The Emerald Hills Blog

Is two-thirds too tough?

Senator Joe Simitian thinks so.  That’s why he is pushing for an amendment to the constitution to lower the approval required for school parcel taxes from the existing 66.7% to 55%, citing the need to help school districts out in tough times.  For a good article on the new bill, read Heather Murtagh’s article in the Daily Journal:  Bill to Ease Tax Passage.

Another run?

What didn’t escape School District board members and supporters of Measure E was the fact that had this bill already been in place, Redwood City’s Measure E would have easily passed in the last election. Does this mean another run down the road for a school parcel tax in Redwood City?
The bill still faces significant challenges before it becomes law, but you have to believe many school districts on the Peninsula, including Redwood City, are watching this one very closely.
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Parcel Tax for Education.

Like many other communities on the Peninsula, the Redwood City School District is feeling the pinch of the tough economy.   Decreasing sales and property tax revenues combined with cuts in state funding has forced the District to make some painful cuts in their budget, which has resulted in programs being eliminated and some teachers getting lay-off notices.   And like many other communities on the Peninsula, Redwood City is pinning its hopes on its residents to approve a $91 parcel tax to make up a portion of these losses.

Sound Familiar?

It should.   This is the third time in the past 17 years that the district has tried to get a school parcel tax approved by the voters.   Previous Measures A and V failed to garner the necessary 2/3 votes required for passage.   Supporters hope this time will be different.

Redwood City’s neighbor San Carlos recently faced a similar situation, holding a special mail-only election on Measure B which called for a $78 per parcel tax to go directly to the San Carlos School District.   This measure was also the second try for San Carlos, after the similar Measure S failed less than a year ago.   This time around the Measure got the necessary votes for passage.

More info on Measure E…

For more information on Measure E, here are some informative links:

San Mateo County Times Article

Redwood City School District:  Yes on E

San Mateo County Official Election Site

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