Measure B can bring new gym for school despite proposed property tax hike

Supporters of Measure B are working diligently to inform residents about the proposal that will be on the upcoming November ballot. If it passes it would have an impact on students at Westmorland Union Elementary.

Measure B would bring $10 million to the school if voters approve a property tax hike.

Jackie Loper, a school board member, feels residents are misinformed about the measure.

“Most people fear that it will change the value of their homes,” Loper said.

But residents will only be taxed on their initial purchase of the property.

“On the bond that we’re asking and wanting to propose, is about $58 per year per hundred thousand dollar evaluation of the home,” said Loper.

Most of the funds from Measure B will go to a multi-purpose gym that will serve as a new library and help students stay active during recess when the air quality is poor.

Westmorland Union Elementary Superintendent, Nancy Johnson said, “If we had a gym they can still keep active lifestyles and keep running and playing and we can have recess and P.E. and everything in the gym.”

The proposed gym will be used for city events and serve as a community center.

“We want it to be a joint use building that everybody can use. And as much as we’re allowed to do that and can do that. We want it for the public. For the people. The people are paying for it,” Loper said.

The funds from the measure would also bring needed upgrades to the school.

“We want more technology we want to be able to compete with everyone. It doesn’t matter if their Rancho Santa Fe, or little Westmorland. Our kids deserve the equal amount as everyone else,” said Johnson.

The committee hopes residents will show up to the polls well informed.