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In the wake of Measure E's defeat in June 2010, the Board of Education approved $7 million worth of cuts for 2010-11:

- layoff of 130 teachers, as well as middle and high school counselors;

- reduction of funds for special education, adult education, maintaining facilities, "gifted and talented" education;

- reduction of funds for textbooks, classroom supplies, computers, materials, paper, copying, and art supplies;

- implemention eight furlough days for all district employees, resulting in no professional development days for teachers and 5 less days of instruction for all students.

Without another parcel tax, the district expects to have to cut another $10 million in employees and programs in between 2011 and 2013, by, among other measures, increasing class sizes to 32:1; eliminating some music, PE, and media teachers; and closing one middle school, one high school and as many as four elementary schools.The district also expects to lay off dozens more teachers next year.

Judge Rules Measure H Parcel Tax Structure Is Legal

Alameda, Calif. – Thursday, June 3, 2010 – Judge Kenneth Mark Burr of the Alameda County Superior Court has ruled decisively and definitively for AUSD in the lawsuit over Measure H. In his Statement of Decision resolving the case, Judge Burr rejected all of the plaintiffs’ claims and found that the structure of Measure H is uniformly applied and legal under state law.

Plaintiffs in the Beery et al v. Alameda Unified School District and Borikas et al v. Alameda Unified School District cases had sought to overturn Measure H, the parcel tax supporting Alameda schools that was passed by 66.9% of Alameda voters in June 2008.

In his ruling Judge Burr concluded the parcel tax imposed by Measure H is uniform and legal. “The Court rules that Measure H comports with the requirements of Government Code section 50079 and the California Constitution. Accordingly, judgment for the District shall be entered.”

“I am thrilled with Judge Burr’s decision”, stated Superintendent Kirsten Vital. “His ruling is a victory for the students and the entire Alameda community who support and are proud of our quality schools.”

“This ruling is so important in light of the devastating state budget cuts that AUSD is facing,” continued Superintendent Vital. “Local funding through Measure H has protected the programs, teachers, and small class sizes we depend on.”

This ruling is also significant in that Judge Burr’s analysis confirms that the structure of Measure E is also legal. Measure E is the replacement parcel tax that is being considered by voters in an all-mail election running from late May through June 22nd. Measure E has the same structure as Measure H. If passed by voters this month, Measure E will immediately replace Measures A and H and provide a secure local funding source for eight years.

Seniors and those who receive supplemental security income for a disability are eligible for an exemption from the parcel tax for a parcel comprised of residential real property that is their primary residence in Alameda. If a person currently claims an exemption under Measures A and H, and Measure E passes, that person will be automatically exempted from Measure E.

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June 3rd, 2010 | Category: General
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