LGUSD seeking renewal and increase of its parcel tax
By Rebecca Ray
To maintain small class sizes and programs in the Los Gatos Union School District, the district board of trustees unanimously decided to ask voters to approve the renewal and increase of an annual $250-per-parcel tax at the Jan. 8 board meeting. At an April 9 special election, voters will decide whether to pay $290 per parcel for six years.
The district is asking for $40 more per parcel because in the next few years, $250 per parcel will no longer be sufficient to pay for certain programs and services, Superintendent Mary Ann Park said.
The parcel tax, which accounts for 12 percent of the district's budget, will allow the district to continue offering reduced class sizes in grades four through eight; provide enhanced instruction in academic programs, such as art, music, science and literacy; provide student support services; and maintain classrooms and facilities. The parcel tax funds the salaries of about 15 regular classroom teachers, as well as those of science and literacy resource teachers, music teachers and library, custodial and clerical personnel. It pays for student psychological counseling services at the district's four elementary schools and one middle school.
The tax also helps pay for the Art Docents, a predominantly volunteer group that conducts art workshops and provides art resources for teachers and students.
Voters originally approved the tax in 1990, when it was $180 per parcel for four years. Voters renewed the tax in 1994, and in 1998 renewed the tax with a $70 increase to $250 per parcel.
Approval of the $290 parcel tax will require a two-thirds majority vote.
If voters approve the tax, exemptions will still be granted to residents who are 65 years old or older and owners whose properties are extensively damaged by a natural disaster. Also, owners of multiple, contiguous properties that are considered one unit will continue to be levied only once.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
