School tax returns to the ballot

Measure E, the $98-per-year parcel tax passed by voters in 2004 to preserve a variety of school programs and maintain small classroom sizes on Las Virgenes campuses, is up for renewal in the November election. The pros and cons of the tax are being debated by cities, school officials and residents.

Supporters of the tax are making the rounds to residents, city councils and community associations to encourage voters to cast a yes vote for the tax on the Nov. 6 ballot.

The tax generates about $2 million for the school district each year, but without an extension it will expire in July 2008, said Superintendent Donald Zimring.

If the tax doesn't pass, Zimring said the district would be forced to slash $1.5 million from the budget and make up the difference for athletic programs through the general fund.

Gymnasiums and pools must be maintained, with or without parcel tax money, he said.

The renewal calls for an eightyear extension. Placing the measure before voters is expensive, costing the district between $80,000 and $140,000 each time, Zimring said. The wide range of costs depends on whether the measure is placed on the ballot in a stand-alone election, or tacked onto an existing school board election, he said.

"It's a better business practice to not keep going back to the community" for renewal of the parcel tax, Zimring said.

Exemptions from payment of the tax have been expanded, Zimring said. Senior citizens continue to be exempt if they fill out a form, but the renewal of the tax allows owners of contiguous parcels and people with disabilities to also qualify for exemptions, he said.

The parcel tax was passed by voters at a time when state budget cuts in education threatened the elimination of key programs, Zimring said. Measure E passed by 72 percent.

Members of the Measure E Citizens Oversight Committee have rallied support from local city councils by presenting its annual report.

Stuart Selter, a member of the committee, said oversight of the measure was a mandate of the measure, and the annual report to the communities served by the school district shows voters how their tax dollars are being spent.

So far, the cities of Agoura Hills, Hidden Hills and Calabasas (see accompanying story on page 11A) have voted in favor of renewing the tax, and Selter expects widespread support from other local municipalities.

During the 2006-07 school year, Measure E money totaled nearly $2.4 million, Selter said.

The funds maintained the elementary school reading specialist program, and all school librarians kept their jobs. Fourth/fifth grade science programs are paid for through Measure E, and middle school art, music and drama programs are also maintained through the measure, he said.

Zimring said the funds protected counseling services in middle schools from cutbacks, allowed for additional counselors to be hired at elementary schools and prevented the elimination of college and career counselors at the high schools in the district. The money also preserved small class sizes in kindergarten through third grade, he said.

Although the state budget allowed for more school funding earmarked for counselors, art, music and physical education, Zimring said it's not enough.

"The state gave money to reduce the current counseling loads for regular counseling," Zimring said. "Measure E (money) goes to college and career counseling and elementary counseling, neither of which can be paid for through state money."

As for the state money for music and art programs, Zimring said the vast majority was a onetime infusion from the state.

"There is a small amount of ongoing money for music and art," Zimring said. "The (school) board is looking at combining the funds so we can do a districtwide program. State money is insufficient right now."

Zimring last week asked the city of Agoura Hills to support the parcel tax. City Council members agreed and passed a motion backing the measure. The Calabasas council had already voted to back the renewal vote.

"It's not a new tax; it's not an increase in the tax," Zimring said to Agoura Hills council members. He said the money has maintained quality programs and "we want to maintain this quality."

"People move to Agoura Hills because of the schools," Councilmember John Edelston said. "I'd hate to see what would happen if we didn't have adequate funds."

Councilmember Denis Weber, a self-proclaimed "anti-tax guy," also supported the measure, and said that if funds were cut students with special needs would suffer.

Not everybody agrees the tax is necessary. Agoura Hills resident Jean Luc Nouzille opposed the parcel tax in 2004 and will not vote for its renewal.

"My opposition to Measure E- or to any parcel tax- remains today as it did last time for the same reason," Nouzille said. "After adjusting for the cost of living, Californians keep spending more and more on each pupil, yet school officials across the state keep asking for more money."

Nouzille said the district appears to need money whether enrollment is up or down and wondered whether there will ever be a time when the school district doesn't need additional funding from taxpayers.

"Whether the economy is growing or in recession, whether enrollment is up or down, we are always asked for more," Nouzille said. "It leads to the impression that the district does not have a revenue problem but a spending problem. With home prices headed down across the state, homeowners should be wary about approving additional property taxes."