MOUNTAIN VIEW WHISMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Important Facts about our Expiring School Parcel Tax

Fact #1: Student achievement is on the rise in Mountain View Whisman schools.

Because of our exceptional teachers, small class sizes, innovative educational programs, and the strong support our schools receive from parents and the community, student test scores and achievement in our local elementary and middle schools are improving.

Fact #2: The parcel tax has provided stable funding for local schools.

In March 2004, 69.9% of local voters approved Measure J, a parcel tax that provides approximately $1.7 million in stable local funding for our schools each year. This stable source of local funding has helped our schools to weather fluctuations in the economy and state funding for schools.

Fact #3: Parcel tax funds protect core programs.

Funds from the parcel tax have been used to prevent increases in class sizes, retain qualified and experienced teachers, provide music and art education, keep school libraries open and protect core educational programs from budget cuts.

Fact #4: Parcel tax funding is set to expire.

The parcel tax funding created by Measure J is set to expire in March 2009. If we let the parcel tax expire, our schools will lose $1.7 million in annual funding. Cuts of this magnitude would have a significant impact on the quality of our schools, and our district will be forced to: increase class sizes, cut support for school libraries, reduce music and art education and implement other program and staff reductions.

Fact #5: An Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee has endorsed the use of funds.

An Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee has carefully reviewed the use of parcel tax proceeds since approved by voters and reported that the funds have been spent as promised.

Fact #6: MVWSD is planning a parcel tax renewal for the June ballot .

In an effort to maintain the quality of local schools, the Board of Education and administration are currently considering options for ensuring that this important funding continues. A recent public opinion survey commissioned by the District indicates that over 75% of local voters support an eight-year renewal and increase of the parcel tax.

Q: Specifically, what does the parcel tax currently fund?

A: The $1.7 million provided by the parcel tax funds:

• School libraries
• Small class sizes
• Teacher retention
• Outdoor education
• Music and arts programs
• Student leadership classes
• Support for English language learners
• After-school sports programs and more

Q: How much do taxpayers currently pay?

A: The amount a taxpayer pays depends on the size of the property. Most homeowners pay the base rate of $75. The maximum any taxpayer currently pays is $600 per parcel. Following are the current rates:

Q: Is MVWSD considering an increase in the parcel tax? If so, how much?

A: In order to account for the impact of inflation, the rising cost of providing educational programs, and new educational priorities, the District is considering an increase to the tax rate. The proposed tax measure would result in the following rate increases:

Q: How much will this increase generate and what will it fund?

A: The proposed increase will provide approximately $1.2 million additional revenue for elementary and middle schools (in addition to the $1.7 million generated by the current tax). This funding will allow schools to:

• Account for the impact of inflation
• Help prevent cuts resulting from the state budget crises
• Reduce class sizes
• Expand after school programs and instructional time for students, including programs for students struggling with the basics
• Improve Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) for high achieving students
• Enhance recruitment and retention of teachers with high demand skills and credentials