An easy choice for kids: Renew the parcel tax
By Glen Price and Genoveva Garcia-Calloway
Guest commentary
June 27, 2008

http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_9725723?nclick_check=1

IN 2004, West County voters approved Measure B, which specifically designated funding specifically for K-3 class-size reduction, library services, counselors, athletic programs, and school custodians. As voters, we did this because we recognized the critical need for these programs and services.

Over the last four years, the funds received have been used exactly as promised (for a full report, please visit www.childrenofwestcounty.com).

At the same time, the state's own financial condition has further worsened, sharpening the need for these locally provided funds.

For the last several months, a group of teachers, parents, students, school administrators, community members, business persons, non-profit leaders, school counselors, employees, and city leaders met to develop a recommendation to the WCCUSD Board of Education regarding the Measure B parcel tax, which expires in June 2009. After much discussion and study, we overwhelmingly recommended to the board a "straight up" renewal of the measure voters approved four years ago.

As reported by the West County Times, the Board of Education unanimously approved this recommendation on June 4.

Your editorial of June 10 ("Parcel tax is hard sell") argues that it will be difficult in November to achieve the required two-thirds supermajority necessary to renew the same tax voters approved in 2004. We understand the