The Los Altos School District Board of Trustees last week acknowledged that it has taken steps to fulfill a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury’s request that it make it easier for seniors to apply for parcel-tax exemptions.
The grand jury report, released in May, investigated the Los Altos School District and 21 other districts in the county that offer parcel-tax exceptions. While not naming any district in particular, the report revealed that some made exemptions difficult to secure. Reasons included unclear deadlines, the availability of exceptions and an arduous application process, among other factors.
At their Aug. 14 board meeting, Los Altos School District trustees reported that the district has responded with a letter outlining how it has already implemented some of the grand jury’s recommendations, including allowing seniors to apply by mail or by proxy if applying in person is unreasonable, making it clear on the district’s Measure GG web page that parcel-tax exemptions are available for seniors and making applications available year-round.
The district also has elected to switch to automatically renewing parcel exemptions, replacing its previous practice of sending a renewal form and return envelope by mail. The only grand jury recommendation the district did not implement was creating an online application system, due to the potential cost.
Ten other districts in the county, including the Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District, do not assess parcel taxes.
To read the grand jury report and the Los Altos School District’s reply, visit lasdschools.org and type “grand jury” in the search bar.
August 23, 2017
Los Altos Town Crier
By Town Crier Staff
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