Burton's recent decision not to pursue a parcel tax on this November ballot highlights the differences between the Burton School District Board of Trustees & Porterville Unified School District Trustees. Burton's board member Phillip Gianetto asked a very telling and appropriate question in relation to the parcel tax "Before asking anyone for money, have we done everything that we can?"
Any bond issue, parcel tax, etc is a way for a school district to tax property owners within their reach for perceived school related needs. We all understand the issues that face school districts in this State and want what is best for the students. However, as a tax payer, my feeling is these local tax initiatives are just a way to enable Sacramento to continue their wasteful spending.
While I do not believe that Burton's parcel tax had any chance of passing had it made the ballot, I certainly would have given great thought to providing my support for several reasons. The Burton proposal had specific goals already laid out for all to see. The roughly $1.7 million raised over 5 years was to be used exclusively to support technology, science lab equipment, professional development in technology and supplemental instructional materials.
Now, let's contrast that with the PUSD bond issue that IS on the November ballot asking for upwards of $100 million dollars over the next 20 plus years. PUSD does not have a project list spelling out how the funds will be used prior to the vote and has no plans to develop one. Would any rational person vote to give this top heavy district up to $100 million additional tax dollars without even a clue how they intend to spend the funds? And, PUSD has discretion on when to actually issue the bonds in order to lock in a higher tax rate from property owners in the district.
Has Burton done everything possible within the district prior to asking for a parcel tax as Mr. Gianetto has asked? I am not sure and I don't believe the district is 100% sure. However, I do know that Burton has not laid off a single staff member while PUSD has been laying off staff for years highlighted by the termination of 21 certificated employees recently.
Burton does not provide its volunteer board members with millions of dollars in Health & Welfare benefits while PUSD continues to do so for current trustees and past trustee for a lifetime. Burton school district operates with one efficient Superintendent while PUSD apparently needs 4.
I have contacted the Burton district and offered a donation in an amount equal to what I would have paid over 5 years had this parcel tax been approved. Not because I am taxed, but because I am donating the funds due to my belief that Burton will actually use the funds generated for the students benefit.
Porterville Unified has a long history of putting the students and teachers needs dead last in order to continue to support the needs of the few greedy individuals in charge. Why would anyone vote to give them even one additional tax dollar more?
John S. Hardin -- Trying to "Make it Right"
