Parcel Tax Extensions Pass in Novato, Reed School Districts

By Bay City News Service:

Voters in two Marin County school districts approved parcel tax extensions Tuesday.

Voters in the Novato Unified School District agreed to extend for eight years a parcel tax that expires in 2015.

The current tax provides $4.3 million per year to the district's budget. Measure A tax money will maintain competitive math, science and engineering programs, attract and retain quality teachers and provide modern instructional technology.

The measure, which needed two-thirds approval, was passed by 81 percent of voters. Measure B passed in the Reed Union School District with 77 percent approval.

The measure, which also needed two-thirds approval, extends the existing parcel tax for eight years with a one-time $138 increase and 3 percent annual adjustments.

The elementary school district serves Belvedere, Tiburon and a portion of Corte Madera. The current parcel tax provides $1.9 million per year.

The revenue will support core academic programs, enhanced science, technology, engineering, math, art, music and library programs and minimize class sizes.

None of the parcel tax revenue in the school district will be used for administrator salaries, according to the text of the measure.