Oak Park voters OK new tax for schools

Voters in Oak Park showed incredible support for their school district in passing Measure D4. The parcel tax initiative handily exceeded the required two-thirds majority vote when 81 percent of voters literally made it a "Super Tuesday" for Oak Park Unified School District.

With Propositions 57 and 58 passing in California (Oak Park voters said yes by 65 and 73 percent respectively), OPUSD board members and staff can now breathe a sign of relief and look forward to the next school year with a budget plan that reflects their hopes and dreams.

"We are greatly relieved that we don’t have to lay off any of our fantastic teachers," said OPUSD Assistant Superintendent Tony Knight. "The community has provided a great affirmation for the school district, a district that was built for them."

School district board members, staff and volunteer campaigners for Measure D4 gathered in Oak Park after polls closed for a victory party at the home of Anne Davis.

While final results came in late for precincts in Oak Park, the early trend seemed to reveal a pending victory. It created plenty of "thank you" speeches and applause for the Friends of Oak Park Schools, a committee that promoted Measure D4.

The chairman of the campaign was Wayne Blasman (a resident for 18 years). He told attendees at the party that success for D4 was a product of united support. Many people have moved to Oak Park, Blasman said, because of its schools.

"I’ve never met so many hard working people," said Blasman. He compared Oak Park to small communities on the East Coast where everyone knows each other and is involved for the common good. Friends of Oak Park Schools raised more than enough money needed for the campaign, he said, and the schools will benefit.

While OPUSD Superintendent Gary Richards has only been with the district for eight months, he captured the loudest reaction and applause after Blasman called him their best cheerleader.

Richards described Oak Park as a special place with residents who rose to the challenge. "This is about a community that began with parents and board members talking about what might happen," said Richards. "This campaign was about trying to seize back control of the schools at the local level."

David Ross, a former school board member and president of the Community Foundation of Oak Park, said, "The campaign was a success because people who really love the schools really got organized." Ross said that state politicians who cry "never raise taxes" don’t realize how schools are hurt. "Their ideology is more important than reality."

The people in Oak Park, especially when compared to communities statewide, are incredible because they understand the importance of funding their schools, Ross said.

Revenues generated by Props. 57 and 58 along with the parcel tax (set at $197 per parcel per year) will generate $950,000 for OPUSD, leaving a small deficit.

District board members believe they can cope with minimal cuts while maintaining reduced class sizes in Oak Park.