School District to Consider Tax Measures

The Board of Education voted Thursday to reconvene a citizens committee to evaluate the possibility of two tax proposals—one on the November ballot for staff salaries and district programs and another in the spring for capital improvement projects.

"Given the range of possible reductions to the per-student funding [from the state] … it really seems prudent to have people on this committee—which is ... an excellent group of people—begin to think about this issue," said Board President José Escarce regarding a possible per-parcel tax in November.

The board allotted $50,000 for the committee to poll residents about taxes, but the money might not be used. If the committee recommends a parcel tax for the November ballot, the provision would need the board’s approval by Aug. 10.

With the support of other board members, Oscar de la Torre raised the possibility of a progressive tax, in which the amount charged would vary based on parcel size. All the district's modern tax proposals, including the one that failed last year, have included a flat fee for all property owners regardless of parcel size. This is because of a fear that basing the price tag on size could lead to a legal challenge based on California's strict property tax rules created by the voter-approved Proposition 13 in 1978.

A district tax might not be needed if Gov. Jerry Brown can get statewide taxes approved by voters or through other methods. It is also not clear how much funding the district will receive from the state—it large's financial contributor—and therefore what the district's financial future looks like. So these variables will need to be considered along with any recommendation from the committee.

"I don’t want to be too prescriptive in terms of the various options that we look at," Board Vice President Ben Allen said. "I think we would be remiss if we didn’t put in place procedures beforehand in case we need to turn to this sort of option."

Also at the meeting, the board discussed concepts for the district's medical staffing for the 2011-12 school year. Board members and district residents who spoke at the meeting agreed it would be preferable for the schools to be staffed with registered nurses. However, due to budgetary constraints, individuals with less medical training will assist with clerical work and provide health services during times of peak demand.

The board expressed unanimous discontent with any model that would employ the use of too many health clerk positions, which are designated for individuals with the least medical training.

Allen said, "It’s just a matter of respecting our employees and trying to make sure that we figure out a plan that will treat people with respect and compassion while we keep our minds on the most important goal, which is having really high-quality coverage for our kids."