Ballot Language for Measure B

“To maintain quality public education in Corte Madera and Larkspur through continued support for exceptional instructional programs, small class sizes, and highly qualified teachers, shall Larkspur School District be authorized to replace the existing assessment by renewing a parcel tax at the current rate of $368.88 per year for each single-family residential parcel, and at rates specified in the sample ballot for all other parcels, for eight years, with a 5% annual adjustment and allow senior exemptions?"

Measure B Parcel Tax Renewal Resolution

 Larkspur School District Resolution 2009/2010-03 - Calling Election on Parcel Tax Measure and Establishing Specifications for the Election Order

Ballot Argument in Favor of Measure B

Maintain Excellence – A Sensible Investment in Local Education

The citizens of Corte Madera and Larkspur recognize the importance of outstanding local schools – they are assets that distinguish the Twin Cities and help maintain property values.  Strong support from community members and parents ensures that our schools offer quality academic programs.

Now these programs are in danger. Due to volatile state funding for public education and the current budget crisis, the Larkspur School District has lost $1.2 million in funding, and additional cuts may be necessary. Stable local funding helps maintain high student achievement and offsets some of the state cuts. Therefore, we must protect and maintain our community’s schools by voting YES on Measure B.

Measure B is a continuation of the current single-family residential parcel tax that Corte Madera and Larkspur voters have supported since 1988.  For homeowners, there is no increase in the base parcel tax amount. This local tax, deductible from state and federal income taxes, amounts to $368.88 per parcel annually or $30.74 per month, with a 5% yearly adjustment to support a growing student population. All funds generated from this measure will go directly to Neil Cummins and Hall to fund core academic programs as well as instructional materials and supplies.  Property owners 65 and older may apply for an exemption.  

Since all benefit from the excellent reputation of our schools, everyone in the community shares the responsibility for funding education. Presently, 96% of the Larkspur School District parcel tax revenue comes from homeowners and 4% from businesses. Measure B proposes a separate commercial rate that will produce a more equitable distribution between residential and commercial properties increasing the businesses’ share of the parcel tax to approximately 20%.

Corte Madera and Larkspur have a proud tradition of supporting our exemplary schools.  Please join us on November 3rd in reaffirming that commitment.  Vote YES on Measure B, a sensible investment in local education.

Monica Bonny
President, Board of Trustees, Larkspur School District

Larry Chu
Larkspur City Council Member

Mary Clyde
2009 Larkspur Citizen of the Year

Martha T.  Murphy
Small Business Owner, M Clothing, Corte Madera

Bob Ravasio
Corte Madera Town Council Member

Ballot Argument Opposed to Measure B

No opposition Ballot Arguments were filed.