Pass: 12,958 / 77.86% Yes votes ...... 3,684 / 22.14% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

YES
NO

Meaning of Voting Yes/No

A YES vote on this measure means:

A "yes" vote on Measure H is a vote to continue the previously approved increase in the District's appropriations (spending) limit.

A NO vote on this measure means:

A "no" vote on Measure H is a vote against continuing the previously approved increase in the District's appropriations (spending) limit.

Measure H, if approved by a majority of those voting, would permit the Los Altos School District to maintain its current spending limitation for four years.

Article XIIIB of the California Constitution, enacted in 1979 as part of Proposition 4, restricts governmental spending by setting an annual appropriations (spending) limit. This appropriations limit is also known as the "Gann limit." The California Constitution authorizes voters to change this appropriations limit for a maximum period of four years at a time. Unless the voters do so, the appropriations limit will be based on an earlier year's limit, adjusted for changes in the cost of living and population.

In 2002, the voters of the District approved a special tax and an increase of the appropriations limit in the amount of that special tax. At this time the Governing Board of the District has resolved to submit to the voters the question whether the appropriations limit approved in 2002 should continue for four more years.

Measure H does not authorize the District to impose a new assessment or increase the property tax rate. Instead it would permit the District to continue to spend the special tax already approved by the voters. The expenditures will be used to hire and retain teachers, maintain small class sizes and protect junior high electives.

A "yes" vote on Measure H is a vote to continue the previously approved increase in the District's appropriations (spending) limit.

A "no" vote on Measure H is a vote against continuing the previously approved increase in the District's appropriations (spending) limit.

Ann Miller Ravel
County Counsel

By: /s/ Susan Swain
Lead Deputy County Counsel

Los Altos School District Measure H

Oct. 17 (Tues.) 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth Am 26790 Aratradero Rd. Los Altos Hills Pros & Cons on Ballot Measures co-sponsored by LWV Los Altos/Mtn. View Area and LWV Palo Alto

Los Altos Town Crier

LASD begins campaign to renew parcel tax

Our community has long benefited from award-winning public schools. Our children succeed due to the value we place on education and the investment in our schools. The quality of the schools in the Los Altos School District has a direct impact on the quality of life in the community and on the property values of our homes.

Every YES vote on Measure H is a vote to preserve the academic excellence of the Los Altos School District. The funds raised through the parcel tax account annually for 20% of the district's educational budget and are vital to the continuance of the outstanding academic programs offered to the children of our community.

A YES vote on Measure H will:

- Keep class sizes small at each grade level.
- Hire and retain high quality teachers.
- Maintain and strengthen strong academic programs at all grade levels
- Provide junior high students with electives in music, foreign languages and technology

The use of all parcel tax funds will be monitored by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Finance. (CACF)

Measure H will renew the district's authorization to use parcel tax funds. A YES vote will not change the cost of the parcel tax, $597 annually per household. Homeowners who are 65 or older may apply for a full exemption from the parcel tax.

The Los Altos School District offers an exceptional educational program to our children, with benefits reaching beyond the classroom and into our community.

Vote YES on Measure H.

/s/ Robin Abrams
CACF Chairman

/s/ Katie Matice
Parent, President, Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council

/s/ Robert A. Grimm
Former Mayor

/s/ J. Baier
LASD Parent; Principal, Almond Elementary

/s/ Ron Packard
Mayor of Los Altos

To hire, train, retain teachers, provide competitive teacher salaries, fund school libraries, purchase textbooks, preserve science classes/modern labs, maintain neighborhood schools and small class size, protect junior high electives like music, foreign language, computer classes, and balance the educational program, shall Los Altos School District increase its existing parcel tax and annual appropriations limit by $333/parcel beginning July 1, 2002, with independent citizens' oversight of expenditures and exemptions for parcels owned/occupied by person 65 years/older? In accordance with State law, the voters shall have the opportunity to authorize district expenditures of revenue generated by this special tax every four years. A parcel is defined as any parcel of land as shown on the current assessment roll prepared by the Santa Clara County Assessor. The special tax shall be collected and enforced in the same manner prescribed by law for the collection of other taxes on the assessment roll. All property that is exempt from the property tax will be exempt from this special tax. An exemption from the special tax shall continue to be granted annually by the school district on any parcel owned by one or more persons 65 years of age or over who occupy said parcel as a principal residence, upon annual application for exemption.