Voters Need to Know

Voters Need to Know 

I disagree with the Bay Area News Group's opinion on Proposition 30 as expressed in the October 21 editorial entitled, “Coalition may be best hope to fix education” and the October 28 article entitled, “Prop.30: Restoring schools vs. status quo.” 

In my opinion, voters must pass Prop. 30. Since 2008, California’s schools have been at the breaking point after $20 billion cuts and 40,000 fewer educators.  The State of California owes School Districts and County Offices of Education $10 B for past deferred monies.   This represents 30% of our Contra Costa County Office of Education budget and forces districts to take short-term loans.  California’s classrooms are among the most crowded in the country and per pupil spending ranks 47th. 

If Prop. 30 fails, $6 billion more will be cut from education, resulting in a devastating impact to our already stressed public schools, colleges and universities.  Many districts will go bankrupt.  

During our economic recession, Prop. 30 is the only solution to restore programs and services for the next 7 years.  Prop. 38 is also a solution, but this measure taxes middle class taxpayers for the next 12 years.  

Bottom line:  Unless you want to see yet another $6 billion slashed from a budget where per-pupil spending is already 47th in the nation, now is the time to show your support for students and education in this state.   

Vote YES on Proposition 30. 

Pamela Mirabella

CCC Board of Education, Area 1 Trustee 

All statements herein are made in my capacity as a private citizen, not on behalf of the Contra Costa County Board of Education, and do not reflect the views of the Board of Education.