Election - June 4, 2014

San Mateo County


Measure B:

Parcel tax of $150 for Cabrillo Unified School DPistrict


Without increasing the current tax rate and to continue student achievement in Coastside elementary, middle, and high schools by preserving strong science, math, reading and writing programs; retaining qualified teachers and staff; maintaining updated classroom technology; and keeping all district schools open, shall Cabrillo Unified School District renew its expiring $150 education parcel tax for five years with citizen oversight, a senior citizen exemption, no funds for administrators' salaries, and all funds staying in Coastside schools?


SVTA recommends a NO vote against Measure B.

Here's why:

 

Cabrillo Unified School District used 2010's state budget crisis to persuade us to pass the existing $150 parcel tax, promising the burden would end in 2015. Promise broken! The crisis is over, yet we're still paying the tax and they're already asking to keep it. They want it to last another 5 years!

Homeowners already feel the pinch of the downturn and inflation. San Francisco and San Mateo counties tie for least affordable in the state - with only 17% of people able to buy homes there (California Association of Realtors).

With San Mateo County's official unemployment rate rose since December and the real rate - counting people who have stopped looking for work - is even higher.

Measure B will increase everyone's housing cost (except the few senior homeowners who remember, annually, to file for their exemption), hurting the unemployed the worst. Remember: renters' cost rise when their landlords' costs rise.

Consider:

Student enrollment 3,324 in year 2012/13

3,317 in year 2011/12 - virtually flat

Number of teachers 148 in year 2011/2012

159 in year 2010/2011 - down 6.91%

Source: Education Data Partnership

In 2010, they promised the tax was going to retain qualified teachers yet the number of teachers has declined. Did only unqualified teachers leave?

With fewer teachers, shouldn't expenses be down? Doesn't matter: the District wants more money - while enrollment is virtually flat.

Cabrillo Unified School District says these funds won't go for administration. Another empty promise: Any funds generated outside this parcel tax can simply be shifted to administration without limit. Don't be fooled by this shell game.

Everywhere families' budgets are sinking - why not also at Cabrillo Unified School District?

Cabrillo Unified School District already spends $10,318/year per student. That's over 1/4 million dollars for a class of 25.

Teach Cabrillo Unified School District's board to be financially responsible. Vote No on Measure B.


VOTE N-O
on
MEASURE B
!

You may read the Full Text, Arguments, Rebuttal Arguments, and Impartial Analysis of Measure A
at the web site of the County Elections Office: here
.




Paid for by the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association PAC.

 


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