After more than three weeks of high anticipation, Measure D officially has been approved.

Measure D was an initiative that imposes a parcel tax amounting to $89 per year on those living within the boundaries of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. It will be in effect for five years and is expected to generate $5.3 million for local schools. The measure needed 66.7 percent of the vote for passage and won with 66.9 percent (6,929 votes for, 3,430 against). The difference was a measly 20 votes. A similar measure in 2005 was defeated by 26 votes.

“It couldn’t be done without the community working together,” said Jennifer Wiltermood, a co-chair for the committee for Measurer D said. “This just shows how important every vote is, and I don’t think people realize how important every vote is, es pecially at the local level.”

In the past four years, the district has closed two elementary schools and one middle school, laid off more than 75 teaching positions, reduced salaries and benefits for all staff and increased class sizes while shortening the school year by a week. Local administrators point to Sacramento's education cuts as the main reason they're forced to make these decisions.

Some senior citizens living within the boundaries of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District may not have to pay the parcel tax from Measure D. Homeowners who are above the age of 65 can receive an exemption from the parcel tax by filling out a one-page form and providing proof of age and residency. For more information, call the CRPUSD at 792-4705.