School parcel taxes win in Portola Valley, Ravenswood districts

Voters in both the Portola Valley and Ravenswood school districts showed their support for education March 2 by approving parcel tax measures by more than the required two-thirds majority in both communities.

Portola Valley’s $290 parcel tax proposal, Measure C on the ballot, was approved by 72.92 percent of the voters.

Ravenswood’s $98 Measure B won the support of 74.7 percent of the voters in the district’s first parcel-tax election.

The semi-official tally, with all precincts counted, is:

** Portola Valley: Yes, 1,958; No, 727.
** Ravenswood: Yes, 1,683; No, 570.

Portola Valley School District voters, in effect, renewed the $195 parcel tax that expires June 30 plus an additional $95 to cover increasing costs and budget cuts. Beginning July 1, the $290 parcel tax will raise approximately $675,645 annually for 10 years.

Funds will be used to support science, reading, writing and math programs; attract and retain experienced teachers; and keep small classes at the district’s two schools: Ormondale (grades K-3) and Corte Madera (grades 4-8).
Ravenswood’s $98 parcel tax will generate about $600,000 annually for five years, depending on the number of property owners, 65 and older, who file for senior tax exemptions.

The funds will be used to retain and attract teachers. The district’s salary schedule for teachers is the second lowest in San Mateo County. Floyd Gonella, former superintendent of San Mateo County schools, is the interim superintendent for Ravenswood, which has seven schools and four charter schools.