Tuesday's JUHSD Board Meeting: The Parcel Tax Rides Again

The New Parcel Tax

The Jefferson Unified High School District Board Meeting started with continued discussion of the  that voters killed in November and a proposed second try at getting the tax passed.

At its last meeting on Jan. 18 the school board discussed, under direction from Gail Hendrick, a representative from Dale Scott and Company, the favorable aspects of two proposed dates, May 3 and May 17, for another vote of the public on the issue.

At yesterday's meeting, Dale Scott himself read proposed ballot language to the board, emphasizing the 75-word limit on the measure’s description.  Thomas Nuris, a board member, wanted to add language about extracurriculars because they “broaden and enrich their [students'] experience.” After several minutes, the board had made appropriate changes to the text, adding an emphasis to the fact that money raised by this tax could be used for athletics and the arts.

Next, the board had to choose a dates for the election. The pros and cons of each were discussed (see attached).

On first glance, most board members felt strongly favored May 17. Scott concurred. Laurie Frater, board member, questioned whether this date was best because the measure would share a ballot with other issues. Maria Luna, another board member, opened the subject to a public hearing.

Comments came from two members of the audience. They were concerned that people might just throw the ballots away over frustration to the inundation of mailings leading up to another mail-in ballot for educational issues in June. May 17 will be too close to to that vote, they said.

Scott spoke to these concerns.

“Committed voters vote," he said. "They may grumble about it, but they vote. The least likely voter is our most likely supporter.”

Katherine Dulany, board member, felt that the May 17 date would be better because it was closer to the June election, which will be based on education issues. Frater countered that the May 3 vote would separate the district’s issue and confine it to a specific audience and thus get more votes. Nuris, however, reiterated that time is valuable, and that the May 17 date is the best choice because “more votes may invite less educated voters, those who only see this as a tax.”

With an opening motion for the May 3 date, Frater and Maysiak voted yes; Dulany and Nuris voted against, leaving Luna as the decider. She voted for May 3.

Voters must mail in their ballots with their votes on the parcel tax, which will be identical to Measure P in terms of cost to property owners. 

This measure, if passed, would levy a $96 tax on every parcel of land--residential or commercial--within the school district, Pacifica included. Multifamily property, such as apartment buildings, would be counted as many parcels as there are units up to five. Any property with five or more units will be counted as five parcels. Seniors can apply for exemption from this tax and properties that do not pay property tax, such as church grounds, are also exempt. The measure also mandates that the revenue gathered through the tax be spent under the watch of a independent citizens' oversight committee. Revenue raised through the tax would be used to restore core and other programs at schools, reduce class sizes, make teacher pay more competitive and bolster athletics and arts programs. It needs a two-thirds majority to pass. 

Further Issues Discussed at the Meeting

• Steve Fuentes, Associate Superintendent of Business, spoke about the bond election expenditure report, introducing Robert Devine, project manager, to board and presenting a PowerPoint project of all the repairs and pending projects in the district.

Spent and committed funds are just under $92 million, leaving the district with a balance of almost $4.5 million positive in its budget. Fuentes assured the board that the leftover funds will, more than likely, be used for “unexpected” expenses like projects that go over budget.

• Mike Crilly discussed policy revisions including a no drug and/or alcohol clause for teachers and administrators. No alcohol and/or drugs can be used while working or during anything related to school off campus. 

Policy about bullying and cyber-bullying were revised to be more modern, including changing the rule about no phones on campus with cameras.  Also, if someone engages in a social conversation on a network that could create a dangerous situation at school like a fight or threats, the school can take appropriate action.

The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15. The school board welcomes the public; please come to the meetings to show your support for our local schools.