FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions and
Answers about Measure A
What is Measure A?
Measure A increases local
control and provides additional funds to keep our schools in top-notch
shape. The current parcel tax is $125 per year. Measure A increases
that amount by $120, which means the new total would be $245 per
year. The increase automatically expires in eight years.
The rate will not increase at any time during the eight years, because
there are no annual-cost-of living increases contained in the measure.
Measure A contains an exemption for those over 65 years of age.
While the additional cost to us is only $2.30 a week, the reward
to our children is immeasurable.
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Why does the district need additional funds?
Over the last two years,
we have lost $1,000 per student, causing the District to increase
class sizes, eliminate six teachers, reduce instructional aide time
by one-third, remove District funds for state mandated physical
education programs, and significantly reduce custodial staff time.
Given the state budget
crisis, we must provide local funding to ensure adequate teaching
staffs, maintain smaller class sizes, purchase up-to-date materials,
continue electives in the middle school, and ensure that our award-winning
programs are not reduced or cut.
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What happens if Measure
A fails?
If Measure A fails, classroom
overcrowding will increase; our middle schools will lose elective
time; the school day may be reduced by as much 45 minutes; our students
will have less academic support; and the district's ability to retain
our highly qualified teachers and classified staff will be severely
compromised.
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What are the parcel
taxes in other parts of Marin?
Our current parcel tax
of $125 is one of the lowest in the county. With the $120 increase
- bringing the new total to $245 for eight years --- our district's
parcel tax will still be substantially lower than many districts
whose academic performance is very similar to our own.
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Can't parents raise
the additional money, instead of asking homeowners?
Individual parents and
community organizations are already providing funds for physical
education, art and music programs, as well as technology and some
capital improvements; but we need a consistent funding source to
bring financial stability to the district. The parcel tax will result
in $700,000 per year to the District.
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How can taxpayers
be sure the money is spent appropriately?
It is the responsibility
of the elected Dixie District Trustees to ensure that Measure A
funds are spent as the voters intended: to assure a quality education
for our community's children.
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Why should I pay for
this if I don't have children in school anymore?
A recent article concluded
that home values are 25% to 30% higher in communities with strong
schools. More importantly, our children must be able to rely on
their own communities to receive a quality education.
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How
do seniors get an exemption?
Exemptions forms are
available at the Dixie District Office at 380 Nova Albion Way.
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How good are the Dixie
District Schools?
Marin County public schools
rate as the best in California, and the Dixie District is among
the best in the county. All of our schools have been honored with
the highly coveted California Distinguished Schools award, a designation
earned by only 5% of California's public schools yearly.
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