms, equipment, sites and facilities, by issuing $40 million dollars in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizens oversight, no money for administrators, and all funds staying local? Page 11
Informed Support for $40M Bond Measure November 2018 (n=254) Nov 2018 Final Test Nov 2018 Initial Test 23.3% 23.7% 50.9% 54.8% 27.6% 31.1% 14.2% 14.1% 22.6% 19.0% 12.2% 12.0% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No DK/NA To repair aging schools to protect quality academic instruction with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Portola Valley Elementary School District: repair, replace, and add new classrooms for math, science, reading, writing, and technology instruction. replace leaking roofs, renovate and replace aging restrooms, build new science classrooms, and acquire, repair, construct classrooms, equipment, sites and facilities, by issuing $40 million dollars in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizens oversight, no money for administrators, and all funds staying local? Page 12
Summary & Recommendations The survey revealed a base of voter support for a single bond measure. Support for a $40 million dollar measure in the November 2018 election was 54.8% on the uninformed test, 55.2% on the interim test and 50.9% on the informed test for November 2018. The tax rate analysis suggests that a single bond priced below $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation has the best chance of success. Top tier features of the measure (listed below) suggest that some of the items in the ballot question could be revised to increase support. Repair and replace aging and leaking roofs. Protect the quality of academic instruction in core subjects like math, science, reading, and writing. Replace outdated electrical, heating and air conditioning systems. Upgrade outdated fire alarm systems. Update electrical wiring and wireless networks to support new classroom computers and instructional technology. Build new science classrooms. Repair and update outdated classrooms. Page 13
Summary & Recommendations Top tier informational statements (listed below) are important to voters. Every penny from these measures will benefit local schools, be controlled locally, and cannot be taken away by the state. These measures require independent citizens' oversight and reports to the community to ensure the funds are spent as promised. The measures will upgrade classrooms and educational facilities to meet current health and safety codes. Repairing and replacing old buildings and aging heating systems, cutting utility bills, and other bond-funded projects will save money on utilities that can be used for classroom programs. Given the survey findings, the 55 percent majority required for approval, Godbe Research recommends that the Portola Valley Elementary School District continue the process to prepare for a November 2018 single bond measure election. Part of the preparation must include substantial community conversations and outreach and should include a tracking survey in June or July to determine final feasibility. Page 14
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