Q. How are Pacifica schools doing?

A. Pacifica schools are performing extremely well. The District's average API score is 826, and every school in the district has an API score above 800, the state's benchmark for high-achieving schools. Enrollment in the District is rising.

One reason for this success is the local funding measure (Measure N) passed by Pacifica voters in 2008. These funds, which cannot be taken by the State, have been crucial to maintaining smaller classes, and attracting and retaining qualified teachers.

This measure is scheduled to expire. If it is not renewed, the District will have to make more than $1 million in cuts.

Q. What was that money spent on?

A. Money from the 2008 measure pays for 13 teachers, two middle school counselors, math and literacy coaching, and beginning teacher training. All of these would have to be cut if the new measure does not pass.

Q. Why do we need to renew local funding for Pacifica schools?

A. Our local funding measure is set to expire at a time when state funding for Pacifica schools is unstable and insufficient. In the past four years, the State has cut 10 percent, or about $1.7 million, in annual funding for our schools.

Measure L will renew our expiring local funding measure, at $118 for five years, to continue student achievement in our schools by:

• Protecting math, science, reading and writing programs
• Attracting and retaining qualified teachers and staff
• Supporting school library programs
• Maintaining programs to support struggling students
• Supporting student learning in computers and technology

Q. Will all funds stay in Pacifica elementary and middle schools?

A. Yes. Every penny from Measure L will stay local to support elementary and middle school student achievement in Pacifica. None of the funds can be taken by the State or go to other communities.

Q. How much will the new measure cost?

A. Measure L will cost $118 annually, only $22 more than measure N.

Q. Why is the increase necessary?

A. The district has spent our local funds wisely and conservatively. But the state continues to slash money for education. Since 2008, the state has cut $1.7 million from Pacifica schools. The district stands to lose at least $600,000 more during the next year.

This increase would provide about $200,000 a year to help make up for these cuts.

Q. Is there an exemption for senior citizens?

A. Yes. Property owners 65 and older quality for an exemption from the parcel tax on their primary residences.

To learn more about how to apply for a senior exemption, please contact the District Office at (650) 738-6600.

Q. Are any other exemptions available?

A. The District will include all exemptions that are legally available. In addition to the senior exemption, those who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a disability are eligible for an exemption. Individuals may contact the District directly to apply for the exemption.

Q. How can I be sure the funds will be spent as promised?

A. An independent oversight board and annual audits will ensure taxpayer dollars are used as promised. All money provided by measure L will continue to fund only Pacifica schools and cannot be taken by the State.

Q. Do parents contribute to our schools?

Yes. Parents and community members contribute to our schools year after year to help maintain critical programs. Our PTO/PTAs and the Pacifica Education Foundation (PEF) raise funds from parents, community members and organizations to support a variety of academic programs. Parent fundraising, state and federal education funding, grants and local community support through the existing local funding measure all are all important sources of funding for Pacifica schools to maintain high quality education for local students.

Q. Can the district make more cuts?

The Pacifica School District has already made significant cuts to the cost of administration and staff. The District has implemented 5 pay cut (furlough) days for all administrators, teachers and staff; eliminated maintenance positions and eliminated a principal position. The State continues to cut funding for our local schools, which will directly impact the classroom and the quality of education we provide for Pacifica students.

Q. Shouldn't the state solve this problem?

A. The legislature and the governor have continued to cut funding for education year after year after year. Our schools cannot wait for the state to solve its budget problems. Local funding that cannot be taken by the state has maintained quality education in Pacifica.

Q. When will Measure L appear on the ballot?

A. Measure L will appear on the November 8, 2011 ballot. All registered voters in the Pacifica School District will have the opportunity to cast a vote in this election. To pass, Measure L must be supported by at least 66.7 percent of those who vote.

Q. How can I register to vote in this election?

A. To register to vote in this election, contact the San Mateo County Registrar of Voters Office at 650-312-5222 or visit: https://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/. To vote in the November 8, 2011 election, voter registration applications must be postmarked by October 24.