Las Lomitas Notes Las Lomitas Notes (December 17, 2003)

Las Lomitas poll on parcel tax

The Las Lomitas Elementary School District has hired a pollster to gauge the receptivity of district residents for an additional parcel tax to cope with expected cuts in state funding in the next budget year.

At its December 10 meeting, the board authorized a contract to spend up to $15,000 on the survey. Brad Senden of the Center for Community Opinion will conduct a telephone poll of about 300 residents between now and the second week of January, said board president Steve Sowiski.

A tax of $98 has been "on the table," Mr. Sowiski said, but added that uncertainty about state funding has prompted community members and members of the district's education foundation to suggest that more may be needed.

The current parcel tax of $196 generates about $784,000 per year to pay for teacher salaries, training, student programs and other operating expenses. The tax expires in 2008.

Woodside Hills denied again?

Another rejection appears likely for the Woodside Hills neighborhood as it again tested the possibility of separating itself from the Redwood City Elementary School District.

At its December 10 meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Las Lomitas Elementary School District discussed a request by Woodside Hills resident Perry Vartanian for a "sense of the board" on adding the neighborhood to the Las Lomitas district.

The board was less than enthusiastic. "I would be very surprised if [Mr. Vartanian] came away with a positive, go-ahead indication," board president Steve Sowiski told the Almanac.

Mr. Vartanian, who was present for the discussion, has spoken to the board on the same subject in the past, Mr. Sowiski said.

The Las Lomitas district has not received a formal petition from the neighbors and would like to avoid that step being taken, Mr. Sowiski said.

The Woodside Elementary School District rejected a similar request by Woodside Hills in 2001. The Las Lomitas district noted the move is also opposed by the Redwood City school district, the San Mateo County committee on school district reorganization and the state Board of Education.

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