See Also: Index of all Measures

This measure proposes a special tax of $97.00 per year per parcel for each parcel of land within the District's boundaries. The tax would be based on the privilege of using the parcel, would begin on July 1, 2005, and would remain in effect for four years.

Proceeds of the tax would be placed in a special fund and could only be used for the purposes set out in the measure, which include attracting and retaining experienced teachers and staff, enhancing literacy and reading instruction, improving science and math programs, and maintaining library services. Each year, the measure requires a report be presented to the Governing Board of the District showing the amount received and expended from the tax for that year, and the status of any projects and description of any programs funded from the proceeds of the tax. In addition, the measure requires the District Board to appoint an independent citizens' oversight board to monitor and audit the use of the proceeds and otherwise assist the District in assuring that funds are properly spent on authorized projects. The measure further provides that no money from the tax will be spent on administrators' salaries.

The tax would be applied to each unit of real property in the District that receives a separate tax bill for property taxes. Parcels which are exempt from property tax, or on which no property tax is otherwise levied, are also exempt from this tax. The measure also exempts from the tax parcels owned or partially owned and occupied by a person who will be 65 years of age or older on or before July 1, 2005, or July 1 of any subsequent year for which the tax is assessed. Persons claiming exemptions based on ownership by a senior citizen would need to apply to the District for this exemption the first year it applied to them.

If two-thirds of the voters in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District who vote on this measure vote "yes," the measure will pass and the special tax will be levied. The tax would be collected in the same manner as regular property taxes starting with the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

STEVEN WOODSIDE
County Counsel
By: s/ Kathleen Larocque
Deputy County Counsel

Google Search

• On Measure A

As we all know, the State has drastically cut funding to all school districts. Over the past five years, our local School District has cut over $8 million dollars from its budget, dramatically impacting our school programs. Our schools now face two options: cut basic programs or develop community funding to support them. Measure A is exactly that - a local plan to maintain excellence in our schools.

All Measure A funds will stay in our community to benefit local children and local schools. Measure A will provide funds to attract and retain quality teachers and staff, maintain literacy and reading programs, continue quality math and science programs, and ensure access to library services.

There are taxpayer safeguards within Measure A. Audits will be conducted annually. An Independent Citizens Oversight Committee will monitor all expenditures to ensure funds are spent properly. Not one penny of Measure A funds will be used for administrative salaries.

Measure A will be in effect for 4 years, only, and must be used for the priorities outlined. Senior citizens 65 years of age or older may apply for a full exemption from this assessment for parcels they own and occupy.

Good neighborhood schools are the foundation of a quality community. Good schools protect property values and attract families to our community. Measure A is a local solution that will maintain excellence in our local schools.

Please join local teachers, parents, business owners, retirees and community leaders in voting Yes on Measure A.

s/ Michael Schroeder,
President Rohnert Park-Cotati Educators Assn.
s/ Dan Sheehy
Parent
s/ Debbie Bailey
Senior Citizen, Community Volunteer
s/ Mike Pastryk
Parent, Cotati Business Owner
s/ Thomas R. Bullard
Rohnert Park Chief of Police

(No arguments against Measure A were submitted)

Attracting and retaining quality teachers and staff

Enhancing literacy and reading instruction

Improving science and math programs

Maintaining library services

"Shall Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District levy an annual parcel tax of $97.00 for 4 years only, with independent community fiscal oversight, annual audits, exemptions for seniors, and no funds used for administrator salaries?"

YES_____________ NO _______________

Quality Public Education Preservation Act Programs Parcel Tax Expenditure Plan. The Board of Trustees of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, serving elementary, middle and high school students in the cities of Cotati, and Rohnert Park, has evaluated the District's urgent and critical educational needs which will allow the District to maintain its tradition of student achievement and academic excellence.

State budget cuts have forced the District to make approximately $8.2 Million in budgetary cuts over the past 4 years. Every dime possible has been cut from administrative and management overhead as a first priority. However, extensive future cuts to the classroom, including student education programs, are anticipated.

The District currently provides high quality public school education, with the highest test scores locally. Its schools have been the recipients of several California Distinguished School awards and Golden Bell awards.

To protect critical educational programs and ensure excellent teachers the Board has identified the following priorities for use of the money raised by this parcel tax measure:

• Attracting and retaining quality teachers and staff

• Enhancing literacy and reading instruction

• Improving science and math programs

• Maintaining library services

Over 65 Senior Exemptions. An exemption from the parcel tax will be made available for any person 65 years of age or older, who owns and occupies as a principal residence a parcel and applies to the District for such an exemption on or before July 1, 2005, or July 1 of any succeeding tax year. Any one approved application from a qualified applicant will provide an exemption for the parcel for the remaining term of the tax, so long as such applicant continues to use the parcel as his or her principal residence.

Sunset Expiration Clause. This parcel tax is proposed to be in place for four years only, beginning July 1, 2005, and will expire thereafter.