San Bruno Park School District is the only elementary school district in San Mateo County without a voter-approved parcel tax. But that’s not because there is no need; in fact, the needs are pronounced.
The community ask is modest, an annual amount of $68 per parcel for eight years, generating $730,000 annually. The money would go toward programs, but would also offer competitive salaries for teachers and counselors. Creating stability in the classroom is the ultimate goal, which is helpful as the district has been teetering between community and state funded because of California’s challenging funding formula.
Attracting and retaining teachers is key for any school district, and Measure X will help San Bruno.
The district has also faced instability from its board, however, that is changing. Another measure to ensure new voices is Measure O, which will limit terms for board members. In the past, board members stayed on past their prime, and limiting terms to three will ensure turnover and fresh eyes. While there is benefit from trustees who have been around for a while and who can provide historic knowledge and perspective, that has not been the case in San Bruno. This measure will ensure change.
Vote yes on Measure X to provide stability, and yes on Measure O to ensure turnover and new perspectives.
(1) comment
Vote NO on Measure X. It’s obvious San Bruno is not fiscally responsible. Remember, this is the San Bruno who wasted taxpayer money on holding cease-fire resolution discussions. This is the San Bruno who paid for a parcel tax study with taxpayer money to, of all things, study increasing taxes on residents. This is the San Bruno who received $70 million, burning 70+% on a recreation center that will likely serve a small portion of San Brunans (Bruno-ans?). This is the San Bruno who has blown $4 million to get folks to pay for downtown parking. Lots of money wasted that wasn’t used for updating curriculum and technology, and increasing teacher salaries.
Vote NO on this Measure and if you have voter remorse, wait for the next election cycle and you’ll see another measure looking for more of your money. Money that likely will mostly, if not all, go to paying ever increasing pensions and benefits. Once you agree to this parcel tax, chances are, San Bruno will want to extend the parcel tax another 8 years, or longer. After all, if they’ve fooled you once, they can do so again.
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