1) Why do we need this parcel tax?
Davis Schools need Measure W to preserve existing classroom programs, including math, science, English, music, librarians, class size reduction, and athletics. School districts are faced with decreased state funding which severely limits the district’s ability to maintain existing classroom programs. The Board of Education therefore recommended a parcel tax to fund these programs over the next three years.

2) What will happen if Measure W does not pass on November 4, 2008?
IF voters do not authorize the parcel tax, the school district will be forced to cut $2.4 million from its annual budget. Every student in our schools will feel the impact of these cuts in reduction to programs, services and teaching staff.

3) Does this Measure fund new programs?
This Measure maintains and preserves programs currently funded by one-time funds raised by the community. It DOES NOT fund new programs.

4) How much will it cost?
The amount per homeowner assessed by Measure W is $120 per year. Put another way, it would amount to $10 per month per household.

5) I live in an apartment. Will I pay the tax?
You will not receive the bill for the parcel tax. Owners, not residents, of multi-unit dwellings will be levied $50 per unit annually.

6) Are all senior citizens exempt from the tax?
Yes. An exemption is available to anyone 65 and older when you fill out a brief application. We welcome and appreciate the participation of our seniors, but we don’t want to be a burden to seniors on a limited, fixed income. A full exemption is available to anyone 65 or older. Applications will be available at the district office and on their website (http://www.djusd.net/district/docs/forms/).

7) Is it true that Davis schools are under-funded?
For years, DJUSD has had less than the national average to spend on each child’s education. According to the most current data from the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Labor Statistics, California schools spend $1,055 less per student than the national average. This means that our Davis schools currently receive $9.1 million annually less than the national average.  

In September 2007, Stanford University researchers concluded that despite higher costs than almost all other states, California schools are funded 30 percent below the national average and a staggering $5,500 PER STUDENT below schools in New York State.

 The District has stretched every dollar so that our schools rank among the best. To achieve its success, DJUSD relies on extraordinary staff and parent support, an emphasis on efficient and cost-effective operations and local parcel taxes.

 
8) What accountability measures are in place?
Measure W requires an annual audit of all expenditures to be reviewed by a Citizen’s Oversight Committee, already in place for Measure Q.  Should funding be returned from the state, the Committee could recommend reducing the amount of tax levied.  In addition, the measure expires in three years, at which time need can be reassessed.

9) Weren't some of these same programs funded by Measure Q?
No.  Program specifics funded by Measure W are not currently protected by any other parcel tax.  Had these been funded by Measure Q they would not have been at risk during the budget reduction process.

10) What budget reductions did the district make this year?
The district made $1.1 million in reduction in the 2008-09 budget:

$125,000 reduction in administration

$275,000 in site and district discretionary spending

$170,000 in reduced teaching positions (declining enrollment)

$180,000 in energy cost reductions

$100,000 by holding open vacant positions

$250,000 in reductions achieved through consolidation of the elementary school program

11) Why are teachers always on the cut list, but not administrators?
Administrative positions were eliminated as part of 2008-09 budget reductions.  Since 2003, spending on administration decreased from 7.6% to 7.1% of total district general fund expenditures.  During the same period, spending on teachers increased slightly from 63.9% to 64.5% of general fund expenditures.

Not one dollar of Measure W funds can be spent on administration.  All funds go directly to the classroom.

12)What is class size reduction and how does it help our students?
The state of California provides funds to schools districts to reduce 9th and 10th grade math and English classes from 30+ to 20 students, so that students may have more direct contact with teachers and better master these subjects at a critical age.  In order to qualify, our district must provide local matching funds.  So Measure W funds for class size reduction will bring in additional money from the state for our students.

13) Will Measure W help us avoid school closures?
Measure W has nothing to do with facility improvement or school closure.  W funds instructional programs that benefit every student in the district regardless of what site they attend.  Without Measure W, the pressure for future budget cuts will be much greater.

14) Why is DJUSD in a budget crisis and other districts are not?
DJUSD has a high quality educational program for all our students.  Most of our available funds are put directly into services, making us more vulnerable to year to year fluctuations in revenue.

15) What if additional revenue comes from the state during the three year term of the tax? 
A public hearing on the tax to be levied is held annually and the Board of Education has the authority to adjust the rate downward according to need.

16) Why are Davis voters being asked to fund these programs when voters in other districts are not? 
These programs – science taught by specially certificated teachers, elementary instrumental music, school librarians, and an exceptional range of secondary course offerings – have been eliminated in other districts, or never offered at all.  These programs, and our community's extraordinary commitment to public education, are what set Davis schools apart.  They provide high quality education for our students and value to our home.

17) Can Measure W funds be used for other emergency purposes?

No.  The proceeds of the special tax may be applied only to the programs specifically identified in the ballot text.  Measure W funds would be deposited and tracked separately from other funds, and an independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee would be appointed by the Board of Education to ensure that Measure W proceeds are spent for solely for their authorized purposes.   

 
18) How will you keep the money collected for the tax safe?
The District’s funds are held in the Yolo County Treasury.  Investments made with public funds are conservative and secure.

19) What can I do to help?
This measure requires two thirds approval by Davis voters in an election that promises historic voter turnout.  Your help is needed to get the word out about the importance of voting YES on Measure W.  Volunteers are needed for phonebanking, Farmer’s Market tabling, and precinct walking.  To volunteer or request subscription to to a listserver that will notify you of volunteer opportunities, please contact Measure W Campaign Coordinator Kingsley Melton at meltonkl@yahoo.com. 
 
It will take all of us working together to make this happen!