Voters in 5 districts approve parcel taxes
By Sharon Noguchi/San Jose Mercury News
Their schools battered by steep cuts forced by declining state revenues, voters in several South Bay communities agreed Tuesday to tax themselves more to support their schools, as at least five districts surpassed the two-thirds hurdle to approve parcel taxes. "I'm beyond thrilled and thankful," said Superintendent Polly Bove of the Fremont Union High School District. "I'm so glad for our kids and for our community." Her district along with Palo Alto Unified, Union elementary in San Jose, Portola Valley elementary and Menlo Park elementary appeared headed toward passing parcel taxes late Tuesday. But with late-arriving ballots uncounted and the tally running close, results remained up in the air in two Santa Cruz Mountain districts, Lakeside and Loma Prieta. (more...)