Feature

 

Keeping the Promise for the Next Generation:
Making the Connection Between Changing Property Values and School Finance

 

As a service to our County's school districts, Terry Flinn, Deputy Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, will be making presentations to any San Mateo County School District Board of Trustees, Superintendents, Business Managers and other district leaders on the impact of property tax roll fluctuations on school finance, upon invitation. The presentation is entitled: "Keeping the Promise for the Next Generation: Making the Connection Between Changing Property Values and School Finance." This is of particular interest to districts that are considered Basic Aid Districts, or soon to become Basic Aid Districts because their funding is tied to the performance of the property tax roll.

 

Revenue Limit Districts vs Basic Aid Districts

 

School districts are either considered Revenue Limit Districts or Basic Aid Districts based on the value of the property tax roll in their district. Revenue Limit Districts receive a set amount of money each year based on the ADA (average daily attendance). They are immune to fluctuations in the property tax roll (from real estate trends, appeals or legislation) because the state backfills the lost revenue protecting a district financially. However, Basic Aid Districts are directly impacted by fluctuations in the roll (both positive and negative). Generally speaking, wealthier districts are Basic Aid Districts. A few years ago, there were only 2 or 3 Basic Aid Districts. Today, 9 ouf of 23 school districts in the County are Basic Aid Districts. And a school district's status can change year to year if the assessed value of property within their district changes. This challenges the fiscal and political leadership of a district if they have not had prior experience with this kind of funding. The presentation is being offered to districts to help them become more knowledgeable about the roll fluctuations and better prepared to make sound fiscal decisions. In case you were wondering.the Basic Aid Districts for 2006-07 are:

 

San Mateo County Basic Aid Districts in 2006-07

 

• Belmont Redwood Shores Elementary
• Brisbane Elementary
• Hillsborough City Elementary
• Las Lomitas Elementary
• Menlo Park City Elementary
• Portola Valley Elementary
• Woodside Elementary
• San Mateo Union High
• Sequoia Union High