Ravenswood City School District - Parcel Tax Measure
Ballot Question
To fund expanded preschool and early childhood education; reading, writing, and math instruction for elementary and middle school students; and teacher recruitment and retention; shall the Ravenswood City School District measure renewing and increasing an existing tax to $434 per parcel for 8 years, raising estimated revenue of $2,700,000 annually, adjusted for inflation, with an exemption for people aged 65 and older, all money staying local and subject to public oversight be adopted?
Type of Measure
Educational Parcel Tax
Explanation
The Ravenswood school district is asking for funds to expand its preschool, early childhood education, and childcare programs, instruction for elementary and middle school students, and teacher recruitment and retention.
Measure Q passed in June 2018 to create the current parcel tax of $196, which will expire on June 30, 2026.
This measure asks that the Parcel tax be increased to $434 per parcel per year for 8 years, from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2034. The tax may be adjusted annually based on inflation but not to exceed 3%.
The tax is estimated to raise $2700000 annually.
Exemptions to the tax are available upon application for persons over 65, those who receive SSI for a disability, and those who receive Social Security Disability insurance with income under 250% of 2012 federal poverty guidelines.
An independent citizen’s oversight committee will provide fund oversight, and an annual report on the projects funded by the tax will be filed with the Ravenswood School District Board of Trustees.
Voting YES supports the parcel tax being increased for 8 years
Voting NO opposes the parcel tax increase
2/3 voter approval is needed to pass this tax measure
Arguments in Favor
This parcel tax is essential to funding the Ravenswood School District, which can expand affordable early childhood education and retain and attract quality teachers for elementary and middle school students.
All funds will be controlled locally with citizen oversight.
Support
State Senator Josh Becker, EPA Mayor Antonio Lopez, East Palo Alto Council Rubin Abrica and Lisa Gauthier, and Menlo Park Council Drew Combs have endorsed the project.
East Palo Alto Community Leaders Dr. Omawale Satterwhite and Tonga Victoria
Ravenswood Teachers Association, San Mateo County Democratic Party, JobTrain
Arguments Against
Currently none
Opposition
Currently none
