Argument Against Measure M


Los Gatos – Loma Prieta Joint Union School District Measure M Parcel Tax

Voters should reject this new tax.

Loma Prieta Joint Union School District just put a $164/year per parcel tax increase on the ballot in 2020, promising it would be a temporary, 7-year, stop-gap measure.

You, the voters, rejected that tax increase.

Did the district get the message? Clearly, NO!

Measure M is attempting to add another parcel tax in the amount of $348 per parcel annually for a period of 8 years!

Both the 2000 ballot measure and this measure must be paid with district (taxpayer) funds.

Since 2000, nine (9!) tax increases have been on the ballot. In 2018, the district incurred debt which will last until 2052!

Since 2017, enrollment has declined over 13% and academics have also declined — 23.66% of students are below grade level in English. 30.06% are below grade level in math.

Conversely, spending has increased to $16,254/student annually — 18% above statewide averages.

Expenditures are rising while enrollment and academics are falling!

The district wants to be rewarded with increased taxes — for poor academics!

Do you approve?

It is poor financial management that leaves us facing new taxes every two years and constant appeals for “donations.” (Taxes are mandatory; they aren’t charitable contributions.)

Parcel taxes are highly regressive — the burden falls hardest on the poorest members of our community. Consider that this new $2,784 tax will have the most impact on families who are struggling financially.

District leadership has demonstrated total disregard for transparency and public accountability, and it is irrational to throw more money at them. Consider recent revelations of many tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars spent on investigations and reports that are still being improperly concealed from us.

We can best serve our kids by demanding responsible financial management and by insisting the district focus on excelling at its core academic mission.

You can be FOR schools, FOR students, FOR teachers — and AGAINST Measure M.

Please vote NO on Measure M in Los Gatos.

Source: Ed-Data.org and VotesCount.us and SVTaxPayers.org