The continuation of the current parcel tax or an additional parcel tax may go before voters in the San Carlos Elementary School District to help the district during financially difficult times.

The Board of Trustees directed staff to begin looking for a company to poll the community and possibly do consultant work on potential tax options moving ahead during a tough financial year. Dipping into the reserves next year is already in the plans for San Carlos when it comes to dealing with proposed state budget cuts. But maintaining current programs may require additional funds.

Trustees wondered if residents would question the need for more money. In 2003 voters passed Measure D — a $98 per year parcel tax through 2011. The tax covers about 10 percent of costs for many programs like counseling and reading comprehension, said board President Beth Hunkapillar.

Trustee Tom Quiggle said these cuts represent the money currently coming in from the parcel tax.

“[Another parcel tax] is needed to sustain these programs,” he said.  

In January, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested making $400 million in midyear cuts with no indication of which districts will be affected. Next year, an overall $4.4 billion reduction expected to hit schools will require lawmakers to suspend the requirements of Proposition 98 — the voter-approved mandate for a minimum funding level for schools.

The proposal for a parcel tax is still in the beginning stages. Trustees want to see which options would not only net the best gain but the public would support.

Trustee Mark Olbert pointed out it is important to also consider tax burn out — when would voters potentially support another bond measure again if the board decides to go forward with a parcel tax.

Newly-elected Trustee Seth Rosenblatt was curious to know the public’s opinion on extending the current tax as is or extending and increasing it — or how the community would feel about having two taxes at the same time.

Everyone agreed education about the current budget situation was necessary.

“We need to figure out what the money would be used for,” said Olbert. “And, I suspect a message like protecting ourselves from cuts from Sacramento wouldn’t be enough. Parents need to know what’s at risk? What’s going to go away?”

Staff will research potential firms to help the board and make a presentation at a future board meeting.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.