Kenwood School District brought the renewal of its education parcel tax to its voters in August and more than 77 percent voted in favor of the tax. “It was a great result considering that around two-thirds of our votes live in Oakmont and are on a fixed income,” said Kenwood superintendent Bob Bales.
The “Measure B” vote was entirely by mail via ballots sent out on Aug. 1 and counted on Aug. 30.
The tax was a five-year extension of an existing parcel tax. It will take effect on June 20, 2017.
Bales explained that voters over 65 can file for an exemption from the tax, a factor that helped contribute to the 1,326 votes in favor of Measure B, compared to 388 who voted against the tax.
Kenwood’s tax is $52 per parcel per year. “It’s a very low tax,” said Bales. “There are education parcel taxes in Marin that exceed $1,500 per parcel, some are literally 20 times ours.”
Bales explained that education parcel taxes can go to programs while money raised via bond measures must be earmarked for facilities improvements. He expects to use the parcel tax funds to maintain Kenwood’s low class sizes (under 20 students) and to support technology and counseling initiatives. In particular, Bales is very excited about Kenwood’s new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs.
All students in third, fourth and fifth grade at Kenwood Elementary spend 60 to 90 minutes a week as “hands-on collaborative makers,” said Bales. “We have two “maker certified” teachers who were trained at Sonoma State and the program is a great 21st century learning tool.”
More than 1,700 of Kenwood’s 3,310 registered voted turned out to vote in the special election.
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