Oak Park school taxes voted separately





An Oak Park schools facilities bond measure and a renewal of the D4 parcel tax should be put to voters in separate elections rather than on the same ballot, the school board decided Monday.

The parcel tax will be determined in the June election; the bond measure in the November election.

At first the board was split with Marie Panec and Mary Rees in favor of placing both issues on the same ballot. Cindy Vinson, Jan Iceland and Barbara Laifman preferred to separate the measures.

Panec and Rees worried about the need to make school repairs as soon as possible, about the expense and the volunteer requirements of running two campaigns, and about the residents who will be upset at being solicited for money twice, not just once.

“This is not complicated. It’s really simple. It’s a need-driven list that I think the community realizes needs to be done,” Rees said.

Those who wanted a separate ballot worried that voters might choose between the bond and parcel tax, rather than passing both.

“I’m not willing to risk losing the parcel tax,” Vinson said.

A pair of consultants hired by the district supported separation on grounds that although the measures fund different needs, voters might feel overwhelmed at having two issues placed before them on the same ballot.

“Separating them gives more time for community dialogue,” said Jared Boigon, a consultant with TBWB Strategies, based in San Francisco.

The parcel tax, passed in 2004, raises $1 million annually for five years to retain qualified teachers, avoid class size increases, provide up-to-date instructional materials, and preserve essential academic programs that enhance student achievement.

Based on the results of a January survey of residents, the board decided to ask voters to retain the tax when it expires in 2009 at $197 per $100,000 of assessed value, but to continue the tax for eight years instead of five. Residents 65 and over would be exempt.

The board also decided to ask voters for a $20 million to $25 million bond measure that would be used only for repairs and maintenance of school buildings. The cost to residents would be about $28 to $37 per $100,000 of assessed value payable over 28 years.

Another concern voiced during the meeting involved the effects of the weak economy.

“Homes are foreclosing, there are people who worked for Amgen who were laid off, others who are with Countrywide,” Resident Ann Waldman said.

Board members fear that even if the parcel tax is continued it still won’t be enough to cover expenses. Facing a state budget that slashes $1.2 million from Oak Park schools, the board may have to cut some teachers and programs, Iceland said.

“These woes are being felt across the state,” she said.


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