Oak Park begins parcel tax push
April 27 event kickoff Measure C campaign
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Oak Park residents will host a social event for the community but also for a cause close to home: local schools.

A wine and cheese lawn party with live music, a silent auction and a raffle will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sun., April 27 at the home of school board member Barbara Laifman and her husband, Jay. All Oak Park adults are invited. The event is the official kickoff for the Measure C campaign to renew the community's parcel tax in the June 3 election.

The tax, which is $197 per home per year, was first passed by voters in March 2004. It has generated nearly $1 million annually for Oak Park schools for five years.

The funding helped to retain qualified teachers, avoid class size increases, provide up-to-date instructional materials and preserve essential academic programs that enhance student achievement, according to Tony Knight, Oak Park Schools superintendent. Citizen oversight is incorporated into the measure.

A grass-roots committee of volunteer residents has been formed to help renew the tax, which is being retained at the original $197 amount but is being extended to eight years. An exemption for seniors is available. A twothirds majority vote is required to pass the measure.

Retaining the parcel tax is especially important in light of the governor's proposed budget cutbacks, which could cost Oak Park as much as $1.2 million, according to Barbara Schwartz, a campaign committee leader.

"The passage of this funding renewal is absolutely critical to maintaining the quality of our Oak Park schools, which are so important to preserving our unique community character and property values," said Schwartz.

Even with passage of the tax, school leaders have acknowledged that funding will remain a challenge requiring difficult budget cuts and potential teacher layoffs.

"The nice part about this parcel tax is every cent stays in Oak Park," Schwartz said. "Importantly at this time, it will also reduce the state budget cutback's impact."

Donated raffle and auction prizes include two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, a week in Lake Tahoe, Dodgers tickets, theater tickets and jewelry. Wine is being provided by Napa Valley and an Oak Park winemaker and vintner. All proceeds will go toward the effort to pass Measure C. including printing mailers and handouts. Volunteers are planning a doortodoor campaign.

For more information, visit www.oakparkmeasurec.com