|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Measure J?
Measure J is a parcel tax measure on the March 2, 2004 ballot for voters in the West Contra Costa Unified School District.
Who placed this measure on the ballot?
The measure was placed on the ballot by a 5-0 vote of the West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Education.
Why did the school board place the measure on the ballot?
The district’s costs have risen while income has not, causing a shortfall in funds and resulting in cuts to academic programs and services. For the coming school year, the district is projecting a deficit of close to $23 million if Measure J and state Propositions 57 and 58 fail.
What are Propositions 57 and 58?
Information on all state propositions is available from the Secretary of State at http://www.voterguide.ss.ca.gov/propositions/propositions.html.
How will programs be impacted by the budget cuts?
The school board has not yet voted on what will be cut. The board is expected to act once the outcome of the election is known and it knows how much needs to be cut from the budget. The board has, however, been given a list of cuts that would for many students mean fewer class offerings, shorter school days, and larger classes. Other services, such as library, police, counseling, custodial and gardening, are on the proposed list at this writing. It is proposed that some principals be responsible for more than one school.
How much money would Measure J raise for the school district?
Passage of Measure J would raise $7.5 million a year for the school district.
How much of the district's revenue comes from local sources?
Three percent. (The statewide average is 7 percent)
How much will Measure J cost property owners?
The annual parcel tax would be 6.8 cents per square foot of total building area on each parcel of taxable real property within the district. If the building area is 1000 square feet, for example, the cost would be $68 for the year, or a little less than $6 per month. The annual cost for an unimproved parcel of taxable real property would be $6.80 cents.
Do seniors have to pay the tax?
Any single family residential parcel or multi-family dwelling unit owned and occupied by one or more persons 65 or older would be exempted, upon annual application to the district for exemption.
What would the proceeds from Measure J be spent for?
The funds must be spent for:
- Maintaining reduced class sizes for kindergarten through third grade;
- Purchasing textbooks and teaching materials;
- Attracting and retaining qualified teachers, aides and counselors;
- Enhancing core subjects including reading, writing, mathematics and science, and
- Improving custodial service to keep bathrooms and other facilities clean and in good condition.
How will expenditure of Measure J funds be monitored?
Under terms of the measure, the funds must be spent on the items above. In addition, the measure calls for an annual independent financial audit which will be made public, including by posting on the district's website.
How many years would the tax be collected?
The tax would be collected for five years.
How many votes will it take for the measure to pass?
Passage of the measure requires a two-thirds vote.
Additional resources:
Board resolution establishing Measure J election
Budget information
State proposition information from the Secretary of State
County Elections Department
Measure J Voter Information Pamphlet
Look up your polling place |
