June 29, 2016 (Sacramento):  Sacramento City Unified School District’s Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to place a $75 parcel tax measure on the November 8 ballot.

The proposed measure would fund the expansion of successful programs, including art and music enrichment, services for struggling learners and vital initiatives that make schools more positive environments for staff, families and children. The measure would sunset after six years.  Senior citizens would be exempted.

“The parcel tax presents a tremendous opportunity for SCUSD families,” said Board Member Jessie Ryan. “It is exactly what our students and schools need: A secure stream of funding for high-impact programs that might otherwise be cut during an economic downturn.”

Unlike a facility bond measure, which generates funds that are restricted to the improvement of school buildings and other operational functions, parcel tax revenue can be used for other invaluable purposes, including early intervention services such as counseling, tutoring and mentoring and professional training for teachers and classified staff.

“All of our students will benefit by the passage of a parcel tax measure, especially our at-risk students who need extra support to be successful in school, college and life,” said Superintendent José L. Banda. “This level of services is what our community wants and deserves.”

Parcel taxes for schools are common in Bay Area communities and Davis. The funding helps shore up lean budgets and ensure the sustainability of much-needed student services that are outside core academics.

Established in 1854, Sacramento City Unified is one of the oldest school districts in the western United States. The district serves 44,000 students at 76 schools, is the 10^th largest in California and IS among the most diverse.