Update - the board of trustees approved a $6000 parcel tax feasibilty study tonight, 8/6/2020.

The report will be presented on November 18.

This budget crisis is real and if a solution is not found, we risk a state takeover which would cut programs and balance the budget without any community input. Something has to change immediately. There is no place left to cut the budget.

There are many reasons to slow down, however, and provide time for the community to consider all of the alternatives to campus closure. The forthcoming study from SCOE evaluating the feasibility of unification of the HS district with its feeder elementary districts will not be completed until approximately December 2021, at which time the community conversations about unification and potential savings can really begin.

These schools are important community-owned assets. The culture of our communities will be severely impacted by any campus closure. The local economies of the towns where these schools are located will be impacted.

We, the voters within the WSCUHSD, have the right and the responsibility to do what we can to make sure that a budget crisis does not force us to close a campus without taking the time to fully evaluate all the options.

If the voters would pass a new parcel tax (at a yet to be determined amount that would provide for positive budget certification for the next 3-4 years, maybe somewhere between $60-$79), that would keep the district afloat while the larger community discussion has time to take place.

Giving our community an opportunity to tax ourselves, as a stop-gap measure, is the only way to buy enough time to see if perhaps unification could solve some of the budget issues. If this opportunity is provided and the taxpayers do not approve it, the district will have done its due diligence in attempting to allow for the greater community conversation that is being requested at this time.

Signing this petition tells the trustees of the West Sonoma County High School District that you would like them to consider putting a parcel tax measure on the ballot at the earliest possible election. Passing a parcel tax requires a 2/3 majority vote and is a costly endeavor for the district. If there is sufficient support behind this petition, it could provide them with the encouragement to move forward. Please note that although senior citizens may vote in favor of the tax measure, they are permitted to get a waiver so as not to impact those seniors living on a fixed income.