Vote yes on Measure E

But the Redwood City Elementary School District is doing just that. And in actuality, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

The K-8 district is the only one of its kind that funnels children to the Sequoia Union High School District without a parcel tax and is facing a perfect storm of finances in which it very well could be staring down at a $10 million budget deficit in its $80 million overall budget if the state propositions fail and economic stimulus money doesn’t make its way to Redwood City. It is asking property owners in the district to pony up $91 a year — approximately $7.50 a month or 25 cents a day — per parcel that would go directly to the classroom.

With the state budget in disarray, more and more school districts are learning that it is best to find ways to keep its tax revenue local. Parcel taxes do just that. This particular measure — Measure E — will retain teachers, maintain classroom science and technology programs, keep school libraries open, preserve art, music and physical education classes and continue reading and math tutoring programs. It is expected to generate $2.3 million in revenue for five years. The district is already considering $4 million to $6 million in budgetary cuts, with the possibility of more on the way. While it does not solve all the district’s budget problems, the tax is a way to patch together locally-generated revenue that could only be used as the district sees fit. The district also has a foundation that raises approximately $300,000 a year, so it’s not as if there is not already some local effort to raise revenue for specific programs.

The measure will have an independent citizens oversight committee to make sure the money is spent properly and has a senior exemption as not to create a financial burden for those on fixed incomes and who do not have children in schools.

While it is important to ensure each community has quality schools for the value it has for our children, good schools are also important for property values and can be seen not only as an investment in the community but an investment in your own property.

Measure E is a modest request on behalf of the school district. It doesn’t cost much and would provide some much-needed breathing room for the Redwood City Elementary School District facing some fairly tough budget decisions. It will have citizen oversight and a senior exemption. It helps maintain existing programs and helps avoid drastic cuts. It deserves your support June 2.