Special Vote By Mail Election Day For Measure G Renewal

LIVERMORE, CA — Tuesday is Election Day for the special vote by mail election to renew Measure G in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District.

Now on the ballot as Measure A, it allows for the LVJUSD to continue a seven-year special parcel tax of $138 per year.

The vote has to pass with a two-thirds majority.

The district says the money goes toward attracting and retaining teachers, keeping classroom technology and instructional materials up to date and maintaining class sizes. It also says the tax, effective since 2004, provides other financial support to maintain the district programs, including purchasing equipment, materials and supplies.

The district approved the seven-year tax in 2014 and it went into effect in 2015. Measure G expired on June 30.

Some voters argue against the measure stating they believe the money doesn't go where the school district says it does.

"More than half of Measure G funds were spent on bureaucratic specialists. Parents, students and taxpayers want teachers, not more bureaucrats," one voter said.

Michelle Dawson with LVJUSD the majority of the tax is for teachers and STEM education.

"We have very factual detailed reports and data that we share openly with the public about how that money is spent," Dawson said.

If Measure A passes Tuesday, the $138 parcel tax will continue. Seniors over 65 who own a home are exempt from the tax and will remain exempt. It will be collected by the Alameda County and Contra Costa County Tax Collectors at the same time and in the same manner as property taxes are collected, Alameda County said.

Results will be announced by the end of the day.