Schools need Measure J funds Schools need Measure J funds (February 27, 2004)

By Gloria Higgins Guest Opinion

On March 2, voters have an opportunity to provide a reliable source of funding for the Mountain View-Whisman schools. I urge you to take advantage of that opportunity and vote yes on Measure J.

The state budget cuts have had a significant impact on our local schools. Despite what you've heard about education being spared, education will receive $2 billion less funding than is guaranteed by Proposition 98 in the governor's proposed budget. You may have heard that each student is getting an "extra" $200. But it is really $5 because most of it is committed to repaying past state educational debts.

You may remember that the Mountain View-Whisman School District tried to ease this financial crisis by placing Measure E on the ballot last June. It came just short of the two-thirds vote required to pass.

Since then our students have missed critical educational programs because the crisis forced the district to cut or eliminate music and art, physical education, after-school sports and student counseling services. Health clerks were laid off and custodial services were cut back. School libraries were closed.

Voluntary contributions partially restored some programs for this year only, but a quality education requires stable funding year after year. The worse may be yet to come. We may have to close a school this coming year to address insufficient funding.

The district has already cut administrative costs to a minimum, and recently the district received perfect audit results. The district is managed well, and there are no untapped funding sources.

The only way to protect students from the state's financial crisis is to ask voters to approve a temporary, modest assessment. The district has placed Measure J on the ballot. Measure J will provide funds to retain qualified, experienced teachers, restore music and art education, keep school libraries open, keep schools and classes small and protect crucial programs from budget cuts.

Measure J was developed with input from a broad coalition of local businesses and community members who care about Mountain View and know that good schools are vital to the prosperity of our community. Those who opposed Measure E now support Measure J. The Chamber of Commerce, Hewlett Packard, Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, the Mountain View City Council and thousands of community members have all endorsed Measure J.

Unlike most parcel taxes, Measure J is progressive. Parcels are assessed according to their size. The vast majority of homes fall in the under-8,000-square-feet category. These parcels will be assessed only $6 per month.

Measure J is fiscally responsible. It holds the district accountable to voters. An independent citizen's oversight committee will ensure funds are spent properly. It will last only five years. Seniors are eligible for exemptions. All of the money raised by Measure J will stay in Mountain View to benefit public elementary and middle schools. These local funds cannot be taken by the state.

Please join me in making a quality education a certainty for our students. Vote yes on J.

Gloria Higgins is a co-chair of the Measure J campaign and a school board member.

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