School district - Oak Park passes parcel tax extension

Oak Park schools will continue to receive nearly $1 million in funding from an annual parcel tax thanks to residents who voted yes for Measure C in Tuesday's election.

With a two-thirds majority needed to pass the measure, 2,380 residents, or 83 percent voted yes while only 487, or 17 percent, voted against the measure.

"Clearly people realize how important this funding is," said Oak Park resident Jay Kapitz, who led a grassroots campaign to support the measure.

"It shows that we have a community that really cares not just about our schools but this special place that we have," Kaptiz said. "Statewide, to find 83 percent support for anything, that's the real story."

Volunteers raised funds to pay for pro-Measure C signs and mailings, and made phone calls and campaigned door-to-door.

"We had some great volunteers who worked on the campaign, "Kapitz said. "It was a lot of hard work to make sure people got out and voted. If only 22 percent of the community voted it wouldn't have passed."

Measure C is a continuation of a $197 per home parcel tax passed in 2004. The renewal will continue the tax for eight years. Supporters focused on the critical need for the extension in light of state funding reductions. The tax will help retain qualified teachers, avoid class size increases, provide uptodate instructional materials and preserve academic programs, according to Oak Park Superintendent Tony Knight.

"On behalf of the board, the staff, and the students of the Oak Park schools, thank you to our community for this overwhelming show of support for the schools, even in these challenging economic times," Knight said.