Measure H Forum, Assembly Debate to be Held April 30

From the New Haven Unified School District:

The League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark and Union City will host a voters’ forum Monday, April 30, on . Measure H is a June 5 ballot measure to mitigate some of the cuts forced on New Haven students because of the state's ongoing financial difficulties.

The forum, a LWV interview with Board of Education President Michelle Matthews, will be at 7 p.m. at Union City Council Chambers, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road. It will be followed at 7:30 p.m. by a debate between the five candidates for the 20^th Assembly District: New Haven Board Member Sarabjit Cheema, Union City Mayor , local doctor Jennifer Ong, Hayward City Councilmember Bill Quirk and Hayward Unified Board Member Luis Reynoso.

Measure H would raise an estimated $3 million a year for four years to “support high-quality local elementary, middle and high school education to prepare students for college and careers with outstanding core academic programs in reading, writing, math and science and highly qualified teachers and classified staff,” according to the ballot statement. 

Currently, budget projections for 2012-13 include another increase to class sizes, another reduction of the instructional year and the elimination of elementary school specialists (music, science, etc.) and middle school electives (music, art, etc.). More than 100 precautionary layoff notices have been issued to teachers, classified employees and administrators, including all library/media specialists. Stipends for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities also are in jeopardy.

Measure H would authorize a parcel tax of $180 per year, with citizen oversight, no funds for administrators’ salaries and exemptions available for seniors (65 and older) and the disabled (those receiving Supplemental Security Income payments). The measure, which will expire after four years, requires a two-thirds majority to pass.

Exemption Forms Available

Application forms are available for senior citizens and disabled residents interested in applying in advance for an exemption to Measure H.

Forms are available at the District office, 34200 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, and on the District website (www.nhusd.k12.ca.us). Under the "Spotlight!" heading, scroll down and click on "Measure H" to access PDF documents that can be downloaded and printed. A video summary of the District’s budget situation also is available on the website, on the homepage.

Under the law, even those who applied for exemptions from the proposed Measure B last year must apply for an exemption to Measure H.

Applicants coming to the District office to complete or turn in a form should bring ownership verification (copy of property tax bill) and residency verification (copy of property tax OR utility bill).

Senior citizens also should bring age verification (driver’s license OR birth certificate OR hospital birth record OR passport OR Social Security award letter OR MediCal card). Disabled residents should bring SSI verification (a letter can be obtained by calling 800-772-1213 or at a Social Security Administration office).