Schools

Parcel Tax OK'd for November Ballot

The ballot measure calls for an annual $95 assessment for eight years to fund local schools.

A proposed $95-a-year parcel tax to help fund Las Virgenes Unified schools will go before local voters in the Nov. 8 general election.

The board of education on Monday unanimously approved the assessment's ballot language, which states the new stream of revenue would go toward preserving smaller classes, minimizing teacher layoffs and preserving academic programs.

Chief Business Official Karen Kimmel estimates if passed, the new parcel tax would generate $2.2 million, nearly the same amount school officials predict would be the district's budget shortfall in 2012-13.

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The district already has a $98-a-year parcel tax in place, approved by voters in 2004 and later renewed to last through 2015, which annually raises $2.3 million.

If approved by voters, the new parcel tax would annually assess $95 from homeowners for eight years. The measure requires a 66-and-two-thirds percent majority vote in order to pass.

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Some parents spoke in favor of the potential levy because the funds it would raise cannot be taxed by the state government.

"I like parcel taxes because every penny stays in the school district," said Agoura High School parent Ziona Friedlander. "That gives me a great feeling of confidence that the money is going to be well spent."

Board Member Lesli Stein said she shared similar sentiments, adding that the idea of having local control is what would motivate residents to vote in favor of the parcel tax.

The board was initially considering making the tax a $114 annual assessment, but lowered that amount in hopes of earning more favorable votes during tough economical times.

"It helps for the likelihood of passage and it takes into consideration the sensitivities of our voters," Stein said.

A phone survey of conducted in June by a private firm found that 66 percent of 500 registered voters would be in favor of a $114-a-year parcel tax.

Volunteers are going to have to conduct the brunt of the campaign fundraising, which will most likely top more than $100,000 said Superintendent Donald Zimring.

He said former school board member Patricia Schulz and three other parents have already stepped up to lead the campaigning effort.

"I feel that we have a community that is willing to go out there and make it happen," said Board Member David Moorman.


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