This letter was sent to the members of the Marin IJ Editorial Board, Dave Allen, Rob DeVincenzi and Brad Breithaupt. The favor of a reply was never received.
Hello Dave, Rob and Brad,
In light of the recent development of the Kentfield School District requiring significant additional budget cuts, the campaign for No Novato Tax - No on Measure A, formally requests the Editorial Board retract your support in print before the March 3rd election, for the Novato Unified School District parcel tax.
Members of the No Novato Tax - No on Measure A campaign met with you and advised you that passing a school parcel tax in Novato would have the same ramifications that we are now seeing occur with the Kentfield School District.
The similarities to our NUSD arguments in broad strokes are declining student enrollments, the NUSD is running a $2 million a year budget deficit, and a budget reduction in reserves to pay down pensions which are rising $1 million annually.
Specifically,
- The root cause of the school funding crisis is pension obligations.
- Parcel taxes cannot make up the shortfall.
- Additional cuts will be required and should be explored BEFORE asking the public to tax themselves further.
- Among the specific suggested cuts by stakeholders are closing a campus, cutting Administrator pay and positions, and adding a single student to classrooms.
These suggestions mirror those proposed by KSD despite promises that teachers and curriculum would be protected - the very same promises currently being made by NUSD.
Given the information you have now, and especially given the Editorial opinion published in the Marin IJ in the Feb 24th edition, we feel it is your obligation and duty to change your position and inform the public in your next edition.
Please advise us of your decision.