See Also: Index of all Measures

• Reducing the average class size in grades 4 - 8.
• Improving instructional quality for children by providing additional professional training for teachers.
• Expanding art, science, music, physical education, technology, and other programs.

In accordance with state law, voters shall have the opportunity to approve the continuation of the increases in the Gann Appropriations Limit at least once every four years. Such approval is required for the District to use the revenues generated by the tax. No later than two weeks after a Gann election, the Board shall reset the parcel tax rate, but may not set a rate higher than $63 per parcel, adjusted by the aggregate change in the Consumer Price Index for the Bay Area.

A Cambrian Benefit Assessment Oversight Committee will annually report and review expenditures.

By approving this ballot measure, voters are authorizing an increase in the District's Gann Appropriations Limit by the amount of the revenue generated by the special tax for the next four years.

For more information, please visit our web site at http://www.cambrian4kids.com

The governing board of the Cambrian School District proposes to adopt a new parcel tax effective July 1, 2001, with annual review by an oversight committee. The purpose of this tax is to build vital educational programs critical to the success of District students, by improving children's academic performance, reducing class size, improving teaching quality, and expanding art, science, music, technology, and physical education.

The governing board also proposes to increase the District's appropriations limit for a period of four years. Such an increase, if approved, would terminate on June 30, 2005. The parcel tax would continue in existence beyond that date, but the District would not be able to spend proceeds from the tax unless a majority of voters renews the increase before June 30, 2005.

The amount of the tax would not exceed $63 per year, adjusted each year by the change in a specified Consumer Price Index. The tax would be assessed against each parcel of taxable land, defined as any unit of land in the District which receives a separate tax bill from the county assessor. Upon annual application, an exemption would be granted for parcels owned by one or more persons 65 years of age or over who occupy said parcel as a principal residence. All property which is exempt from ad valorem property tax would be exempt from this parcel tax. The tax would become a lien upon applicable properties, and would be collected at the same time as and along with, and would be subject to the same penalties as, general and ad valorem taxes. The tax and any penalty would bear interest at the same rate as the rate for unpaid ad valorem property taxes until paid.

A "yes" vote is a vote to authorize the District to levy and spend a parcel tax.

A "no" vote is a vote not to authorize such a tax.

Cambrian School District

• Official Web site

Information about the Cambrian School District and individual schools

• GreatSchools Web site

The facts are clear:

• Smaller class sizes improve individual instruction from teachers. All students need lower class sizes for optimal learning. State funds have reduced class sizes up to grade 3 # Measure A will reduce class sizes in grades 4-8.

• Studies show that student comprehension of basic subjects like English and math increases when schools offer music, science, art, and physical education programs. Measure A will expand and extend these vital programs in our schools.

• We must invest in the skills and talents of our classroom teachers. Measure A funds will ensure that teachers are trained for today's classroom technology and other innovative teaching techniques.

• Community donations have provided additional computers and technology in our classrooms - but we need additional funds to train all of our teachers in updated computer technology and assure that our students will continue to have access to these vital learning tools.

It is important to remember that a complete exemption from the assessment is available for residents 65 years or older.

A committee of parents and community members will ensure that every school gets their fair share of funds and every dollar is spent appropriately and efficiently - and only on projects that directly benefit the quality of student learning.

Please join us in voting YES on Measure A. Your investment in our children and in our community will pay dividends for generations to come.

JIM BEALL County Supervisor

SUSAN HAMMER Vice President, California State Board of Education/Former Mayor of San Jose

STEVE TEDESCO President, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce

RANDY J. SCOFIELD President, Cambrian Board of Trustees

JOY HART Cambrian Teacher of the Year

(No arguments against Measure A were submitted)