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

* Text of measure
* Ballot question
* Impartial analysis
* Support
* Official argument
* Opposition
* Official argument
* Path to the ballot
* See also
* External links
* Footnotes
* More
* Local ballot measures
* State ballot measures
* Local politics

Measure J: Lakeside Joint School District School Parcel Tax Measure

The basics
Election date:
June 7, 2016
Status:
d Defeated
Majority required:
66.67%
Topic:
California parcel tax
Amount: $820 per parcel
Expires in: 10 years
Related articles
California parcel tax on the ballot

* * *

June 7, 2016 ballot measures in California

* * *

Multiple County, California ballot measures

* * *

Local school tax on the ballot
See also
Lakeside Joint School District, California

A measure to issue a school parcel tax was on the ballot for Lakeside Joint School District voters in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, California, on June 7, 2016. It was defeated.

| A yes vote was a vote in favor of implementing an annual parcel tax of $820 per parcel for ten years to fund schools.

|

| A no vote was a vote against implementing the parcel tax.

|

A two-thirds (66.67 percent) supermajority vote was required for the approval of Measure J.

## Contents

* 1 Election results
* 2 Text of measure
* 2.1 Ballot question
* 2.2 Impartial anaylses
* 2.3 Full text
* 3 Support
* 3.1 Supporters
* 3.2 Arguments in favor
* 3.2.1 Official argument
* 4 Opposition
* 4.1 Opponents
* 4.2 Arguments against
* 4.2.1 Official argument
* 5 Path to the ballot
* 6 Recent news
* 7 See also
* 8 External links
* 9 Footnotes

## Election results

Lakeside Joint School District, Measure J

Result| Votes| Percentage
d No| 321| 34.74%
Yes|  603|  65.26%

Election results from Santa Clara County Elections Office and Santa Cruz County Elections Office

## Text of measure[edit]

### Ballot question[edit]

The following question appeared on the ballot:[1]

“  |

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]

| ”

|
|

### Impartial anaylses[edit]

The following impartial analysis of the measure was prepared by the office of the Santa Clara County Counsel:

“  |

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]

| ”

|
|

—Santa Clara County Counsel[3]

The impartial analysis prepared for Measure J by the Santa Cruz County Counsel is below:

Show more

“  |

If this measure is approved by at least two-thirds of those voting on it, the Lakeside Joint School District (“the School District”) will be authorized to levy a special tax on real property.

The tax will be imposed for ten years beginning July 1, 2016, at the rate of $820 per year on each parcel within the School District. The first year it will replace the previously approved parcel tax of $311 in what would have been its final year.

The proceeds of the special tax, if approved, may be applied only to the purposes set out in the full text of Measure J which is printed in this pamphlet. It may not be used for administrators’ salaries, benefits or pensions.

In accordance with State law, the measure includes accountability procedures. The School District would create a separate account into which the proceeds of the special tax shall be deposited. An annual written report would show the amount of the special taxes which have been collected and expended, and the status of projects to be funded from those proceeds.

The School District also would maintain a Citizens’ Oversight Committee to provide oversight as to the expenditure of parcel tax revenues.

The special parcel tax is to be collected in the same manner as those property taxes which are based upon property value.

Property owners whose property is used solely for owner-occupied, single family residential purposes and who are 65 years of age or older, or who meet other criteria regardless of age, may obtain an exemption from the parcel tax by applying to the School District. Owners who currently receive an exemption from the School District’s existing Measure C parcel tax of $311 will not need to file a new application for exemption. The School District may establish procedures to verify the continued qualification of an exemption. Owners of contiguous parcels meeting specified criteria may also apply to the District to have them treated as a single parcel for purposes of the tax.

The School District Board of Trustees proposes to reduce this parcel tax if it should develop that it has an unintended effect of decreasing or offsetting local, state or federal government funding sources that would otherwise be available to the School District.

This measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Trustees of the Lakeside Joint School District.

A “yes” vote is to approve imposition of the special parcel tax.

A “no” vote is against imposition of the special parcel tax."[2]

| ”

|
|

—Santa Cruz County Counsel[4]

### Full text[edit]

The full text of the measure is available here.

## Support[edit]

### Supporters[edit]

The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of the measure:[3]

* Mert Parsons, community resident
* Barbara Harriman, community resident
* Glenn S. Charbonneau, community resident
* Bill Norquist, community resident
* Leon H. Milburn, retired school board member

### Arguments in favor[edit]

#### Official argument[edit]

The following official argument was submitted in favor of the measure:[3]

“  |

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]

| ”

|
|

## Opposition[edit]

### Opponents[edit]

Mark W.A. Hinkle, president of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, signed the official argument against the measure.[3]

### Arguments against[edit]

#### Official argument[edit]

The following official argument was submitted in opposition to the measure:[3]

“  |

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]

| ”

|
|

## Path to the ballot[edit]

See also: Laws governing local ballot measures in California

This measure was put on the ballot through a vote of the governing officials of Lakeside Joint School District, California.

## Recent news[edit]

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Lakeside Joint School District California parcel tax Measure J. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

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

## See also[edit]

Local measures

* Local measures in 2016
* California parcel tax on the ballot
* Local school tax on the ballot
* Santa Clara County measures
* Parcel tax
* Santa Cruz County measures

California

* June 7, 2016 measures in California
* Local ballot measures, California
* Lakeside Joint School District, California
* Parcel tax elections in California

News and analysis

* State and local preemption conflicts
* Measures advancing national agendas

|
|

## External links[edit]

| Suggest a link

|

* Santa Clara County Elections Office website

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Santa Clara County, California, "List of Local Measures," March 30, 2016
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Santa Clara County Elections Office, "June 7th Primary Measures - Analyses and Arguments," accessed April 21, 2016
4. ↑ Santa Cruz County Elections Office, "Local measures on June 7, 2016 Ballot," accessed April 28, 2016

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