Politics & Government
Vote On Schools Parcel Tax: Measure Y
JUHSD voters will decide on whether to direct a local revenue stream to district high schools. After two attempts to pass a similar tax in recent years, is the third time a charm?
At tomorrow’s election, voters will choose whether to support a $48 education parcel tax for Jefferson Union High School District. The measure would apply to the district’s five high schools, including Oceana and Terra Nova.
The JUHSD Board of Trustees say the purposes of the tax are the improvement of academic programs, preparing students for “high-tech 21st Century jobs,” and supporting educationally at-risk students.
In light of recent budget cuts for public education across California, the JUHSD Board hopes this measure would provide a local revenue stream “that will not be taken away by the state.”
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Though there is no ballot argument against measure Y, its opponents have questioned whether the extra funds will go toward teachers’ and administrators’ pensions and salaries. Yet the county’s analysis of the initiative states that proceeds will be used only for the purposes listed above “and no proceeds from the tax may be used for administrators’ salaries.”
Proponents of the measure include county Board of Supervisors president Adrienne Tissier, Assemblymember Jerry Hill, and all members of Pacifica’s City Council.
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If the measure receives at least a two-thirds vote, it will pass and become effective this coming July through June 2016. Homeowners aged 65 and older would be eligible for exemption for their primary residence.
This spring, Patch asked what you thought of Measure Y. At that time, 47 percent of those who responded supported it and 51 percent were against it. With election day right around the corner, let us know whether you plan to vote for the tax tomorrow, and tell us why in the comments.
