Officials lobby for school tax increase

San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District put Measure A, a seven-year renewal and $96 increase to the parcel tax set to expire in June, before voters through an all-mail ballot due to the county Election’s Office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. The new tax, about $180 annually with the increase, would mean an additional $3 million annually to the district, said Trustee Mark Hudak. This increase would not cover the $9 million budget drop the district is facing should the measure fail. Although additional revenue would be a benefit, opponents argue the district should live within its means.

"We can’t afford to gamble with the kids,” said Hudak, who added students will face much larger class sizes and little to no elective options without the parcel tax.

Hudak explained the district is facing a possible $9 million loss in the coming year. It currently receives about $3 million in revenue from the parcel tax, most recently renewed in 2003. If passed, the increase would nearly double that income to $6 million, getting the district closer to the drop in revenue but still leaving a possible $3 million gap.

Jack Hickey, who signed the argument against the measure, could see how the additional funds would be a benefit. However, Hickey noted families must live within a budget and the district is no different.

California gave districts the option to increase class sizes to save money, an option Hickey suggested the district consider.

Increasing class sizes could impact the jobs of 66 teachers, said Trustee Lory Lorimer Lawson. Not receiving the proposed parcel tax funds could also mean a reduction to art and music classes and a furlough day for all employees.

District officials put a renewal with an increase before voters due to community support found in a 500-person phone survey done last September by Godbe Research. The results led Godbe to recommend the $96 increase, noting the difference in support for simply renewing the measure as is, compared to the $96 increase, was minimal. February was chosen since it gave the district two chances to pass a parcel tax should the first attempt fail.

In the event Measure A fails, Hudak and Lawson agreed trying again would be an option. What that second attempt would look like, however, was unknown. Hudak noted the election results, as well as additional budget information from the state, would come into play. Also, the district’s Board of Trustees changed to include two new people since the ballot was approved.

Ballots were mailed to voters Monday and must be received by the county Election’s Office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Those who are not registered to vote but hope to participate in this special election must register by Monday, Feb. 8. Forms are available at either San Mateo or Foster City government centers, local post offices and other government agencies. A ballot will be automatically mailed to anyone who registers or re-registers within the district.

Ballots can also be dropped off at the San Mateo City Hall, 330 W. 20th Ave. or at City Hall in Foster City located at 610 Foster City Blvd. or at the county Elections Office, 40 Tower Road in San Mateo.

For more information visit www.shapethefuture.org.  

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