School officials and campaign volunteers say the overwhelming approval of parcel tax extensions in Lamorinda and Walnut Creek is a testament to voters' dedication to education.

"These are tough economic times, and the fact that people are willing to renew this tax just shows how they value education in our community," said Joanne Hernandez, co-chairwoman of the Walnut Creek School District's Measure H campaign.

Measure H and its counterpart in the Acalanes Union High School District, Measure G, were each approved with nearly 75 percent of the vote, according to unofficial election results. The measures needed a two-thirds majority to pass.

Measure H's passage means the Walnut Creek district's $82-per-year parcel tax is extended indefinitely. Measure G does the same with the Acalanes district's $189-per-year tax.

District leaders had argued the parcel taxes represent a stable source of revenue at a time when state funding continues to plummet.

Walnut Creek's parcel tax brings the district $1.2 million annually, equal to the salaries of about 16 teachers, enough to staff one elementary school.

Acalanes' parcel tax represents $6.7 million, or about 12 percent of this year's general fund budget.

Walnut Creek Superintendent Patty Wool and Acalanes Superintendent John Stockton both sent out e-mails to parents and community members Wednesday morning, thanking them for their support.

Extending the parcel tax guarantees

"It's not going to be the cure-all for all the ills in Sacramento," he said, "but what it is going to do is keep us as what I call a 'lighthouse district,' in which we truly see that parental support of a district can make a difference."

Reach Jonathan Morales at 925-943-8048.