Under California law, a parcel tax is the only method available to school districts to raise additional money for operations. Bonds are only for capital projects, such as constructing the community center/multi-purpose room at Lakeside. Private donations through Lakeside School Community Foundation and Lakeside Elementary PTA fund Lakeside’s enrichment programs. Private, generous donations fluctuate annually–they cannot be the basis for funding Lakeside School’s core educational program.

Measure C at $311/year passed in May 2010 and expires this May, 2017. Measure A at $647/year (on a special ballot for March 7, 2017) will help to cover rising expenses the district has no control over–such as unfunded, government mandates. The increase also addresses deferred maintenance that has become critical, and keeping up comparable programs with neighboring districts to ensure that students continue to excel academically.