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Manhattan Beach Parcel Tax Effort Kicks Off With Signature Drive

Feb 05, 2022 10:36AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Volunteer signature gatherers speak with a resident outside Gelson's in Manhattan Beach.

Volunteer signature gatherers for Measure A speak with a resident outside Gelson's in Manhattan Beach in February.

All across Manhattan Beach this week, prepare to see advocates seeking residents' signatures to put a proposed measure to benefit Manhattan Beach schools on the June 7 ballot. 

The ballot measure would create a 12-year, $1,095-per-year parcel tax that would help to fully fund Manhattan Beach public schools.

The citizen-led signature drive aims to secure 3,000 registered Manhattan Beach voters' signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. Organizers aim to complete the task by February 14.

"Funding for the Manhattan Beach public schools has been a problem since 1978, and this might be a way to actually address it," said Wysh Weinstein, a Manhattan Beach parent and PTA leader, and co-chair along with fellow parent Angie Smith of the MB Citizens for Schools organizing group. "Every single meeting we have relating to finances, everyone says we have a structural problem. This parcel tax offers a way that we can finally address that."
Weinstein added, "The people want to have a say. So this is the citizens getting together and standing up for our schools."

The public signing opportunities for the week can be found here, in the Manhattan Beach News calendar, and at the bottom of this story.

Proposed Parcel Tax Measure 


The proposed parcel tax measure attempts to address longstanding funding issues at the Manhattan Beach public schools.

Despite its high property values, Manhattan Beach is the second-lowest funded public school district in the state, due to quirks of how California funds its public schools.

For years, Manhattan Beach residents have worked to supplement minimal state funding through outside supplements such as grants given by the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. 

In 2018, Manhattan Beach voters approved Measure MB, a six-year $225 parcel tax that is slated to sunset in 2024. However, district-wide needs have continue to outpace that supplement. Additionally, MBEF, which was designed to enhance, not stand in for, state funding, has not been able to keep up with that need.

“We have seen a need to fund our schools at a higher level for decades and our community has stepped up in many different ways - including in enrichment opportunities offered through MBEF  -  yet we have known and recognized for many years that this is not sustainable on a long term basis,” said Hilary Mahan, the executive director of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation.  “This parcel tax would give us the opportunity to truly focus on providing our students with the learning opportunities and high quality education that they deserve.”

(The Manhattan Beach Unified School District had been examining different proposals for a parcel tax but has now stepped back to allow this citizen-led measure, which would require a simple majority vote to pass, to proceed.)

The proposed citizen-led measure would aim to bring local control and stability to school funding by creating a 12-year, $3-per-day parcel tax ($1,095 per year).

Senior citizens (age 65 and over by July 1 of the tax year) and those receiving Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance benefits would be exempt from the tax.

According to the draft measure, funding would be used for:
  • Protecting quality academic, arts, and education programs including science, math, reading, writing, social studies, language, technology, engineering, music, arts, and physical education. 
  • Maintaining manageable class sizes
  • Investing in 21st century technology, learning tools, instructional materials, and supplies;
  • Increasing staffing and program funding;
  • Increasing teacher salaries to help the district compete with other districts in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers;
  • Providing additional professional development to teachers;
  • Providing more competitive compensation to other school district staff;
  • Providing oversight to monitor how the district is spending the parcel tax revenue.
Additionally, the measure would require an independent citizens’ oversight committee that would oversee all expenditures.

"There is a serious need for additional funding in our classrooms and this parcel tax is the best option we have to meet that need."," said Manhattan Beach parent Michael Sinclair, a member of the MB Citizens for Schools committee who is also listed as the official proponent of the measure on public documents. 

"High-quality schools lead to strong communities," said Sinclair. "Strong communities lead to safe neighborhoods, high property values and an even higher quality of life. There is a direct correlation." 

Signature Drive Underway


With ballot language in hand, organizers hit the ground running this weekend with a signature drive aimed at getting the measure on the June 7 ballot.

The signatures that will be collected this week are only to support placing the measure on the ballot. If the measure is able to gain a spot on the ballot, Manhattan Beach voters will then be able to cast a simple yes or no vote on the issue.

Organizers are optimistic that they will find strong support within the community. 

"We really think that we can do this because our parents show up, and our community cares about our schools," said Weinstein. "We have been presented with an opportunity to finally provide a sustainable and appropriately funded education for a generation of students."

Sinclair added, "Our local schools are the heart of this community and we want to do our part to leave them better than we found them. This funding will be a game-changer, give us local control of our district and ensure strong education, safe schools, and a secure future for a full generation of Manhattan Beach children."

Signing Locations to Put Measure on the Ballot


Below are public signing opportunities to sign a petition to put a proposed parcel tax measure on the June 7 ballot.

Saturday, February 5th:
8:30-10:30 a.m.: Two Guns Sepulveda and Gelson's
9:00-11:00 a.m.: Metlox Plaza

Sunday, February 6:
10:00-12:00 p.m.:  Gelson's and Metlox Plaza/Verve

Monday, February 7:
2:00-3:15 p.m.: Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) pick-up line

Tuesday, February 8:
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Manhattan Beach Farmers Market
2:00-3:15 p.m.: Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) pick-up line

Wednesday, February 9:
2:00-3:15 p.m.: Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) pick-up line

Thursday, February 10:
2:00-3:15 p.m.: Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) pick-up line

Saturday, February 12: 
10:00-11:00 a.m.:  Gelson's and Metlox Plaza
2:00-4:00 p.m.: Gelson's and Metlox Plaza


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