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Initial election results show the Mountain View Whisman School District’s parcel tax, Measure AA, receiving 74.26% support, well above the two-thirds mark needed for passage.
As of 4:48 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, results showed 12,965 votes in favor and 4,495 votes opposed.
School board President Devon Conley told the Voice on election night that she was “cautiously optimistic” about the initial returns.
“We don’t know the outcome yet, but we are seeing Mountain View voters really show their support for our public schools,” Conley said.
On Wednesday morning, Conley released a message thanking the community, and saying that the preliminary results showed the measure on track to pass.
“This outcome reflects the tremendous value our community places on quality public education and the future of our students, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your support,” Conley wrote.
She added that the parcel tax will allow the district to maintain programs and resources, and said that the district is “dedicated to upholding (the community’s) trust by investing in our students and delivering exceptional education.”
Measure AA would raise $5.4 million per year for the district and replace the district’s existing parcel tax, which raises about $2.8 million annually and expires on June 30, 2025.
The district could use the money to pay for a wide array of expenses, including things like teacher salaries, hiring support staff and buying supplies. The ballot text states that it would be used to “attract and retain qualified teachers; provide academic support for students struggling with reading and writing; and enhance science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs.”
District officials have said that the proceeds would be used to fund largely the same teachers and programs as its existing parcel tax, and that budget cuts could become necessary if it fails.
Unlike Mountain View Whisman’s current parcel tax, which assesses a flat tax of $191 annually on each parcel of land within the district’s boundaries, Measure AA is based on building size.
Property owners would be charged 15 cents per square foot of building area, capped at $1,750 annually. That means the owner of a 1,500-square-foot home would pay $225 each year. Empty lots would be charged a flat $25 annually. The tax would last for eight years and applies to both commercial and residential properties.
Results will continue to come be counted in the coming days. The county certifies the results no later than one month after the election on Dec. 5, followed by state certification on Dec. 13.
Good for MVWSD and the community! I certainly hope that the incoming board members can begin the process of cleaning up the mess left behind as well