School Board Likely to Opt for 5 Percent Parcel Tax Increase

All five members of the Piedmont Unified School District's Board of Education indicated Wednesday night that they are leaning toward a 5 percent increase in the Measure B parcel tax for the 2012-13 fiscal year.

Although the board will hold public hearings and more discussion before making a final decision, all members said the district's financial situation calls for the maximum allowable increase.

A combination of recession, major cuts to state education funding and the expiration of PUSD's Measure E parcel tax at the end of this fiscal year all contribute to the difficult financial situation. 

Board member Ray Gadbois did note one bright spot.

"Since Measure E [a short-term, emergency parcel tax] expires, everyone will pay a little less next year, even if we raise by 5 percent," he said.

Board President Roy Tolles opened the discussion with the suggestion that board members give the public some idea of their current thinking on the parcel tax increase.

He offered new board members Sarah Pearson and Andrea Swenson, participating in their first full meeting since they were elected in February, a graceful out if they didn't wish to comment. However, both chose to make short remarks.

Here is a sampling of board members' comments.

Rick Raushenbush (re-elected Feb. 7 to a second term): "There's no silver bullet. State funding has dropped almost 20 percent over the past four years. There's no alternative to raising by the full 5 percent. I intend to support the increase."

Ray Gadbois: Voiced his appreciation for the "minority report" by George Childs, a member of the  Citizens Advisory Committee on the Parcel Tax Program, who asked the board to limit any increase to a maximum of 2 percent. He also said he wants to hear public input, especially about the impact of an increase on home owners on fixed incomes. Nonetheless, he said, "For this year we really don't have much of a choice."

Sarah Pearson: Thanked the community, including PUSD staff, for sacrifices and contributions in difficult financial times. "The 5 percent makes sense," she said.

Andrea Swenson: "It's miraculous that there aren't any pink slips [layoff notifications]. We have to make the hard but necessary decision."

Roy Tolles: Said he didn't fully agree with Childs' 2 percent recommendation but would like to see Measure B increases average out to 3 percent a year over a long-term period. If voters don't approve school funding measures on the November 2012 ballot, he said, "We may need to look at an additional parcel tax."

According to district budget figures presented later in Wednesday's meeting, PUSD could face a $2.6 million deficit by fiscal year 2013-14 and a much greater deficit the following year. (Editor's note: Watch for a follow-up story on the budget.)

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