California State Senator Holly Mitchell and Assemblymember Kamlager-Dove, (District 54) both endorsed Culver City Schools’ Measure K this past weekend. Measure K is an upcoming ballot measure that will place an annual flat parcel tax of $189 per year on all residential and commercial private properties in Culver City, raising approximately $2,362,500 annually. One hundred percent of this money will be funneled directly into Culver City Schools.
The Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to place this measure on the November 6 ballot in order to bridge the gap between money that the District receives from the state, and the impending shortfall that will result from mandated increases in public employee retirement programs.
“The State of California passed a law requiring school districts to pay more for employee retirement programs,” explains CCUSD School Board President Anne Allaire. “Complying with this law will cost our school district over $2 million every year. Getting this parcel tax passed is a vital component of our school district’s future financial health. If it doesn’t pass, we will be forced to make some drastic cuts to our core academic programs and will not be able to keep pace with median teacher salaries.”
According to the language on the ballot, Measure K will be used to
Maintain and improve core academic programs like science, technology, engineering, math (STEM); English and writing
Fund vocational education programs, preparing students for college and modern careers
Help retain and attract high quality teachers and staff (including counselors, nurses and aides) to educate and support our students
Maintain small class sizes
Support and grow Culver City’s robust arts curriculum and competitive athletics
Ensure that students with special needs are included with their general education peers in all PK-12 classrooms
Bolster urgently needed social and emotional support for Culver City students
Enhance district-wide safety measures
“I have proudly represented Culver City as part of the 30th State Senate for 8 years, and am proud to endorse Measure K,” says California Senator Holly Mitchell. “This parcel tax will provide resources and funds to ensure that all students will continue to thrive. Vote YES for Measure K on November 6!”
Measure K mandates an independent oversight committee to ensure funds are spent as promised. These funds cannot be spent on administrators’ salaries, benefits or pensions. Seniors and people with disabilities will be offered an exemption to paying the parcel tax.
“Well-educated children help our communities thrive, and great schools keep our neighborhoods strong and prosperous and safeguard property values,” adds Allaire. “Excellent public schools, which depend upon public support, are the foundation of a vibrant residential and business community. Measure K is a wise investment that will protect Culver City schools. We hope everyone who goes to the polls on November 6 will vote yes on Measure K – it’s for our kids.”
Measure K requires a two-thirds majority to pass. Should it pass, it will begin July 1, 2019 for the next seven years. During this time, the Measure is expected to raise approximately $16,537,500.
In addition to Senator Mitchell and Assemblymember Kamlager-Dove, early endorsers of Measure K include the following organizations: Culver City Federation of Teachers (CCFT), Culver City Association of Classified Employees (CCACE), Management Association of Culver City Schools (MACCS), Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF), Community Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC), Culver City Council of PTAs, Culver City Democratic Club, Fineshriber Family Foundation, and The Culver Studios. In addition, all five school board members (President Anne Allaire, Vice President Dr. Kelly Kent, Clerk Kathy Paspalis, and Governing Members Dr. Steve Levin and Summer McBride) endorse Measure K, as does CCUSD Superintendent Leslie Lockhart.
Photo caption: California State Senator Holly Mitchell with CCUSD School Board Vice President Dr. Kelly Kent and Committee for 2018 Measure K Parcel Tax Member Joanna Brody
Joanna Brody
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