Measure H, on the November 5, 2024 ballot, is a parcel tax measure that will raise approximately $2.1 million annually to provide funding to maintain academic programs and retain highly qualified teachers throughout the Ventura Unified School District. The following information is provided to assist community members in understanding the facts behind Measure H and how its passage will impact the District and the community.
MEASURE H WILL HELP:
- Maintain mental health services
- Attract and retain highly qualified and experienced teachers;
- Maintain and improve computer technology;
- Maintain arts and music instruction and other course offerings and electives.
WHAT IS A PARCEL TAX? Parcel taxes are typically used to fund programs and services, support teachers and staff, and fund other operating expenses. The parcel tax is levied on all taxable property within a district’s boundaries and is usually levied on a flat, per-parcel basis. Parcel taxes are generally in place for a specified period of years.
WHY WAS MEASURE H PLACED ON THE BALLOT? Measure H was placed on the November ballot to help fund educational programs at Ventura Unified School District by providing a guaranteed source of locally controlled funding. Funds will help maintain/improve academic programs; fund computer technology, music, and arts; retain highly qualified teachers; and maintain mental health services.
HOW MUCH WILL MEASURE H COST? Measure H is a $59 per year flat tax levied on each parcel of land in the District. The parcel tax will be levied for four years and raise approximately $2.1 million annually.
WHAT IS A PARCEL? A parcel is any unit of land in the District that receives a separate tax bill from the Ventura County Tax Collector.
WOULD ALL PARCELS BE CHARGED THE SAME? All parcels that currently pay property taxes, except those with multi-family residential housing, would pay the same amount. Parcels with multi-family residential buildings containing two to four units will be counted as two parcels, and those containing five or more units will be counted as five parcels to determine the tax levy.
WHY CAN’T THE DISTRICT MEET ITS ACADEMIC NEEDS WITH ITS CURRENT BUDGET? Due to the State’s current budget crisis, many school districts, including Ventura Unified, are experiencing budget shortfalls. By providing a source of local funding, Measure H will help maintain/improve academic programs, including funding computer technology, music, and arts; retain highly qualified teachers and maintain mental health services,
CAN THE STATE TAKE THESE PARCEL TAX FUNDS? No. By law, these parcel tax funds must be spent entirely within the Ventura Unified School District and cannot be taken by the State and spent elsewhere.
HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT MEASURE H FUNDS WILL BE SPENT ON IMPROVING OUR SCHOOLS? An independent citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that the funds are appropriately spent. Also, there will be annual audits, and no parcel tax money can be used for administrative salaries.
