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In February 2008, responding to proposed state budget cuts, Alameda Unified School District proposed devastating cuts in high school sports, elementary music, college advanced placement programs, school counseling, closure of schools sites, and elimination of smaller class sizes in elementary schools.

Measure H, a temporary parcel tax to benefit Alameda's public schools, was placed on the June 3rd ballot, and passed with overwhelming support from Alameda voters.

April 3rd 2009
AUSD Master Plan timeline announced

At the March 24th Board of Education meeting, AUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital presented an overview of the Master Plan Process, which aims to develop a long-term structural plan for the District, placing it on a sound financial footing to meet its goals.

March 17th 2009
Summary judgement denied in Measure H lawsuit

Press release from AUSD:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Superintendent Kirsten Vital (510) 337-7060

Judge Denies Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment in Measure H Lawsuit

Plaintiffs Fail to Demonstrate that Measure H Is Not Uniformly Applied

Alameda, Calif. - Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - Today, Judge Kenneth Mark Burr of the Alameda County Superior Court denied Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment in the case of Borikas et al v. Alameda Unified School District. Plaintiffs in the Borikas case have been seeking to overturn Measure H, the parcel tax supporting Alameda schools that was passed by 66.9% of Alameda voters in June 2008.

February 6th 2009
Procedural motion to dismiss Measure H lawsuit denied

Procedural Motion to Dismiss Measure H Lawsuit Denied District Continues to Vigorously Defend Measure H

Friday, February 6, 2008 - On Thursday, February 5th, the Alameda County Superior Court denied the Alameda Unified School District's motion to dismiss and demurrer in the case of Beery et al. v. AUSD et al, which seeks to overturn Measure H, the parcel tax supporting schools that was passed overwhelmingly by Alameda voters in June 2008.

The judge's dismissal of the District's motion to dismiss is a not ruling on the merit of the case, but is simply the first procedural step in the legal process.

"We are not surprised or concerned about the judge's ruling at this juncture in our fight to defeat this lawsuit," said Superintendent Kirsten Vital. "It's pretty unusual for the court to entirely dismiss a case before the arguments are heard."

October 9th 2008
AUSD statement on Measure H

MEASURE H LITIGATION

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Two Alameda taxpayers have brought separate lawsuits to invalidate Measure H, a new parcel tax to support Alameda schools that over two-thirds of Alameda voters approved in last June's election. The tax, which will raise over $16 million in the next four years, will help close the budget gap caused by a reduction in State funding.

The lawsuits, Borikas, et al. v. AUSD, et al and Beery, et al. v. AUSD et al., are commonly called "reverse" validation proceedings. Each alleges that Measure H violates certain provisions of the California Government Code.

The Alameda Unified School District has retained the law firms of Chapman, Popik & White LLP and Foley & Lardner LLP. The District will vigorously defend Measure H.

September 7th 2008
KASE statement on Measure H lawsuits, call for action on state budget

Reaction from Andy Currid, Keep Alameda Schools Excellent:

"It is deflating to find that after 2/3 majority of Alameda's voters elected to approve Measure H – a parcel tax to address the state's severe budget cuts to schools – some members of our community have chosen to sue in opposition of the tax. We view these lawsuits as a losing proposition for everyone.

September 6th 2008
KASE FAQ on Measure H lawsuits

KASE has created a Frequently Asked Questions list about the lawsuits filed against Measure H.

(The original KASE Measure H Campaign FAQ can still be accessed here.)

August 27th 2008
Two lawsuits filed against Measure H

Two lawsuits have been filed against Measure H, challenging its legality under state law.

Case number RG08405984, Beery vs Alameda Unified School District, is filed on behalf of plaintiffs John C. Beery, Alameda Gateway Ltd, a California Limited Partnership, and Mariner Square & Associates, a California Limited Partnership.

Case number VG08405316, Borikas vs Alameda Unified School District, is filed on behalf of plaintiff George J. Borikas.

June 30th 2008
It's official: Measure H passes

On Friday 6/27, the Alameda County Registrar of Voters officially certified the June 3rd election result. Measure H received 11445 yes votes, or 66.90% of the vote, and has passed.

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