For Las Virgenes Unified School District, parcel tax comes in handy

Measure E, a $98-per-year school parcel tax, is expected to play a major role in helping the Las Virgenes Unified School District survive budget cutbacks in Sacramento.

The tax was approved during the California budget crisis of 2004 when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger threatened to gut educational programs and dismantle Proposition 98, a constitutional guarantee of minimum funding to public schools. The tax was renewed by voters in November 2007, just in time for a second round of budget cuts to education.

This year, school officials say the tax will come to the rescue once again.

Karen Kimmel, chief business official for the district, said the tax generates about $2 million annually for Las Virgenes schools. The money has been used to pay for a variety of school programs, including the elementary school reading specialist program; school librarians; fourth- and fifth-grade science programs; and middle school art, music and drama programs. The funds also have helped preserve important school counseling services.

The funds will help the district stay afloat next year if Schwarzenegger's proposed budget succeeds in cutting $2 million from Las Virgenes schools.

Boardmember Terilyn Finders said the district intends to use the Measure E money for many of the same programs listed as priorities during last year's renewal campaign.

"We don't want to change anything," Finders said.

The $2 million will continue to maintain smaller class sizes and fund science, art, music and physical education. But libraries still might suffer because of the state's fiscal instability, Finders said.

Finders said board members are "extremely grateful" to the community for passing the parcel tax. "The situation would be absolutely dire without it," she said.

Seniors who are 65 years old on or before July 1, 2008 and whose homes are their principal place of residence are eligible to apply for tax exemption.

The deadline for submitting the exemption forms for the 200809 tax year is June 15, 2008.

Forms are also available for contiguous parcel exemptions and residents receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI Disability). The forms are available at the Las Virgenes Unified School District Administrative Office at 4111 N. Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, or by calling (818) 878-5203.