Support for ballot measure is support for students
In June families will be asked to vote for a parcel tax in order
to revive school libraries, computer labs, music program, school
athletics programs and improve academic achievement in the
Hollister School District. We have an opportunity to fund these
badly-needed school programs. It will amount to $96 per year over
the next four years, a cost of $8 per month to a home or business.
The monies cannot be spent for anything else, no administrator
salaries, or be taken by the state. If it passes, the school
district will receive approximately $1.2 million per year over the
next four years and there will be a community oversight committee
to ensure that the money is spent as the voters decided it would
be. This is for the children.
Support for ballot measure is support for students
In June families will be asked to vote for a parcel tax in order to revive school libraries, computer labs, music program, school athletics programs and improve academic achievement in the Hollister School District. We have an opportunity to fund these badly-needed school programs. It will amount to $96 per year over the next four years, a cost of $8 per month to a home or business. The monies cannot be spent for anything else, no administrator salaries, or be taken by the state. If it passes, the school district will receive approximately $1.2 million per year over the next four years and there will be a community oversight committee to ensure that the money is spent as the voters decided it would be. This is for the children.
Due to the budget crisis, our school board has had the difficult task of figuring out where to cut $5.5 million over the next three years. We cut positions, days, hours and programs, in addition to cuts teachers and other employees have already taken.
In order to save educational programs, a consulting firm was contracted to assist in putting the initiative on the ballot, conduct a community survey, advise the campaign, and if it passes, administer the funds over the next four years. They will not receive payment unless the parcel tax initiative passes, totaling $125,000 over the next four years. The Hollister School District will pay the county roughly $100,000 for election expenses (not from the parcel tax).
Like districts throughout California and the nation, we face cuts every year. The state legislature has kept nearly 20 percent of funding to (spending limit) districts like ours, causing us to lose around $15 million over the past three years. This year, because the legislature could not get a 2/3 majority for a tax-extension (not a tax hike) initiative to the voters, we will not be allowed to vote on it. Consequently, each school district will face a reduction of $350 (or more) per child this year.
We are seeking help from our community to save educational programs. This parcel tax initiative will only benefit the children.
Joe Navarro
Hollister School Board trustee
