Measure I: Continuation of Gann Appropriations Limit Increase

League of Women Voters of California

Santa Clara County, CA

March 5, 2002 Election

Measure I
Continuation of Gann Appropriations Limit Increase
Oak Grove School District
Majority approval required

8,489 / 69.7% Yes votes ...... 3,696 / 30.3% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Information shown below: Yes/No Meaning | Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

Shall the Gann Appropriations Limit increase approved by the voters in 1991 be continued for four years thus allowing the district to continue to expend the funds generated by the existing special tax of $68 per parcel for expenditures for remedial services, repair of school buildngs and grounds, purchase of instructional supplies and equipment, installation of energy conservation equipment, and restoration of services reduced in prior years in the library, counseling, custodial and maintenance areas?

A YES vote of this measure means:: A "yes" vote is a vote to approve the spending limit for the maximum of four years.
A NO vote of this measure means:: A "no" vote is a vote not to approve raising the spending limit for a maximum of four years.

Impartial Analysis from the County Counsel

The Board of Trustees of the Oak Grove School District has ordered an election to continue its ability to spend voter approved 'special tax" funds. The special tax of $68.00 per parcel was passed in 1991 by a two-thirds vote cast by voters in an election. The California Constitution restricts governments spending by limiting the amount of money a district may appropriate (spend) in any fiscal year unless a majority of the voters approve a change in the limit for no more than four years at a time. This measure increases the appropriations limit to allow the district to use the revenue generated by the tax.

The expenditures will be used to repair school buildings and grounds, to purchase instructional supplies and equipment, to install energy conservation systems, and to restore services reduced in prior years for library, counseling, custodial and maintenance.

A "yes" vote is a vote to approve the spending limit for the maximum of four years.

A "no" vote is a vote not to approve raising the spending limit for a maximum of four years.

Ann Miller Ravel, County Counsel

By: Kathryn A. Berry, Deputy County Counsel

Official Information

Please note: The material about this Measure has been retyped from Registrar of Voters' material. There could be errors. The official material can be obtained from the Registrar of Voters.

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Arguments For Measure I

Oak Grove School District is asking its citizens, via Measure I, to continue the parcel tax approved in 1991. Elections were held in 1994 and 1998 with citizens approving expenditure of the levy proceeds for additional four-year periods.

A community study group has reviewed the district's budget and recommended that the existing parcel tax be continued for another four-year period. 73.6% of voters indicated support for the original parcel tax levy of $68, with proceeds to be used for:

Classroom supplies
Remedial help for students
Library, counseling, custodian, and maintenance services
Building and grounds repair
Energy conservation

Oak Grove has kept faith with its voters by spending the parcel tax funds responsibly for the purposes intended. If approved, the proceeds will continue to be used for the same purposes.

Historically, very few Santa Clara County school districts have had revenue limits lower than Oak Grove School District. Even with recent equalization efforts, our state revenue aid is below the state and county average. A combination of declining enrollment and high energy costs have created serious financial problems resulting in a need for further budget reductions. The district must turn again to its local community for support.

Quality education cannot be provided without adequate financial support. The district reduced programs and services by over $8 million in the early to mid-nineties. The 1991 parcel tax softened the impact of limited state funding. Some vital support services had to be reduced, but the district continued providing excellent education for students. Without this continued support, an additional $1.7 million in basic program cuts will be required.

Seven of 21 schools recognized as California Distinguished Schools
Two Golden Bell Awards for exemplary/innovative programs
Davis Intermediate School named a National Blue Ribbon School
Leaders in performance standards development

You can help. Vote YES on Measure I.

Yvonne Cook, President, Oak Grove School District Board of Trustees

Delaine Eastin, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Amelia L. Hill, President, Oak Grove School District, District Parent Advisory Committee

Forrest Williams, San Jose City Council, District 2

Rebecca Cohn, Assemblymember, District 24

(No arguments against Measure I were submitted)

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Created: April 19, 2002 10:58 PDT
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