BRSSD Aiming for Parcel Tax Renewal in November

It's been a busy week for the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District board of trustees. On Thursday, the board announced the district's new superintendent, voted to add a fourth kindergarten class at Sandpiper Elementary School, discussed the budget for next school year, and approved an extension of after-school day care providers. 

On Friday, the board announced its intention to place a measure on the November 2013 ballot to renew local educational funding. District officials noted that this measure would not increase the tax rate.

A flyer sent home to parents and staff members in the district's seven schools explained that the measure is necessary to support academic programs and retain teachers. The current $174 parcel tax will soon expire, and it's up to voters to renew it. 

"We believe families continue to move into our community because of our excellent schools. However, student enrollment is growing without any increase in school funding. Our schools are educating more students with less money. Now more than ever, local funding for our schools is critical for continued student achievement," states the flyer.

According to the flyer, the measure would: 

-Protect math, science, reading and writing programs

-Keep school libraries open

-Attract and retain teachers

-Maintain a well-rounded education

District officials say funding from this measure would stay in Belmont-Redwood Shores elementary and middle schools and could not be taken away by the State. 

"This local source of funding has been essential to preserving the quality classroom instruction we expect from our elementary and middle schools. Now this funding is set to expire soon unless voters choose to renew it," states the flyer.

Questions or feedback should be directed to BRSSD interim superintendent Nellie Hungerford at 650-637-4800 ext. 1003 or nhungerford@brssd.org.

The board will vote on at their meeting on August 1 at 7pm at the District Office.