In the November 2012 general election, voters in California approved Proposition 39, a ballot initiative that altered the way that out-of-state corporations calculate their California income taxes.
A previous loophole allowed out-of-state corporations to choose one of two formulas: taxes were either derived from sales, property and employees, or just sales in California. As a consequence of the loophole, companies that utilized the loophole gained a tax advantage over those businesses that solely derived their income from California. Through the approval of Proposition 39, out-of-state corporations that generate revenue in California will be forced to pay Californian tax rates, which are the highest in western United States.
In June 2013, California decided that half of the estimated $1.1 billion received from Proposition 39 would go directly to the reconstruction and energy retrofitting of California’s public school buildings. The other half would go to the state. The money will serve this purpose for the first five years following the beginning of the the tax collection. After the five year period, however, all of the money will go into the state’s general fund.
The district is currently referencing state guidelines to brainstorm possible uses for the money, including expenditures towards improving the schools’ overall energy efficiency and lowering their carbon footprints.
Proposition 39 is one of California’s many attempts to focus on green energy, and supporters are lauding the bill as an initiative towards “investing in California’s future.” Many California high schools, including LAHS, will receive the revenue generated from the proposition with the intent of improving energy efficiency.
“Items that we may improve include new heating/cooling systems, improved lighting [or] installing a new thermal solar system for the LAHS pool,” District Superintendent Dr. Barry Groves said. “[As a result of Proposition 39, our] schools will be more energy efficient and more carbon neutral.”
In addition to the implementation of a new heating system for the pool, much of the pool’s mechanical equipment is slated to be upgraded.
“[The pool project] is the biggest energy-efficient project on the docket,” Associate Superintendent Joe White said. “We are planning to start [the project] right after graduation next year, completing [the project] by August 15, before water polo season starts. We are also looking into changing the Mountain View boilers afterwards.”
Energy-efficient LED lights for the campus breezeways are also being considered. Skylights are under consideration for the gym and hallways as well, in order to reduce the amount of light needed.
Proposition 39’s revenue has already been used to add one small improvement to some classrooms: the introduction of an automatic blind system. The money used for this specific pilot program will be reimbursed by Proposition 39 funds when the money becomes available.
“In the 300 wing, we did a pilot for a new automatic blind system,” White said. “They darken rooms so projectors can be turned on, and let in natural light during other times.”
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