Castro Valley Unified School District

Measure I - 2/3 Approval Required

Parcel taxes allow the District to establish and maintain its excellent programs and staff during times of great uncertainty around state funding.

The purpose of this Measure "I " is to continue the tradition of support in a measure with a six (6) year term, which will provide the District and its taxpayers both stability and predictability in base parcel tax support.

All Available Revenue will go towards the programs and purposes listed above. "Available Revenue" is defined as money remaining after the deduction of the Measure's revenues to pay for the following: the cost of the parcel tax election, authorized charges by the county or city related to the tax, payment of necessary fees and expenses to administer or defend the District's parcel tax, and costs to implement accountability provisions to ensure fiscal transparency through public information, translation services for the District families, and support of the Oversight Committee.

This Measure will provide additional local revenue that cannot be taken by the State and will maintain Castro Valley's excellent quality of public education by retaining and attracting high quality teachers and educational support staff.

The Board of Education will fund all of the programs and purposes listed above unless it determines in any given year that changes in student population, fiscal constraints, or other changes in State or Federal funding make doing so infeasible or inadvisable. In any event, the Board of Education will not fund any program, purpose, or reduction, other than those listed above, from the proceeds of the special taxes.

The Special Tax would be in effect, beginning July 1, 2020, at the rate shown below on each assessor's parcel located wholly or partially within the boundaries of the Castro Valley Unified School District, and end on June 30, 2026.

ANALYSIS BY THE COUNTY COUNSEL FOR THE COUNTY OF ALAMEDA OF A

CASTRO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL PARCEL TAX MEASURE

Measure I (“Measure”), a Castro Valley Unified School District (“District”) special parcel tax measure, seeks voter approval to authorize the District to levy an annual special parcel tax at the maximum rate of $96 per parcel of taxable real property in the District beginning on July 1, 2020 for a period of 6 years.

The District’s Board will determine annually the amount of the levy (up to the maximum) for each fiscal year. If approved, the District will use the revenue for the purposes set forth in the full text of the Measure printed in this sample ballot. These purposes include, but are not limited to: retaining and attracting teachers; preserving academic programs in reading, writing, science, technology, engineering, arts and math; and preparing students for college and careers.

The revenue can only be used for the purposes outlined in the Measure. Upon application to the District, an exemption from the special parcel tax may be available to homeowners who are residing on their property and qualify either for Supplemental Security Income or for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

Upon application to the District, a senior citizen exemption is also available for homeowners who are 65 years of age or older on or before March 3, 2020 and own and occupy their property as their primary residence. Certain accountability measures apply, such as depositing the proceeds in a separate account. The Measure also requires an annual written report showing the revenues generated, the expenditures of the revenues, and the status of any projects funded by the revenues. The

Measure establishes a Citizens Oversight Committee to review the tax uses and report to the Board to determine the subsequent year’s levy. A school district has the authority to levy special taxes upon approval by two-thirds of the votes cast on the special tax measure. (See Cal. Const. Art. XIII A, § 4; Art. XIII C, §2; Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 50075-50077, 50079, & 53722.) If two-thirds of the qualified electors voting on this Measure do not vote for approval, it will fail, and the District will not be authorized to levy the special parcel tax.

This Measure is placed on the ballot by the governing board of the District.

DONNA R. ZIEGLER

County Counsel

The tax, at the uniform rate of $96.00 per parcel per year, shall be levied on every parcel of taxable real property. As used herein, the "Parcel" means any parcel of land which lies wholly or partially within the boundaries of the District, for which the Assessor of the County of Alameda has assigned an assessor's parcel number.

For parcels divided by Tax Code Area lines, the payment for the portion of the parcel within the Castro Valley Unified School District shall be the same as the above.

The Board will determine, on an annual basis, the amount of the levy for the following fiscal year, up to the maximum allowable rate shown above. If, in any given year, the Board elects to levy an amount less than the maximum allowable rate, it may, in subsequent years, levy the maximum allowable rate.

This Measure may be known as Measure "I".

To maintain quality education in Castro Valley elementary, middle and high schools, by retaining/attracting highly qualified teachers; preserving strong academic programs in reading, writing, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; preparing students for college and careers; and supporting the well-being of all students; shall the Castro Valley Unified School District measure to levy $96 per parcel per year for 6 years be adopted, raising approximately $1,500,000 annually with independent oversight, senior exemptions, and all funds benefiting local schools?

INTRODUCTION AND FINDINGS 

Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) provides an outstanding education to local students in our elementary, middle and high schools. Students graduate from CVUSD prepared for competitive colleges and 21st-century careers, thanks to excellent academic programs and highly qualified teachers and staff.

The District cannot rely on the State to provide the level of funding local schools need, as the District is among the lowest funded in Alameda County and has made $1.8 million in ongoing cuts in the past few years.

Great teachers are at the center of student achievement. The Bay Area is one of the most expensive places to live in the country, and many local teachers live right here in Castro Valley. By retaining and attracting the highest quality teachers, the District can improve student achievement and give students access to the best education possible. In addition, high-quality academic programs and technology and career technical education are needed to continue to prepare students for the competitive economy.

Measure would provide locally-controlled funding that could not be taken away by the State or go to other school districts. Funds would help to provide a high-quality

education and would fund priorities such as helping to:

• Retain and attract highly qualified teachers

• Preserve strong academic programs in reading, writing, science, technology, engineering, arts and math

• Prepare students for college and careers

• Support the health and well-being of all students

• Keep schools clean and well-maintained

The cost of this measure is $96 per year, which is only $8 per month. For this amount, we can keep great teachers in our classrooms, maintain strong academic programs and prepare local students for college and careers.

Independent citizen oversight and independent annual audits would ensure funds are spent as promised. Seniors aged 65 and over

would be eligible for an exemption from the cost.