Why does Lakeside need a Parcel Tax?
Unfortunately, unfunded government mandates, years of state budget cuts, and critical mounting repairs threaten Lakeside school. We can’t rely on state money to support the excellent academic programs and qualified teachers our students need to achieve academic success. We need additional, locally generated revenue to continue to provide an excellent education for our Lakeside students.
Lakeside Joint School District conducted a full assessment of all needs, including the need to retain our exceptional teachers, challenging instructional programs, manageable class sizes, and rigorous science, math, and reading curricula, and it is clear we need additional local revenue to fund our core priorities.
What are Lakeside Joint School District’s most critical needs?
- Quality academic programs for elementary and middle school students
- Retaining quality teachers
- Safe, well-maintained facilities
Why now?
Lakeside Joint School District is part of what makes this mountain community special. Our great teachers and rigorous curriculum have prepared generations of students to succeed in high school, college and careers. Today, Lakeside’s students are in the top 5% in statewide test scores, continuing the long tradition of developing strong academic and leadership skills in a small school setting.
Unfortunately, years of state budget cuts and rising, unfunded state and federal mandates threaten our school district. Without Measure A, Lakeside will need to make deep cuts to academic programs. Measure A won’t solve all our problems, but it will protect core academics, help retain our highest quality teachers, and ensure that Lakeside students continue to be prepared to attend an excellent high school.
How much will this cost?
The cost of Measure A is $647 per year for property owners and will last for eight years. It cannot be extended without a new vote. Every penny stays local to benefit Lakeside school and students. There are exemptions available for seniors, disabled persons, and contiguous parcel owners.
What Exemptions are Available?
Exemptions are available for seniors, the disabled, and owners of contiguous parcels. To qualify, the property owner must live in an owner-occupied primary residence on the parcel. These are the only exemptions allowed by California law, which specifies the requirements for each exemption type. Here are the specific requirements for each type of exemption:
- Senior: one or more owner-residents is age 65 or older.
- Disabled: one or more owner-residents receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) for a disability, regardless of age.
- Contiguous parcels: may be combined for parcel tax purposes if the parcels share a boundary, are held under identical ownership, and are used solely for an owner-occupied single-family residence.
Please note that these exemptions are optional. We encourage households who qualify for an exemption to use it only if they need to.
How do I apply for an exemption?
The exemption forms for the current parcel tax are on the Lakeside School District web site: http://www.lakesidelosgatos.org/index.php/parcel-tax-exemptions-2/. You can apply by mail or in person at the school.
I already have an exemption for the current parcel tax. Do I need to re-apply?
No. If you already have an exemption, it will be carried over for the new parcel tax.
Will I need to renew my exemption each year?
Once you meet the exemption criteria, you do not need to apply every year. Lakeside will mail you an exemption verification and renewal form each year to verify that you still own and live on the property in the current tax year.
Where can I find more information?
Specific information regarding exemptions is available on the District’s website at www.lakesidelosgatos.org, or by calling the Parcel Tax Exemption Officer at (408) 354-2372.