Lakeside Joint School District, California, School Parcel Tax Measure, Measure J (June 2016)

To preserve quality education for all students in Lakeside Joint School District, maintain specialized training for teachers, provide comprehensive science programs, update classroom technology, and protect quality academic programs for elementary and middle school students, shall the Lakeside Joint School District be authorized to implement an annual education parcel tax of $820 for ten years, with citizens’ oversight, exemptions available for senior citizens, no funds for administrators’ salaries, every dollar spent on students and cannot be taken away by the State?^[2]

A school district may levy a qualified special tax upon approval by two-thirds of the votes cast on a measure pursuant to section 4 of article XIIIA of the California Constitution and sections 50075 et seq. of the California Government Code.

The Board of Trustees (Board) for the Lakeside Joint School District (District) proposes replacing an existing parcel tax with a new parcel tax. If approved, the new parcel tax will be levied in the amount of $820 per parcel per year commencing on July 1, 2016 and expiring on June 30, 2026. The existing parcel tax, which would be replaced if the Measure is approved, is levied at $311 per parcel per year.

An exemption from the proposed tax is available for any parcel that is an owner-occupied, single-family residence for (1) a person 65 years or older on or before June 30,2016; (2) a person receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability regardless of age; or (3) a person receiving Social Security Disability benefits whose yearly income does not exceed 250 percent of the 2012 federal poverty guidelines issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The Measure states that persons currently exempted from the existing parcel tax shall automatically be exempted from the renewed parcel tax without a new application.

State law requires the District to state the specific purposes for which the tax proceeds will be used and only spend the proceeds of the tax for these purposes. The stated purposes of the tax proposed are to: (1) protect core educational programs including English, math and science; (2) provide comprehensive education for all students; (3) provide updated computers and learning technology; (4) retain high-quality teachers. The Measure states that revenue generated by the tax will not be used for District administrators' salaries, benefits, or pensions.

The District is required by law to provide additional accountability measures for the proceeds. These measures include: (1) depositing the proceeds into a fund that is separate and apart from other District funds; and (2) providing an annual written report to 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 maintain its existing Citizens' Oversight Committee to provide oversight as to expenditures of parcel tax revenues.

Measure J was placed on the ballot by the Board.

A "yes" vote is a vote to approve a parcel tax of $820 per parcel on parcels within the District for ten years commencing on July 1,2016.

A "no" vote is a vote to not approve a parcel tax of $820 per parcel on parcels within the District for ten years commencing on July 7,2016. ^[2]

VOTE YES on Measure J to preserve the outstanding education our children receive at Lakeside School.

For over 130 years, Lakeside has provided the children of our community with an exceptional education. Today, Lakeside's students are in the top 5% in statewide test scores, continuing the long tradition of developing strong academic and leadership skills in a small school setting. Lakeside's excellent reputation enhances oùr property values by bringing in new families to our mountain community.

Exceptional teachers, challenging instructional programs, manageable class sizes, dedicated parent volunteers, and rigorous science, math, and reading curricula have prepared generations to succeed in high school, college, and careers. We want that legacy to continue.

Unfortunately, years of state budget cuts and unfunded mandates threaten our Lakeside School. Measure J protects core academics and ensures that Lakeside students are prepared for success in high school and beyond.

Measure J will preserve:

• Quality academic programs for elementary and middle school students
• Specialized training for teachers
• Comprehensive science programs
• Classroom technology to provide 21st century skills
• Safe,well-maintained facilities
• Manageable class sizes
• Funding for arts, PE and other enrichment programs

Without Measure J, Lakeside will need to make deep cuts to academic programs.

Measure J requires strict taxpayer protections:

• Seniors are eligible for an exemption
• No funds can be taken by the State
• No funds for administrator salaries
• Every penny stays local to benefit our children
• Citizens' Oversight Committee ensures funds are spent as promised

Measure J lasts for ten years only and cannot be extended without a new vote.

Whether or not you have school aged children, protecting the quality of our local schools is a wise investment. Good schools protect our property values and community.

Please join community leaders, seniors, parents, teachers and residents from every Lakeside neighborhood and Vote yes on Measure J! ^[2]

This latest parcel tax tries to use the state budget crisis to grab unearned money. Lakeside Joint School District wants to extend (read: increase) the 2010 parcel tax of $311 per year for another 10 years-a year before its scheduled expiration in 2017.

And they want a whopping increase to $820 per parcel to replace the existing parcel tax.

Have they earned that 2.6 times increase to $820 per parcel?

Let's look at student test scores for English learners attaining English proficiency:

• 2011-12 school year results: 45.1%
• 2012-13 school year results:47%
• 2013-14 school year results: 49%

(Source: www.Ed-Data.org/district/Santa-Clara/lakeside-joint)

That's a dismal 51% who have failed to achieve English proficiency!

Should you, a voter and customer, reward a 51% failure rate with a pay increase?

lf you answered "no," we encourage you to vote NO on Measure J.

The statewide average expense per student is $8,788/year versus Lakeside Joint School District's $19,495-222% above average. Yet, they want more of your hard-earned money to pad their above- average salaries and fat pension plans.

The measure says none of the funds will be used for administration. But, funds generated outside of this parcel tax can be used for administration expenses without limits. So, that is really an empty promise. Do not be fooled.

Tell Lakeside Joint School District board to be financially responsible: vote NO on J.^[2]