Los Gatos Union School District, California, Parcel Tax, Measure A (May 2017)

To maintain outstanding academic programs including: science, engineering, math, reading, writing, music and arts with local funding that cannot be taken by the State; attract and retain highly qualified teachers; provide safe and modern facilities for student success; shall Los Gatos Union School District authorize an annual $290 school parcel tax for 8 years, raising approximately $2,800,000 annually, with independent oversight, no funds for administrators, an exemption available for seniors and all funds benefiting local elementary and middle schools?^[2]

Measure A was placed on the ballot by the Board of Trustees (Board) for the Los Gatos Union School District (District). The Board proposes a school parcel tax, of $290 per parcel per year. The proposed tax will supplement the qualified special tax authorized by voters as "Measure B" on May 7, 2013. If the proposed tax is approved, an additional tax of $290 per parcel per year will be collected beginning on July 1, 2017. This proposed tax will expire, and collection will end, eight years later.

For the District to impose the proposed tax, Measure A must be approved by at least two-thirds of those voting on it.

There are exemptions from the proposed tax. Upon application, the District may grant an exemption for any parcel that is owner-occupied as a principal residence for: (1) a person 65 years or older; or (2) a person receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability regardless of age. Parcels that would otherwise be exempt from property tax will also be exempt from the proposed tax.

State law requires the District to state the specific purposes for which the tax proceeds will be used and to only spend the proceeds of the tax for these purposes. The stated purposes of the proposed tax are to: (1) maintain outstanding academic programs including science, engineering, math, reading, writing, music and arts with local funding that cannot be taken by the State; (2) attract and retain highly qualified teachers; and, (3) provide safe and modern facilities for student success. No funds may be used for administrator salaries.

The District is also required to provide additional accountability measures for the proceeds. These measures include: (1) depositing the proceeds into a fund that is separate from other District funds; and (2) filing an annual written report with the Board stating the amount of funds collected and expended, and the status of any project authorized to be funded from the tax proceeds. The Board will also appoint or designate an advisory citizen's committee to provide oversight of expenditures of the tax proceeds.

Under state law, the District has an appropriations limit. The Board will adjust the District's appropriations limit as necessary to permit the proceeds of the proposed tax to be spent. The Board will reduce this tax if it has the unintended effect of decreasing or offsetting local, state or federal government funding that would otherwise be available to the District.

A "yes" vote is a vote to approve a parcel tax of $290 per parcel for eight years.

A "no" vote is a vote to not approve the parcel tax.^[2]

We know that good schools make our community a desirable place to live, and that by keeping our schools strong, we protect high property values in our neighborhoods. That's why Los Gatos and Monte Sereno voters have supported an entire generation of students with voter-approved, local funding that cannot be taken away by the State. This funding has maintained the outstanding education we've come to expect in Los Gatos Union School District, but we need Measure A to keep pace in the 21st Century.

In the heart of the Silicon Valley, our schools should provide innovative programs in science, technology and engineering so local students can excel now and in the future.

Measure A will maintain outstanding core academic programs and enhance classroom programs in science, technology, mathematics, engineering and digital arts. It will also attract and retain highly qualified teachers, maintaining award-winning academic instruction in LGUSD classrooms.

Every single penny of Measure A will be spent right here in local schools and nothing can be taken by the State or federal government.

Vote Yes on A

• Maintain and enhance outstanding academic programs including: science, engineering, math, reading, arts, music and writing
• Attract and retain highly qualified teachers
• Prepare students for success at top-notch local high schools
• Support innovative science programs
• Provide safe and modern facilities for student success

Local Control Keeps Funding in Local Classrooms

• Every penny stays in local schools; funds cannot be taken by the State
• Independent oversight and annual reports are required
• No funds can be used for administrators' salaries
• Senior citizen homeowners are eligible for an exemption
• Expires in eight years

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