Published May 26, 2005

Parcel tax makes the most sense

In opposing Measure A, Wayne Martin (Letters, May 21) neglects to mention that Palo Alto schools perform at the apex of schools in California and the nation. In a state that surpasses only Louisiana and Mississippi in student performance, Palo Alto public schools stand out, at a cost per student far less than that of top performing states.

Mr. Martin is apparently sold on the funding model for California's schools that has contributed to their decline. He refers to Palo Alto's "excess property tax revenues'' as if state-determined revenue limits are sufficient to sustain high-quality schools. There is no assurance these funds will always stay in our community. They were nearly seized two years ago by then-Gov. Gray Davis.

Parcel taxes are the way to go. They provide guaranteed funding that doesn't fluctuate with the economy and cannot be taken by the state. Passage of Measure A ensures the district can continue to provide excellent stewardship of our children's education, and consequently, our future.

Lynn Magill
Palo Alto

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