60,079 / 74.5% Yes votes ...... 20,578 / 25.5% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

A school district, following notice and public hearings, has the authority to levy special taxes upon approval by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast on the special tax proposal pursuant to Section 4 of Article XIIIA and Article XIIIC of the California Constitution and sections 50075-77, 50079, and 53722 of the California Government Code.

The voters of the District approved the existing "Measure B parcel tax" at the November 2001 General Election. The "Measure B parcel tax", which is imposed at the rate of $123.00 per parcel per year, will expire on June 30, 2007. If approved, this measure would authorize an increase in the existing "Measure B parcel tax" of $6.00 per month per parcel to a new total of $195.00 per parcel annually. In addition, it would extend the term of the tax for a period of five years from enactment of this special parcel tax measure.

These tax funds are proposed by the District primarily to be used to attract and retain qualified teachers; maintain elective courses for students to qualify for college admission; purchase text books and materials; maintain libraries, music and arts programs; maintain reduced class sizes; and continue after school academic programs.

If two-thirds of the qualified electors voting on this measure vote "yes", a qualified special tax, at the annual rate of $195.00 per parcel, would be imposed commencing on July 1, 2004 and continuing for a period of five years. An exemption from the tax will be available for qualified "very low income" property owners who apply for the exemption annually.

If less than two-thirds of the qualified electors voting on this measure vote for approval, the measure will fail and the Oakland Unified School District will not be authorized to levy the special tax as proposed by this measure.

s/RICHARD E. WINNIE
County Counsel

League of Women Voters Written Pros & Cons

Scroll Down to Measure E. Document also includes Pros & Cons of Measure 2, Measure A, and Oakland City Ballot Measures

LWV Oakland Pros & Cons Presentation
Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 7 PM
EBMUD Training Room,
375 Eleventh Street.

S. F. Chronicle

• Schools' requests for funds draw mixed reactions - February 27, 2004

• Tax measure embroiled in school closures - February 20, 2004

• School leaders split on tax measure; Some Oakland officials worry money from March 2 vote won't be spent effectively - February 17, 2004
• City voters asked to cough it up; March 2 ballot would add the 14th parcel tax, raise two more, pushing the tab past $600 - February 15, 2004

Yes on E Web site

Measure E will authorize an increase in the existing school parcel tax to avoid drastic cuts to educational programs. This increase will cost Oakland home owners less than 20 cents a day and will ensure that children have the teachers, small class sizes, and quality educational programs they need to succeed. Measure E will maintain elective courses such as music and art education that high school students need to meet graduation requirements and qualify for college admissions.

After years of problems, student achievement in Oakland schools is improving. Reduced class sizes in English and Math have produce dramatic increases in test scores. The high school dropout rate has decreased by almost half. Elementary and Middle school reading test scores have increased. Over 80% of Oakland schools now meet or surpass State test score standards. Measure E is needed if this progress is to continue.

All the money raised by Measure E will stay in Oakland to benefit local children. An independent Oversight Committee will make sure that Measure E funds are properly spent. No Measure E funds will go to pay administrator salaries.
Help Oakland Schools continue to improve.
Please vote YES on Measure E.

s/SHEILA QUINTANA
President, Oakland Education Association
s/GENE ZAHAS
Oakland Business Leader
s/SUSAN G. PIPER, President, Oakland Tech
Parent, Teacher, Student Association
s/JERRY BROWN
Oakland Mayor
s/CANDACE KIM
Parent Leadership Alliance Network Member

NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE E WAS SUBMITTED.

(No arguments against Measure E were submitted)