See Also: Index of all Measures

The ballot measure asks voters to decide whether a parcel tax should be imposed on parcels of taxable real property within the District. The parcel tax would be levied for no more than six years, beginning July 1, 2005. It would replace the District's existing parcel tax.

The new parcel tax would be $82 per year on each parcel of taxable real property in the District. A parcel of taxable real property is any unit of real property in the District that receives a separate tax bill for ad valorem property taxes from the Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office. A parcel otherwise exempt from property taxes will also be exempt from the imposition of the parcel tax.

Any parcel owned and occupied by a person sixty-five years old or older would also be exempt from the parcel tax upon proper application to the District. Persons currently exempt from the existing parcel tax will not be required to reapply for a new exemption if they continue to qualify for the exemption. An exemption will continue for the remaining term of the assessment if the person continues to qualify for the exemption.

The ballot measure states that the proceeds of the parcel tax will be used "for the purpose of attracting and retaining quality teachers, maintaining small class sizes, keeping classroom computers and technology up to date and secure; and preserving school library funding." Proceeds from the qualified special tax may be used only for the specific purposes set forth in the ballot measure and according to constitutional and statutory provisions.

While proceeds from the parcel tax remain unexpended, an independent financial auditor will prepare an annual report stating how much tax was received and expended in the year and the status of any projects or a description of programs funded from the proceeds of the parcel tax.

The parcel tax budget and independent audit will be annually reviewed by a citizens' oversight committee, which will report its findings to the District governing board.

Two-thirds of those voting on the ballot measure must approve the measure for it to pass.

A "yes" vote is a vote in favor of authorizing the parcel tax.

A "no" vote is a vote against authorizing the parcel tax.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Parcel Tax Measure B. If you desire a copy of the full text of the measure, please call the Walnut Creek School District at (925) 944-6850 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

Walnut Creek School District Web Site

Measure B funds will:

• Maintain smaller class sizes in grades 4-8.
• Allow the district to continue to improve science classes by offering students more hands-on laboratory experience.
• Keep classroom computers and technology up-to-date and secure.
• Maintain programs that challenge all students in core academics by attracting and retaining high quality teachers.
• Provide extra help and challenges to each student through the individual attention that lower class sizes allow.

Without Measure B:

• Adequate funds will not be available to provide necessary support to those students struggling with reading and math.
• It will become increasingly difficult to attract and retain the best teachers available.
• Classroom computers and technology will not be kept up-to-date and secure.
• The district will be forced to cut the funding available for library programs and reduce the number of hours school libraries are open for students.

Robert E. Jorgensen Director of School Relations, Graduate School of Education, UC Berkeley

Cindy M. Gershen Owner, Sunrise Bistro, Cafe & Bakery 23 years

Al Hart KCBS News Broadcaster 40 years

Lonnie R. Bristow, MD Former President of the American Medical Association

Gwen Regalia Councilmember, City of Walnut Creek

(No arguments against Measure B were submitted)