What is Measure R?

Measure R is a local school funding renewal for Santa Monica-Malibu schools. We need it to continue critical funding already in place for our schools. The funds Measure R will provide are needed to protect and maintain high quality education in our local schools.

If the funding is already in place, why do we need to vote on Measure R?

Santa Monica and Malibu voters approved local funding measures in the past, but they are set to expire soon, resulting in cuts to academic programs and teacher layoffs, unless we vote yes on Measure R.

So Measure R will just renew existing local funding, without any new taxes?

Yes.

What will happen if we don’t pass Measure R?

The quality of our schools will deteriorate significantly, with cuts to:

• Reading and literacy instruction
• Class size reduction program that keep K-3 classes at 20 instead of 30 students
• Programs to improve student skills in math
• Science and technology instruction
• Elementary school librarians and school libraries
• Music and art classes

And, without Measure R, the district will be forced to lay off 70 teachers in a variety of grades and academic subject areas.

Doesn’t the state pay for class size reduction and other academic programs?

State funds are woefully inadequate, and have been for the past three decades. In fact, California ranks 34^th in the nation in per-pupil funding. Our community understands that and as a result has shown strong support for local funding to make up for the state’s short-fall.

Who put Measure R on the ballot?

The Santa Monica-Malibu Board of Education placed Measure R on the February 5, 2008 ballot after extensive research by -- and the recommendation of -- a blue ribbon citizens committee representing a broad spectrum of community members.

Who supports Measure R?

A broad and diverse coalition of teachers, parents, senior citizens, civic organizations, business and labor leaders, homeowners and renters, including the Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association, the Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council, the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica, and many others who have joined together to protect the quality of schools.

Why are people without school children working to pass Measure R?

Great schools are part of what make Santa Monica and Malibu desirable places to live. Great schools help protect property values and keep our community safe. But the State doesn’t provide enough funding for the high-quality schools our students deserve and our community expects. That’s why Santa Monica and Malibu voters have approved additional school funding.  That local support will expire if it is not renewed now with Measure R.

How much will Measure R cost property owners?

Measure R will continue the current property tax fee earmarked for schools of $346 per year (or about 95 cents a day) to support Santa Monica-Malibu schools. This is the same amount that homeowners are currently paying to support our schools.

What about renters?

There will be no additional cost to renters when Measure R passes. Whatever they pay now is what they will continue to pay.  The average renter pays $3.50 a month.

Many senior citizens are on fixed incomes. Is there an exemption for them?

Yes. Senior citizens, age 65 and over, who own and occupy their homes, will be able to receive an exemption.  In fact, with Measure R, seniors who are already taking an exemption from the existing parcel tax can reduce their tax burden by an additional $121 per year. If you are interested in more information about requesting an exemption, please contact the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District at (310) 450-8338, or click on the District’s website at www.smmusd.org, Senior Exemption.

How do I know that the parcel tax funds will be spent wisely?

Measure R requires annual audits by an Independent Citizens Oversight Committee to ensure funds are properly spent.  Every penny of Measure R spending will be tracked and reported annually to taxpayers.  No Measure R funds can be taken by the state and no funds can be used for administrator salaries. All Measure R funds will stay here in our local Santa Monica and Malibu schools to support vital educational programs.

Didn’t we just pass a school funding measure?

The previous funding measure, Measure BB, approved by voters in November 2006, is a bond which, by law, can only be used for facility construction, improvements and repairs.  Funds from Measure R are allowed to go directly into classrooms for programs and staffing, and will protect funding for quality teachers and educational programs in our local elementary, middle and high schools – and, remember, we are just renewing, not adding new taxes.

When is the election and what percent of voter support is needed to win?

February 5, 2008 – in the presidential primary election.  Measure R must attain a 2/3 majority of those voting in order to pass.

When is the deadline to register to vote?

January 22, 2008.  You can pick up a voter registration form in any post office or public library.

What can I do to help protect our schools?

Vote Yes on Measure R, at the end of your ballot.