http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_9491042?nclick_check=1
By Kimberly S. Wetzel west county times
Article Launched: 06/05/2008 12:25:47 PM PDT

The financial fate of the West Contra Costa school district is in voters' hands.

The West Contra Costa school board this week unanimously approved putting a parcel tax on the November ballot to help the district generate about $10 million annually to pay for counselors, librarians, athletics and more.

"We don't have any extra money," Board member Madeline Kronenberg said Wednesday. "We need to have this funding. Without it, we fall behind."

Board members, originally mulling over a renewal with an eight-year duration, ultimately decided to play it safe, opting for five years instead. If approved, West County tax payers would continue to pay what they pay under the existing parcel tax ­ 7.2 cents per square foot of property. The current tax expires in June 2009.

Unlike the district's failed attempt to pass a parcel tax last summer in which the teachers union declined to support the measure, on Wednesday teachers, students, parents and district officials alike rallied behind the tax as more than a dozen people spoke in favor of the issue.

"I encourage the school board to move forward with this parcel tax," said El Cerrito High junior Jared Jawad. "Without it, our district will crumble."

The district likely will have an uphill battle in getting the measure passed. Voters in the cities of Alameda and San Ramon narrowly rejected parcel taxes in Tuesday's election. Measure G ­ West Contra Costa's last attempt ­ failed to get the necessary two-thirds yes vote last August.

A recent poll commissioned by the district showed that a strong parcel tax campaign with a local message could resonate with the number of voters needed to pass it. A political action committee called For the Children of West County has already begun campaigning for passage of the tax.

District officials, looking at a severe state budget deficit that has already forced them to slice more than $6 million from next year's budget, will have more financial troubles in the 2009-2010 school year if the current parcel tax expires without a renewal .

Wednesday's board decision was met with an unusual show of unity ­ applause and a standing ovation.

"If we do not pass the parcel tax renewal, and it is a renewal, we will condemn our children to a third world education," said Tammy Campbell, Pinole Valley High parent and member of the district's budget advisory committee.

Reach Kimberly S. Wetzel at 510-262-2798 or at kwetzel@bayareanewsgroup.com.