Seniors can file for exemptions from school parcel tax

Measure E, a $98-per-year parcel tax that has raised about $2 million annually for the Las Virgenes Unified School District, will begin its third year of funding this fall.

District Deputy Superintendent Donald Zimring announced that senior citizens who want to be exempt for the 2006-07 tax year must fill out a form by July 1. Anyone who will turn 65 years of age on or before July 1 and owns a home used as their principal residence is eligible for exemption from the bond measure.

Seniors who own contiguous lots are also eligible but forms must be filled out filed prior to July 1, Zimring said.

"If you have previously submitted a form, it is not necessary to complete another one for the 2006-07 tax year," Zimring said.

"This has been a lifesaver for children in Las Virgenes," Superintendent Sandra Smyser said.

Measure E is a parcel tax passed by local voters in 2003. Smyser said the money has prevented drastic cuts-nearly $2 million worth-to essential programs in the district, from art and music to counseling and library services.

Unfortunately, the $2 million yearly funding did not stop all cuts. Zimring said support services, including custodial and technology, were cut, and class sizes that had been reduced years earlier started to rise.

Measure E did prevent massive cuts in counseling at the middle and high school levels, Zimring said. The funds also kept funding flowing to the libraries at all 14 campuses.

An elementary counselor program was launched with Measure E funds, Zimring said. He called the first-ever program an "unanticipated benefit of Measure E."

"This program has proven to be a welcome addition to our elementary schools, especially in assisting children at risk," Director of Elementary Education Ann Eklund said. Since Measure E money was slightly more than anticipated, two counselors were hired to serve the district's eight elementary schools each week.

The counselors meet with students who have had problems adjusting to school or difficulties in class. Eklund said the counselors also provide support to students who are struggling academically, socially and emotionally.

The district will get another infusion of funds with the recent passage of Measure G, a $128 million facilities and technology bond measure.

-Stephanie Bertholdo