See Also: Index of all Measures

Meaning of Voting Yes/No

A YES vote of this measure means:

A two-thirds "yes" vote on this measure will allow the current special tax to continue to be levied for eight years, beginning July 1, 2001, and will allow the appropriations limit to be raised.

A NO vote of this measure means:

A "no" vote on this measure means that the current special tax will expire on June 30, 2001 and will not permit the appropriations limit to be raised.

In 1993, the voters in the Woodside School District approved a special tax in the amount of $196 which expires on June 30, 2001. By this measure, the Board of Trustees of the Woodside School District propose to continue the special tax for a period of eight years beginning July 1, 2001 and ending June 30, 2009. This tax shall be at a rate not to exceed $196 per year, adjusted annually by changes in the Consumer Price Index for the Bay Area, not to exceed 4% annually, on all taxable parcels in the District.

A parcel shall be defined as any unit of land in the District which now receives a separate tax bill from the San Mateo County Assessor's Office, except that only one tax will be assessed to owners whose property includes one or more contiguous parcels. Any person 65 years of age or older who owns and occupies a parcel may qualify for an exemption from the special tax. All property which would otherwise be exempt from property taxes will also be exempt from imposition of this special tax.

The purposes of the special tax are to: maintain and enhance educational excellence, high academic standards, class size reductions, quality programs and retain outstanding teachers.

This measure would also increase the District's appropriations limit per fiscal year, in an amount equal to the levy of the special tax for that year, as permitted by Article XIIIB, Section 4 of the California Constitution.

A "yes" vote on this measure would allow a special tax to be levied on property within the boundaries of the Woodside School District in an amount of up to $196 per year adjusted annually by changes in the Consumer Price Index for the Bay Area, not to exceed 4% annually, per taxable parcels in the District. It would also allow the appropriations (spending) limit to be raised.

A "no" vote on this measure would not allow the special tax to be levied and would not allow the appropriations limit to be raised.

This measure passes if two-thirds of those voting on the measure vote "yes."

San Francisco Chronicle

• School Improvements Depend on Voters

• Woodside School: Board seeks renewal of annual parcel tax

In 1999, Woodside united and approved a bond measure to replace and modernize classrooms and school facilities. We recognized the value of maintaining our community school and united to achieve that goal.

In 1994, Woodside voters approved a parcel tax of $196 to retain quality teachers, reduce class sizes, and enhance academic excellence. Woodside School responded by delivering continued award winning distinction. By law, the current $196 parcel tax must be renewed or it expires.

Measure A will continue our commitment to the school and the value it brings to our community. Costs and program demands have risen significantly. Measure A will renew the $196 parcel tax and provide for a capped annual cost-of-living adjustment beginning in 2002. The adjustment cannot exceed 4% and will be tied to the Bay Area Consumer Price Index, The adjustment will be less than $8 in 2002. The funds from the parcel tax may be used for instructional purposes only - not structures or buildings.

Measure A funds will be used to:

• Retain quality teachers
• Replace teachers who have retired
• Keep class sizes low
• Preserve programs that are educationally enriching

Property owners over 65 will be exempt, upon application, from the tax on their primary residence.

Please join us as we unite in our support of this important community asset. Vote Yes on Measure A.

/s/ Robert B. Flint, Jr.
Community Member
/s/ Tom Mudd
School Board President
/s/ Leslie M. Quist
Community Member
/s/ Robert A. Susk
Former Mayor
/s/ Tad Taube
Community Member

(No arguments against Measure A were submitted)