Manhattan Beach Parcel Tax Effort Reaches Signature Goal
Feb 16, 2022 08:21AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
A citizen-led effort to secure a parcel tax measure for the June 7 ballot in Manhattan Beach has surpassed its goal of 3,000 signatures.
A group calling itself MB Citizens for Schools had launched the ambitious signature-gathering effort last week, aiming to secure the signatures within a tight 9-day time frame.
The petitions have now been filed with the city, and the signatures have been sent to the county for verification.
"We were overwhelmed by the number of volunteers who raised their hand to help - we had about 150 volunteers running all over town with clipboards." said MB Citizens for Schools co-chair Wysh Weinstein.
Added Weinstein, "This was an incredible dress rehearsal for
the campaign. There is a lot more work to be done in order to pass this
measure in June, but the public provided thoughtful feedback and support.
We are grateful for both. Please keep the questions and conversations
going."
Co-chair Angie Smith concurred that it was "truly overwhelming" to see so many volunteers spring into action to get the signatures, especially on such short notice.
"As a teacher, and
parent, I am always very aware that our children are always watching. It is not lost on me that my own daughters, who are 13 and 9, have
witnessed this effort," said Smith. "Children are our most valuable resource. It is
our job to provide them with not only the resources they need for a
quality education but to also lead by example and raise them to be
leaders in our community. Hopefully, this effort will accomplish both
of those missions."
Parcel Tax Measure Aims to Address Funding Issues
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 continued to outpace that supplement.
Additionally, the Manhattan Beach Education Foundationon, which was designed to enhance, not stand in for,
state funding, has not been able to keep up with that need.
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.
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.
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.
