Santa Cruz Elementary School District, California, Measure U, Parcel Tax Renewal (March 2020)

Santa Cruz Elementary School District Measure U
Election date March 3, 2020
Topic California parcel tax
Status a Approved
Type Referral	Origin Lawmakers
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A parcel tax measure was on the ballot for Santa Cruz Elementary School District voters in Santa Cruz County, California, on March 3, 2020. It was approved.

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the district to renew the annual parcel tax of $208 per parcel.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing the district to renew the annual parcel tax of $208 per parcel, thereby letting the current tax expire.

A two-thirds (66.67%) vote was required for the approval of Measure U.

Election results

Santa Cruz City Elementary School District Measure U
Result		Votes	Percentage
Yes		21,303	79.85%
No		5,377	20.15%

Results are officially certified.

Source

Text of measure

Ballot question

The ballot question was as follows:

“

To continue funding core programs in science, art and music that support student achievement at Santa Cruz elementary and middle schools, attract/retain highly qualified teachers, provide library and counseling services, and maintain smaller class sizes, shall the Santa Cruz City Elementary School District’s measure renewing the expiring Santa Cruz City Elementary School District’s and Santa Cruz City High School District’s parcel tax at a rate of $208 per parcel be adopted, providing $3.2 million in annual school funding until ended by voters, including senior exemptions, and all money staying local?

”

Impartial analysis

The following impartial analysis of the measure was prepared by the office of the Santa Cruz County Counsel:

“ Under the California Constitution and other governing laws, school districts may levy an education parcel tax if approved by at least 66% percent (two-thirds) of voters within the boundaries of that district. Parcel taxes are paid equally by all property owners, regardless of the size or value of the property. The Governing Board of the Santa Cruz City Elementary and High School Districts ('the School Districts') propose a parcel tax in the amount of $208 per parcel annually to take effect July 1, 2020. The School Districts anticipate this tax would raise $3.2 million annually. This parcel tax does not have an end date and would continue indefinitely until ended by voters. The School Districts seek to combine and replace several parcel taxes currently in effect. In the June 2012 election, voters approved Measure J, a parcel tax of $85, for a period of eight years, from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2021. In the November 2015 election, voters approved two additional measures for a period of eight years, from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2024. For the Elementary School District, voters approved Measure P, a parcel tax of $105. For the High School District, voters approved Measure O, a parcel tax of $72, a portion of which has been used to maintain middle school educational programs. If the current measure passes, all three of the above measures would end. Within the full body of the proposed measure, the School Districts have designated the funds solely for the following specific purposes: Continuing to fund programs in science, art and music for elementary and middle schools as well after-school athletic, enrichment, and academic support programs; Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers; Providing library and counseling services; and Maintaining smaller class sizes. As required by law, the School Districts must follow certain accountability provisions during the duration of the parcel tax. This includes: creating a special account for the tax proceeds, publishing an annual report describing the amount of taxes collected and expended as well as the status of any projects, and appointing an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee to oversee the expenditures of the tax proceeds. If this measure passes, certain property owners may apply with the School Districts to request an exemption from paying the parcel tax. This includes persons who are 65 years of age or older and/or specified recipients of SSI and SSDI regardless of age. Measure U was placed on the ballot by the Governing Board of the Santa Cruz City Elementary and High School Districts. A 'yes' vote on Measure U is a vote to authorize a special parcel tax of $208 annually with no end date. A 'no' vote on Measure U is a vote against the special parcel tax. ”

Full text

The full text of the measure is available here.

Path to the ballot

See also: Laws governing local ballot measures in California

This measure was put on the ballot through a vote of the Santa Cruz Elementary School District Board of Trustees.

See also

Local measures

• Local measures in 2020
• California parcel tax on the ballot

• Santa Cruz County measures
• Parcel tax

California

• March 3, 2020 measures in California
• Local ballot measures, California
• Santa Cruz Elementary School District, California
• Parcel tax elections in California

News and analysis

• State and local preemption conflicts
• Measures advancing national agendas

External links

Suggest a link

• Search Google News for this topic
• Santa Cruz County Elections Office website