Editorial: Approve Campbell Union High School District parcel tax

District's prudent use of tax dollars and addition of a sunset clause provides reasons to support ballot measure.

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Two years ago the Campbell Union High School District asked voters to approve a parcel tax extension that contained no sunset date.

We urged a no vote, saying that time limitations provide incentives for school officials to make wise use of tax dollars, knowing that if they fail to do so voters may not be so generous the next time. That’s especially true during a financial crisis, when voters face their own set of budget challenges.

This year the district is coming back to voters with Measure O, an $85-per-year parcel tax that — yes — contains a sunset clause limiting the tax to 10 years.

Measure O would generate an estimated $5 million annually. It is intended to replace the 2013 Measure A annual parcel tax of $85 per parcel that expires in 2023. Measure O requires two-thirds support to pass.

Campbell Union serves about 8,000 students in five high schools: Branham, Del Mar, Leigh, Prospect and Westmont. The revenues from the parcel tax would go toward school operations.

We noted two years ago that the Campbell Union High School District has been reasonably prudent with taxpayer dollars. With the addition of the sunset clause for this ballot measure, we recommend that voters approve Measure O.