Editorial: Yes on Measure C

It requires a two-thirds majority to pass. But it is a small price to pay to help ensure school programs stay intact and the district can attract and retain teachers. Unlike a bond measure, which goes toward facility needs, parcel taxes can be used for programs but it usually used for teacher pay. It cannot be used for administrator salaries or pensions.

With significant changes in enrollment, the cost of living and district finances because of tax revenue, adding this revenue will ensure a continuity of services for our schools, families and students. Having a high-quality teacher in classrooms is the most important element of providing a quality education.

And having the tax structured the way it is means small property owners pay less while big property owners pay more. Yet both benefit from quality local schools. Another interesting idea is providing a base $50,000 to each school site, then an additional amount based on enrollment. Across the 12 school sites, excluding the charter schools, the total annual allocation was proposed to range from $298,338 to $685,525. The per-pupil allocation across sites would range from $543 to $1,143, annually. This is a creative way to make sure local school sites can spend some of the money how they see fit. Anyone attached to a school community knows such money will always be needed, and soon.

Overall, the measure makes sense for the district and the community it serves to ensure there is sufficient revenue to provide high-quality classroom instruction. Vote yes on Measure C.