Actual Ballot Measure Text for Measure I

The Santa Barbara Elementary School District has provided high-quality educational programs since 1866. Due to substantial state budget cuts, local schools need supplemental local tax dollars to fund programs that provide our students with the highest quality education. Measure I2008 will provide a stable, consistent, locally controlled funding source.

Measure I2008 will allow the Santa Barbara Elementary School District to:

• Supplement math and science education;
• Hire fulltime classroom music teachers, purchase musical instruments, and repair instruments for the music program;
• Enhance computer and educational technology.

• Maintaining critical school programs, such as music and performing arts programs, which bring together students with diverse backgrounds and offer positive opportunities for at-risk youth.
• Enhancing rigorous standards-based instruction and best teaching practices for student achievement.
• Providing support to all elementary schools, including charter schools, proportional to the enrollment of students from the Santa Barbara Elementary School District.

• Requiring that all funds be used locally to improve the Santa Barbara Elementary School District.
• Creating an independent citizen oversight committee.
• Requiring annual reporting on expenditures and annual independent financial audit.
• Requiring compliance with accountability measures as determined by law.
• Expires in four years unless reauthorized by voters.
• Senior citizens may request exemption from the measure.