Tuesday is the day many teacher and administrators within the
Hollister School District have been waiting for, as residents
throughout the city will vote on its proposed parcel tax. In
attempt to funnel an additional $1.2 million to the school
district, the district’s board of trustees approved the parcel tax
in December – setting up for Tuesday’s special election.
Tuesday is the day many teacher and administrators within the Hollister School District have been waiting for, as residents throughout the city will vote on its proposed parcel tax.
In attempt to funnel an additional $1.2 million to the school district, the district’s board of trustees approved the parcel tax in December – setting up for Tuesday’s special election. If approved, homeowners in the district’s jurisdiction would pay an additional $96 in each of the next four years to the district.
Superintendent Gary McIntire said the goal is to use the money to save programs and staff that have been recently cut in the library, music program and computer programs.
The election, which must be approved by a two-thirds vote, would help balance upcoming state budget cuts and budgetary issues within the district that have warned of a possible state takeover. Operating at an 18-percent deficit in 2010, the district announced it had to reduce its budget by $2.5 million to $2.75 million over the next two years or face the state controlling the district’s books.
The district sent final layoff notices to 24 teachers in May to help fill some of the budget issues.
The parcel tax also gives a senior exemption to residents 65 and older but still allows them to vote for the tax. To become exempt, seniors are asked to send in an application that the district would make available at the conclusion of the election.
The district decided to go ahead with the election after San Francisco-based consulting firm Dale Scott & Co. described that, through a telephone survey, it likely would be passed during a June election.
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For results Tuesday, see freelancenews.com.
