Renewing Parcel Tax Funding for Los Gatos Schools

Maintaining Quality of Education in Los Gatos Schools Los Gatos Union School District provides a high-quality, well-rounded education to local elementary and middle school students. Teachers and innovative academic programs contribute to high levels of student achievement. Local schools are the heart of the community. Measure B, the Locally-Controlled Parcel Tax, is Set to Expire For over 30 years, Los Gatos and Monte Sereno voters have renewed our locally-controlled parcel tax known as Measure B. Measure B provides $2.7 million in annual revenue ($290 per parcel) to fund highly qualified teachers and fund core academics in our schools. Measure B is set to expire next year.
		The Los Gatos Union School District parcel tax hasn’t been increased in nearly 20 years, and the value to District schools has declined by over 30% due to inflation. Measure B funding is set to expire in June of 2022 and cannot be renewed without an election. If the measure expires, LGUSD would face $2.7 million in cuts, or the equivalent of losing 15% of the teaching staff in LGUSD schools.
	Even with Measure B, Los Gatos schools trail 18% behind similar California districts in per pupil spending.
Renewing Measure B to Provide High-Quality Education In July, the LGUSD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place a parcel tax renewal measure, also called Measure B, on the November 2, 2021 ballot. If passed by local voters, Measure B could renew the existing $290 rate, and add $45 per parcel with a 2% annual increase per year to offset the decline in value due to cost-of-living increases. Funds from Measure B could only be used for voter-approved purposes, including: Retaining highly qualified teachers Protecting core academic programs Expanding programs and labs in science, technology, engineering, arts and math Mandatory Taxpayer Protections Similar to the previous Measure B, this Measure B would have fiscal accountability, including independent citizens’ oversight and mandatory annual audits to ensure funds are spent as promised. All funds would be controlled locally and could not be taken away by the State. Additionally, senior citizen homeowners will continue to be eligible for an exemption. Stay Informed If you would like to stay informed about this process, please complete this form to receive email updates. Information Links: Public Education Funding Video Renewing Local Funding Factsheet Renewing Local Funding Infographic Frequently Asked Questions Board Resolution Calling for Parcel Tax Election