Posted on 03/02/2005 8:56:41 AM PST by NormsRevenge
For many Bay Area school districts, persuading voters to pass parcel taxes in Tuesday's election isn't about selling new and innovative programs in these lean economic times -- it's about pleading to keep what they have.
From Walnut Creek to Milpitas, superintendents and school boards in 17 districts are trying to maintain everything from music programs to school nurses to lower class sizes as they calculate budgets for next fall. Declining enrollment and unrealized monetary pledges from Sacramento have squeezed many districts in recent years.
"We've been a high-performing district ... we have high expectations for our students," said Superintendent Jim Negri of the Acalanes Union School District in Contra Costa County, which is asking voters to approve Measure A. "We see this as a local-control issue. We can't write students off while Sacramento is figuring out how to fund public schools."
Bay Area communities tend to pass parcel taxes as a result of the region's relative wealth and a strong sense of community within many districts. In the November election, Bay Area voters approved nine of the 16 school parcel taxes.
In the Walnut Creek School District, Measure B would double the existing annual parcel tax to $82, generating roughly $1.2 million annually for six years for the district's five elementary schools and one middle school. It would help make up for a loss of about that amount over the last two years as a result of state budget cuts. Like most parcel tax measures, seniors who own homes may apply for an exemption.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
like the study of Islam, gay sex, and history of exploitation of natives and indigenous peoples ala Wart Churchill-style
A hundred years from now the teachers and schools will be saying,"we need more money"!
At one point will they actually be held accountable for all the billions they've wasted?
Here's an idea: through out the illegals. In the high schools, throw out the criminals. Presto, lower class sizes.
Conflict resolution, abortion counseling, feminist studies...
Thanks, I bookmarked that one.
This is totally out of hand. And yet, the average person around here never really bothers to even read what all the line items are on their property tax bill, let alone, consider that many times, the latest and greatest bond or parcel tax proposal is meant to add money on top of that already being delivered from the last one that got the yes vote. Where I live, all the soccer moms and golly gee whiz high tech dads think its cool to put "Vote Yes on Latest and Greatest Ream Job" signs on their front lawns - it reflects being very concerned about the chiLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLdren and about the schools (which, I am told, increase property values). The overall attitude is totally unquestioning and the CTA loves it. Well at least Jack Hickey routinely tries to wake people up, but sadly, to no avail.
Close 'em all down. ;)
The article mentions declining enrollment.
Notice they never cut administrative cost.
No wonder they don't want a homeschooling charter.
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
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