We’re recommending a “no” on Measure B, the Palo Alto Unified School District’s parcel tax.
Despite already enjoying a secure financial position with a general fund balance exceeding $100 million, the district is asking for continued, and unnecessary, taxpayer funding. Measure B seeks to renew a per-parcel tax at $800 per year that generates about $14.6 million annually. It represents less than 5% of the district’s $354 million budget. This reliance on a “temporary” tax that never seems to end is an unfair burden, especially when the district is not in a dire financial crisis. The focus should be on better, more transparent management of funds, rather than securing a “blank check” that the district does not urgently need.
Unfortunately, the backers of Measure B are resorting to scare tactics — telling the community that if this tax fails, it will lead to teacher layoffs and the elimination of advanced programs in science, technology, engineering and math.
Why would a district with $100 million in the bank have to make such cuts?
The district will have a windfall in funds because property tax revenues are increasing annually and enrollment is decreasing. Per-pupil funding is at a high of $35,000. So the talk of “deep cuts” is just fear mongering.
While some residents can easily afford this tax, others struggle to pay what they owe now. Palo Alto has a large number of “house rich, cash poor” residents who don’t need more taxes. Voting “no” makes their lives easier. It is time to say no to higher taxes. Vote No on Measure B.
The Unions, Administration and current School Board claim advanced programs are at risk without Measure B, so clearly they believe the public values these programs and is willing to pay a tax for them.
Yet the Unions, Administration and current School Board have already demonstrated they themselves don’t want these same programs, and may simply refuse to implement them even if funded, as MVC showed.
What does this say about how the Unions, Administration and current School Board feel about what the public values?
I couldn’t agree more. Why give more money to an entity that’s so poorly run.
The District cannot even find credentialed educators to teach “Robotics and Engineering”. If they do, and they are good, they leave within a year because they can do much better as a safety coordinator or shop manager in the private sector. There is no merit pay for educators. You get paid the same as every other teacher. How a bond will attract “Technology” teachers is simply the use of more buzz words to fool the new Palo Alto demographic.
Hal Roach writes, “How a bond will attract “Technology” teachers is simply the use of more buzz words to fool the new Palo Alto demographic.”
This isn’t a bond. Measure B is a parcel tax. A bond can’t be used for salaries. A parcel tax can. Looks like Hal got tripped up on his own buzz words.