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23. FUHSD Measure BCity Hall 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 -3255 (408) 777 -3212 FAX: (408) 777 -3366 CUPERTINO OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER SUNIMARY Agenda Item No. U Meeting Date: April 6, 2010 Subject: Adoption of a Resolution Endorsing Measure B RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution endorsing Measure B, a Property Tax Measure in support of the Fremont Union High School District. BACKGROUND Measure B will renew the Fremont Union High School District's existing $98 parcel tax for 6 years without increasing the cost or changing the structure of the proposal voters approved in 2004. This local tax provides over 5% of the District's annual budget — dollars essential to funding an educational program that prepares the youth of our community for success as adults. It will expire next year. We ask you to join us in voting Yes for Measure B. The Fremont Union High School District uses tax dollars efficiently and effectively. It is California's third highest performing high school district while per student spending is below the statewide average for high schools. Through careful fiscal management, strong partnerships with its teachers and staff, and the existing parcel tax, the Fremont Union High School District has maintained superior math, science, English and foreign language courses and music and art electives for its students. Last year, the district asked voters to consider changing the structure of the parcel tax to make it a permanent local funding source that would increase as the cost of funding the academic programs it supports increased. Voters rejected those changes and the District has listened to the concerns voiced about those changes. Measure B asks only for the renewal of the existing $98 parcel tax — without inflation adjustments and for a fixed term of 6 years. The Legislative Committee of the City Council has reviewed and supported this endorsement. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Do not adopt a resolution endorsing Measure B. 2. Other action determined by the City Council. 23 -1 FISCAL IMPACT Adoption of this resolution has no direct fiscal impact on the City of Cupertino. Submitted by: Rick Kitson Public and Environmental Affairs Director Approved for Submission to the City Council: r e- '0�- 6 avidd W. Knapp City Manager Attachment A: Resolution 23 -2 RESOLUTION NO. 10-070 .. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO ENDORSING FREMONT HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT MEASURE B WHEREAS, a superior and comprehensive high school education program delivers many long - lasting benefits and advantages to all the children a.nd residents of a community; WHEREAS, the City of Cupertino and other communities that comprise Fremont Union High School District are fortunate to have excellent locELl high schools that prepare students for college and successful careers; WHEREAS, all five high schools of the District — Cupertino, Fremont, Homestead, Lynbrook, and Monta Vista High Schools — exceed State standards for student achievement and have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools, sending 90% of enrolled students to college; WHEREAS, it is essential the District have stable, reliable, local funding to maintain its quality academic programs; WHEREAS, while enrollment and costs are increasing, State education funding continues to dramatically decline, the State budget will likely cut billions more from education, and the outlook is bleak for the future of State funding for years to come; WHEREAS, the citizens, taxpayers and voters of the District voted to support the Measure L parcel tax in 2004 to preserve high quality and core academic and college - qualifying classes by retaining qualified and experienced teachers and school employees; WHEREAS, the Measure L parcel tax will expire in 2011 if not re- approved, leaving critical educational programs at risk after next school year; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the city Council of the city of Cupertino does hereby support and endorse the passage of Measure B in order to preserve the high quality of local public education. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this 6th day of April, 2010, by the following vote: Vote Members of the City Council AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED: Mayor 23 -3