Fiscal Responsibility

By Beth Hunkapiller

Strong management of taxpayer monies is a top priority.

Issues facing the district are almost all related to how best to support and retain an excellent staff. So many teachers face such difficulty living on the Peninsula that the district has experienced considerable turnover. Over 50% of the staff is new in the last three years.

The current uncertainty about the economy makes fiscal responsibility and the willingness to work together to find creative solutions to budget issues more important than ever. We currently have a budget that works, one that allowed over an 11% raise to staff last year and enough funding for 4th grade class size reduction on top of state funded K-3 twenty to one class sizes. This year, the San Carlos District benefited from a generous year of funding as state tax revenues increased 33%; however, if state funding for education declines sharply, music instruction, technology investment, and class size reduction will be at risk.

District schools that converted to charter schools two years ago have received increased and continuing higher funding because charter schools are funded at 70% of the state average annually. This funding represented an increase since district schools were funded at below 70% of the state average. These same schools also received very large competitive charter grants that allowed them to undertake innovative projects.

Charges of passive leadership by one board candidate are unnecessarily negative. District leaders have encouraged and supported forward thinking by principals,staff and parents. Creative approaches to school governance and funding have been embraced by many willingly.

While a parcel tax discussion may lie in our future as we address district needs in coming years, creative and/or temporary solutions should not and cannot fund permanent salary schedule adjustments and collective bargaining agreements.