A ballot measure to extend the parcel tax charged to property owners in the Livermore school district has enough support to pass, according to a recent survey.

Among the findings, 72 percent were in favor of continuing the $120 per parcel property owners currently pay plus an $18 increase. Such measures need two-thirds approval to pass. Superintendent Brenda Miller said the district will likely capitalize on the existing support and place the measure on the November ballot.

"We were elated," Miller said of the results. But she said the result doesn't mean winning in November is a sure thing. "We're cautiously optimistic."

She said the board will likely hold a workshop to discuss the issue at the end of July, with a decision about putting it on the ballot coming in early August.

School board President Tom McLaughlin, who said all five members of the board support placing it on the ballot, said he expected the response to be positive.

"I think that we give the kids of this community a good education," he said. "People realize we don't have the money and to continue a good education the money has to come from somewhere."

According to the survey, conducted for the district by Godbe Research and presented to the school board last week, maintaining quality public education ranked high. It had the same importance as police and fire services. The survey also showed that schools are a higher priority than holding the line on taxes

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despite greater sensitivity to taxes now than in 2004 when the economy was better and voters approved the current tax.

The survey also found there wasn't enough support for a parcel tax that lasts forever, but 67 percent supported a tax lasting 10 years. It also found 69 percent supported a seven-year tax and 76 percent supported a five-year one.

While the survey found 72 percent supported an extension of the current tax with an $18 increase to fund all the programs now paid for, the level dropped to 67 percent for continuing the tax at the $120 level, which would not pay for all the programs funded now.

Voters approved the district's current parcel tax — Measure D in November 2004 — with 72 percent of the vote. It was expected to bring in $3.5 million a year and pays for teachers and library staff; smaller classes; college and career preparation classes; high school counselors; and art, music and science teachers and equipment.

That tax is in the third year of its five-year duration and expires June 30, 2010, Miller said. The measure was part of the district's fiscal recovery plan developed after its reserve money fell below state requirements.

If the district decides to try a parcel tax measure in November, it would share the ballot with school board elections, when the seats of McLaughlin and Bill Morrison will be voted on.

Reach Eric Louie at 925-847-2123 or elouie@bayareanewsgroup.com.