In a snappy 15-minute meeting packing little drama, the School Board yesterday afternoon, as expected, voted unanimously to place a parcel tax before Culver City voters on the Nov. 3 ballot.
If the measure is approved by two-thirds of the voters, the owner of each parcel in the city would pay an amount not to exceed $96 per year for five years.
With member Dr. Dana Russell away on vacation, the Board explained that the parcel tax, which contains an exemption for senior citizens, will be used to “to protect the quality of education in Culver City schools from deep state budget cuts by providing stable local funding to maintain math, science, technology, music and art programs, updated instructional materials, quality teachers, school libraries and small class sizes.”
The resolution includes the creation of an independent oversight committee and an annual audit. It also includes a prohibition against the expenditure of parcel tax revenues on administrators’ salaries.
“All the funds from this parcel tax would stay right here in Culver City,” said Board ember Scott Zeidman, who will head the citizens’ committee to support its passage.
“Every year, the politicians in Sacramento pick the pockets of local school districts. This is one way residents of Culver City can say ‘Enough is enough.’
“We have top-notch schools. And we’re going to pass this measure to make sure they stay that way.”
While many districts have been forced to cut important programs, the parcel tax would allow Culver City to continue funding for advanced programs.
“Good schools not only benefit our children, but they are perhaps the biggest factor in determining real estate values,” Mr. Zeidman said. “I am confident that Culver City voters will understand how important it is to pass this parcel tax.”
Those interested in joining the committee to support the measure may call Mr. Zeidman at 310.297.9797 or email him at scott.zeidman@laslots.com.
Mr. Maleman may be contacted at gmaleman@aol.com
