2 Parcel Tax Measures Benefiting K-12 Schools Pass in Special Election

By Bay City News Service

Two parcel tax measures to fund educational needs for K-12 schools in Santa Cruz County have passed, according to election results certified Tuesday.

There were 22,096 votes cast in the Nov. 17 special mail-only election for Measure O and Measure P, which both needed a two-thirds majority to pass.

Measure O, passed by 71 percent of voters, will establish at $72 annual parcel tax to benefit the Santa Cruz City High School District, which consists of two middle schools and three high schools.

The funds will help maintain Career Technical Education, science, technology, engineering, and performing arts curriculae as well as continue athletic programs. Supporters for the measure said the tax will break down to a monthly fee of $6 and will help students in preparing for college.

Measure P was passed by 76 percent of voters to create a $105 annual parcel tax for the Santa Cruz Elementary School District.

The tax will help hire and retain teachers, maintain small class sizes, continue art and music instruction and support school libraries.

The measure will help continue funding for the elementary schools when another parcel tax passed in 2008 expires next year, according to supporters.

Taxes highlighted in the two measures will start on July 1 and continue for eight years.

About 30 percent of 71,718 registered voters cast ballots in the election, according to the county clerk.

Any voter can ask for a recount by filing a written request with an elections official five days after the official canvass under state code. The deadline for a recount request in the Nov. 17 election is 5 p.m. Monday.

(photo via Shutterstock)