Thanks to Measure W

In 2008, the Board decided that the district should go to the voters for a local source of funding in order to supplement what we get from the state. At the time, we knew that tough times were coming and it would be crucial for us to raise local revenue so that we could continue to provide services to our students.

After conducting a scientific poll of Berryessa School District voters, the Board felt that a parcel tax of of $79 per parcel was likely to pass. The poll also helped us define the funding categories that would be listed as possible uses of the funds. In no particular order, these were: Attracting and retaining qualified teachers; Keeping school libraries open; Keeping classroom technology up-to-date; Maintaining reading/math tutoring; Providing hands-on science instruction; and Funding programs that enhance student achievement.

At our December 14 meeting, the Board officially allocated the programs from the 2010-2011 budget that are supported by Measure W funds. Without Measure W, the district would have been unable to sustain these programs.

• Maintaining a K-3 Class Size of 24:1 ($1,300,090) - Without Measure W, K-3 class size would have likely increased to more than 24:1.
• Music Programs ($69,000) - The district was able to continue our full elementary music program, starting in 3rd grade.
• Support for the "Step Up To Algebra Program" ($15,000) - The district uses Measure W funds to support a summer program that helps our students prepare for algebra in 8th grade.
• Calibration and Scoring of District Writing Sample ($10,000) - The district provides release time for middle school English teachers to assess student performance.
• Support for Libraries ($121,000) - The district has added a full time librarian and pays for 25% of our library media tech salaries out of Measure W funds.
• Counselor/Social Worker Position ($71,500) - Measure W funds allow the district to minimize the effect of having to eliminate counseling positions due to budget cuts.
• Support for School Participation in the BEST Program ($9,500) - The parcel tax money helps pay for teachers to attend the school-wide discipline and anti-bullying program.
• On-going Costs of Upgrading Student Used Technology ($97,000) - The district recently upgraded our technology infrastructure. Measure W helped pay for a fraction of that project.