WCCUSD will ask voters in November to renew a parcel tax that brings in $10 million annually for local schools.
The measure, currently known as Measure T, has been renewed by voters every four to eight years since 2004 to fund student programs including athletics, libraries and guidance counseling at the West Contra Costa Unified School District. Property owners currently pay 7.2 cents per square foot of total building area — about $72 per year for an average homeowner (senior citizens and disabled property owners are exempt).
The measure, which may have a different name, will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The district’s board last week unanimously approved maintaining the parcel tax rate to increase its chances of passing. It requires a two-thirds majority.
If it does not pass, the district says it will have to make $8 million in cuts next year.
“The money is being well spent, it is supporting kids and (it’s) fantastic what we’re doing with the money,” WCCUSD trustee Leslie Reckler said at the July 15 school board meeting. “I’m begging for the community’s support again.”
If the measure passes in November, it would avoid any disruption in funding when the current tax expires on June 30, 2027. Last time it was renewed, it passed easily, with 76% of voters saying “yes.”
However, growing frustration with the district could threaten its renewal.
A board-commission survey by Godbe Research found that if the measure went before voters today, about 65.8% of voters would say yes — about 1% less than what is needed for approval.
“There is work to be done for sure in the context of putting a measure on the ballot,” Brian Godbe, president of Godbe Research, told the board.
Legally, the school board cannot campaign for the tax. That role falls to teachers, parents and other community advocates.
What does the parcel tax fund?
About $2 million of the $10.1 million generated annually goes to local charter schools, “as they have some rights to the parcels as well,” said Jeff Carter, WCCUSD’s executive director of business services.
The remaining $8 million from the parcel tax has funded WCCUSD’s counseling and library services as well as school athletics programs this year, according to Carter.
Reckler said a great example of dollars well spent was the El Cerrito High School football team, which made history when it won its first state championship in December.
In previous years, the dollars have also been used to support afterschool programs, keep class sizes smaller class and prepare students for college and the workforce.
Carter said there are positions already identified for cuts if the parcel tax is not approved, as stipulated in union contract agreements, though he did not specify which ones.
“We would need to take a look at that contract language, those positions, and the services provided through the parcel tax currently, in order to right size our district back to our new reality, if this revenue does not continue,” Carter said.
If it passes, it would be considered a straight renewal — there would be no new tax or any increase year over year built into it.
The board will have to submit language to the county by Aug. 7 for it to appear on the ballot.
Voters will also be electing two school members in November in Areas 4 and 5.
Area 4 represents El Sobrante and parts of Richmond, including Hilltop, and is currently represented by Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, who is seeking re-election.
Area 5 represents El Cerrito, Kensington, East Richmond Heights, Richmond Annex, the Richmond Marina and Point Richmond. Reckler, who currently holds the seat, is not seeking reelection. Parent and animal care provider Caitlin Garibaldi is running unopposed so far.
The nomination period for candidates to join the race will end Aug. 7. If no one else pulls papers for the seats, Gonzalez-Hoy and Garibaldi will automatically win. (Assuming Reckler doesn’t file, the nomination period is extended by five days.)
A hard NO on renewing this parcel tax ( only on the backs of owners not renters). WCCUSD has budgeting problems they need to fix first!!