Strong Support for our Parcel Tax

One lifeline for the Berryessa School District during these years of unprecedented cuts to our state funding has been funds from the Measure W parcel tax that the voters approved in 2008.  About 73% of the voters in our district approved a parcel tax of $79 per parcel that results in funding of $1.7 million each year.  

This money is local and cannot be taken away by the state or any other entity.  It has been used to pay for retaining science and math teachers, keeping our libraries open, and supporting other important district functions.  Since the parcel tax passed, the state has reduced our annual budget by about $9 million.  While the $1.7 million from the parcel tax doesn't come close to bridging that deficit, it does save some key programs from elimination.

Last night, the Board heard the results of a survey of the public's appetite for continuing the parcel tax for an additional 8 years.  No matter how quickly the economy improves, it is clear that there will be a shortfall in education funding for the foreseeable future.  That is why renewal of the parcel tax will be crucial for us to continue to adequately serve the students of Berryessa.

The good news is that 77% of the voters surveyed support renewing the parcel tax at its current level.  Interestingly, only about a quarter of the voters are even aware that we currently have a parcel tax.  That is why it is important to educate the voters on the existence of the parcel tax, and how much we appreciate the support they have given us.  Our district continues to show academic growth at all of our schools.  

If the Board decides to move forward with a parcel tax extension this year, it will appear on the November 2012 Presidential election ballot.  Thank you so much for your support of our local schools.  Berryessa's children appreciate it very much.