Measure R - Parcel Tax

Background

Owners of property located in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District support local elementary schools through the payment of an annual parcel tax.  The District parcel tax is intended to protect math, science, reading, and writing programs; support school libraries; attract and retain qualified teachers; and maintain a well-rounded curriculum, including music and art.

The current parcel tax (Measure R) was approved by District voters on November 5, 2013, by a vote of 5,551 (72%) “Yes” to 2,161 (28.0%) “No.”  The Parcel Tax is set at a rate of $174 per year per parcel on taxable parcels in the District.

Prior to the passage of Measure R, the District had two parcel taxes approved in 2004 (Measure G) and 2008 (Measure U). The 2004 tax expired on June 30, 2015, and the 2008 tax was set to expire June 30, 2016, but Measure R renewed and extended a replacement tax for ten years beginning July 1, 2015.

Measure R Ballot Language

To maintain academic excellence by protecting and enhancing reading, writing, math and science programs, supporting school libraries, attracting and retaining qualified teachers, and maintaining a well-rounded curriculum, including music and art, and supporting technology upgrades, the Belmont - Redwood Shores Elementary School District proposes to renew and extend its two existing core academic programs parcel taxes, without increasing the current tax rate, for a period of ten years from July 1, 2015. If approved by the voters, the combined education parcel tax shall remain the same as is currently collected, namely $174 per year assessed against each Parcel located within the Belmont - Redwood Shores Elementary School District, with an exemption for senior citizens and recipients of SSI for a disability and to implement strict accountability measures in connection with the temporary levy that are over and above those required by law, including the appointment of an independent citizen oversight committee to provide oversight and accountability to ensure the funds are used to:

• Protect math, science, reading, and writing programs;

• Support school libraries

• Attract and retain qualified teachers, and

• Maintain well-rounded curriculum, including music and art

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ANY OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE EDUCATIONAL SPECIAL TAX BE USED FOR ADMINISTRATORS' SALARIES OR BENEFITS.

The proceeds of the education parcel tax shall be deposited into a separate account created by the District.