PUSD board to vote on putting tax on ballot
Author: Monica Rodriguez , Staff Writer
Pomona Unified School District administrators have proposed placing the tax before voters in the district, which includes Pomona and parts of Diamond Bar.
The tax - if approved - would generate about $4 million a year for four years, according to the district.
The money raised through the tax would fund academic programs, counseling, library and health services, athletics as well as visual and performing arts programs. Funds also would be used to pay faculty members who provide the programs and services.
Passage of the measure would require a two-thirds majority.
If voters approve the measure, property owners would pay $98 per parcel annually, according to the district.
Multi-family properties with two to four units would pay $196 a year, and those with five or more units would pay $490 a year.
A parcel tax is levied on any property assessed by the Los Angeles County tax collector.
Associated Pomona Teachers, the teachers union, in July asked the school board to add wording to the ballot that states money raised through the tax would not be used to pay administrators or consultants.
Members of One LA, a grass-roots group focusing on matters that affect families, such as education, jobs and public safety, are closely watching what action the board takes.
The group wants to make sure that, should voters approve a parcel tax, "the money would be directed toward the classroom," said Derek Engdahl, a leader with One LA.
"The district has had a tradition of funding administrators and consultants."
If the board decides to place the tax on the ballot, One LA will review the measure and determine whether to support it or not, Engdahl said.
The school board will meet in open session at 7:30 p.m. in the board room of the district's Education Center, 800 S. Garey Ave. Board members will hold a public hearing prior to voting on the matter.
Passage of the measure would require a two-thirds majority.
If voters approve the measure, property owners would pay $98 per parcel annually, according to the district.
Multi-family properties with two to four units would pay $196 a year, and those with five or more units would pay $490 a year.
A parcel tax is levied on any property assessed by the Los Angeles County tax collector.
Associated Pomona Teachers, the teachers union, in July asked the school board to add wording to the ballot that states money raised through the tax would not be used to pay administrators or consultants.
Members of One LA, a grass-roots group focusing on matters that affect families, such as education, jobs and public safety, are closely watching what action the board takes.
The group wants to make sure that, should voters approve a parcel tax, "the money would be directed toward the classroom," said Derek Engdahl, a leader with One LA.
"The district has had a tradition of funding administrators and consultants."
If the board decides to place the tax on the ballot, One LA will review the measure and determine whether to support it or not, Engdahl said.
The school board will meet in open session at 7:30 p.m. in the board room of the district's Education Center, 800 S. Garey Ave. Board members will hold a public hearing prior to voting on the matter.
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