Posted on 08/15/2004 9:15:50 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Small class sizes in kindergarten through third grade are a big hit with parents and teachers alike. Some school districts need added security measures. And students don't want to give up electives such as art and music.
But with the state facing an $8 billion to $10 billion budget deficit in the next year, at least half a dozen Silicon Valley school districts are asking residents to tax themselves in the November election to help their schools avoid drastic cuts that directly affect learning.
The parcel tax initiatives range from $50 a parcel annually in the East Side Union High School District a total of $521 a year in Palo Alto -- but other districts across California also are asking their residents to dig deeper for education funding.
``A parcel tax is the single most important counter to the cuts from the state,'' said Kevin Gordon, executive director of the California Association of School Business Officials. ``A parcel tax provides ongoing funding that doesn't drive a district into debt.''
Silicon Valley's schools are under increasing pressure from parents and community leaders to improve the quality of education. So school officials are urging residents to vote for the higher annual taxes on parcels of land, saying the infusion of cash will save popular school programs from being slashed.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Meanwhile, a civic center project in downtown San Jose is being built for close to 400 miilion... and is currently the subject of investigations re: mishandled bids etc.
Meanwhile most senior administration folks pull in salaries in the low to mid 6 digit figure area... not including benefits and pension plans to die for.
This is happening statewide..
Upon reading the article, you'll find that the popular school programs consist of a remedial reading program for freshmen who can't read and security cameras.
Of course, a parcel tax makes it that much more difficult to afford a home in the area. I'm sure that in the last week or so, the same newspaper has run an article bemoaning the high cost of housing and how it's driving away teachers and cops and firemen. I know mine has.
They just never, ever connect the dots.
Lots of wealthy liberals live in Silicon Valley. Hey if they can afford it, let em pay it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.