Schools

School District to Put Parcel Tax Renewal on November Ballot

"At a time when our schools are educating more students with less money, renewing this existing funding for our schools is more critical than ever before." Superintendent Michael Milliken

[Editor's note: The following press release was submitted by the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District Thursday evening.]

On Thursday evening, the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District (BRSSD) Board of Trustees voted 4-0, with one member absent, to place a measure on the November 2013 ballot to renew existing local education funding—without increasing the tax rate.

If approved, the measure would renew the school district’s existing, voter-approved parcel taxes—which are due to expire soon—without increasing the current $174 per parcel rate. 

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The measure would protect math, science, reading and writing programs; support school libraries; attract and retain qualified teachers; and maintain a well-rounded curriculum, including music and art. It would expire in 10 years, could not be renewed without voter approval and requires a 66.7 percent yes vote to pass.

An independent citizen oversight committee would continue to review all expenditures to ensure funds were used for voter-approved purposes and no funds could be used for administrators’ salaries. The existing exemption for senior citizen homeowners would also continue.

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Superintendent Michael Milliken said, “As the new Superintendent, I’m well aware that the excellent schools in Belmont and Redwood Shores are attracting more families to the community every year. Student enrollment has increased dramatically across the district without any increase in funding. Additionally, the state has cut $8.5 million from our schools over the last 5 years. At a time when our schools are educating more students with less money, renewing this existing funding for our schools is more critical than ever before.”

Carole Groom, San Mateo County Supervisor, sent her statement of support for the measure. “Local elementary and middle schools provide a high quality and well-rounded education to the students in this community, making Belmont and Redwood Shores desirable places to live and protecting property values. By protecting core academic programs, supporting school libraries, retaining teachers, and maintaining a well-rounded curriculum that includes music and art, this measure will continue student success in Belmont and Redwood Shores schools.”

Jeff Selman, the Ralston Middle School parent representative to the existing citizen oversight committee, spoke at the meeting, stating, “Our children receive a top-notch, well-rounded education in our schools. It is critical to renew this existing funding for our schools. Without it, we would lose $2 million annually that supports outstanding academic programs, excellent teachers, libraries, music and art.”

John Violet, the City of Belmont’s Treasurer, also spoke in favor of the measure. “This is critical funding for our schools that stays here in Belmont and Redwood Shores schools—the state cannot take a single penny. Citizen oversight ensures that the funds will continue to be used for voter-approved purposes to promote student success.”

Warren Lieberman, a Belmont City Council Member, stated that, “We all know our schools make our community a desirable place to live, protecting property values for all of us. This is an easy yes vote for me: it will keep our schools among the best and it doesn't increase the amount of taxes we’ve been paying. ”

Rahila Passi, a Sandpiper parent and a Co-Chair for the campaign to help pass the measure, voiced her support, “In short, we get great academic results in our schools because of this local funding that supports vital academic programs and qualified teachers. It is the key to student success in our classrooms and that is why I am committed to working on the campaign to support this measure.” 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here