Two New Parcel Taxes Headed for the November Ballot

Santa Barbara- In a unanimous vote, the Santa Barbara Unified School District voted to place two new parcel taxes on the 2012 November ballot. One parcel tax would benefit junior high and high schools, and another would benefit elementary education.This comes just weeks after Measures X and W — narrowly failed to pass in the primary election. The margin of defeat just about 100 votes in the elementary district, and 750 in the secondary. Despite the state’s tight grip on funding, the board agreed to lower the amount of the taxes from $54 per parcel, to now $48 in the Elementary District, and $45 in the Secondary. The parcel taxes would go towards supporting classroom music programs, science, math, technology, foreign language, and career education. But with the reduction also comes cuts, starting with cuts to performing arts in the elementary schools. The board had to make a decision Tuesday night, in order to meet the June 28th deadline. The resolutions are headed to the county’s election office. KEY News Reporter Shirin Rajaee reports.