Measure E totally justified




Measure E
totally justified


The parcel tax proposed for the Las Virgenes schools is justified on social, educational and even economic grounds. The quality of Las Virgenes schools is universally acknowledged. The educators, parents and students of Las Virgenes are rightfully proud of the quality of the program in this school district. We have all participated in making this district what it is today, and it would be a shame to see this begin to diminish due to factors beyond our control.


I also strongly believe that economically the parcel tax makes sense. There is a direct correlation between the reputation of a district and the property values of homes. Spending $98 a year for four years is a small price to pay on an investment that guarantees tens of thousands of additional dollars in property values.


Looking at all the real estate ads for homes in Las Virgenes, many trumpet the fact that the home resides within the boundaries of the school district. This fact gives a hint to the value that this school district adds to the worth of any home. To maintain that value, it is necessary to maintain the quality programs that gave it that value in the first place. Therefore, it is not surprising that a district like La Cañada easily passed a $400 parcel tax last year.


As to the gentleman who wrote a letter a few weeks ago questioning the parcel tax, I can only suggest that educating students is different than producing widgets. Additionally, it is hard to cut fat when there is no fat to cut.


To my way of thinking, library services, an award-winning 4-5 science program, reading specialists, etc., are not fat, yet they are on the chopping block. They are in fact part and parcel of what makes this district the superior district that it is.


For these reasons, among many others, the educators of Las Virgenes strongly support the passage of Proposition E on the March 2 ballot.


Paul Markowitz


Co-President, Las Virgenes


Educators Association,


West Hills



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