Voter Guide: Voters asked to increase income for Portola Valley schools Voter Guide: Voters asked to increase income for Portola Valley schools (February 18, 2004)

** Ballot measure would increase school parcel tax to $290 a year. Passage requires approval by two-thirds of voters.

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

Voters in the Portola Valley School District will make a critical decision March 2 regarding the future of the schools. On the ballot is Measure C, which would increase the district's parcel tax from $195 to $290 a year. The current $195 parcel tax expires June 30.

Funds raised would help offset increasing costs and cuts in state funding, and ensure a steady source of local funds to educate the district's 691 students, backers say.

If approved by two-thirds of the voters, the tax would raise approximately $675,000 a year for the next 10 years for the district's two schools: Ormondale (grades K-3) and Corte Madera (grades 4-8).

"We will be in deep trouble if the parcel tax fails," says Deborah Rappaport, president of the Portola Valley school board.

A defeat of Measure C would mean the loss of $450,645 a year from the expiration of the current tax, she says. Taking into account the extra $225,000 a year the higher tax would generate, the district would lose about 8 percent of its $8 million budget, says Tim Hanretty, the district's business manager.

The cost of providing a quality education has outpaced state funding year after year, say Measure C supporters.

The $195 parcel tax that passed in 1994 and has remained constant, has less purchasing power today than 10 years ago. Based on increases in the Consumer Price Index, it would take $255 today to equal the $195 figure.

Backers say Measure C funds would be used to ensure high quality in the schools' core programs: science, reading, writing and math instruction. It would also help fund smaller classes that are a high priority of parents.

The additional money would go to attract and retain experienced teachers and provide educational programs and materials.

"Next to our beautiful natural environment, our excellent educational system is the No. 1 appeal to live in Portola Valley," said Bill Lane, a town founder. His children attended Portola Valley schools, and now his grandchildren go to Ormondale and Corte Madera schools.

"For some families with young children, our schools may be the most important factor," said Mr. Lane.

"The value of our homes are supported by our excellent schools," said Realtor Ginny Kavanaugh. "That's why families choose the Portola Valley district."

Measure C provides parcel-tax exemptions for seniors, 65 and up, who own and live on their property as a primary residence. Seniors would have to apply for the exemption, but they would not need to re-apply annually.

Also built into the measure is the appointment by the school board of an "independent community oversight committee" to ensure parcel-tax funds are spent wisely and only for purposes approved by the voters.

Volunteers will staff phone banks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, February 24, 25 and 26, to urge people to vote for the measure.

For more information or questions about the parcel tax, call campaign co-chairs Denise Blocker at 851-9546 or Janet Lorenzen at 851-5212; or district trustees Donna Carano at 851-2880 or Karen Jordan at 529-0345.

E-mail Marjorie Mader at mmader@AlmanacNews.com
INFORMATION

Information about Portola Valley School District's parcel tax, Measure C on the March 2 ballot, will be presented at an open forum at the Sequoias, the Portola Valley retirement community, at 7 p.m. Monday, February 23.

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