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Measure G Support Falls Short, Doesn't Pass

The $199 parcel tax for San Bruno Park schools only got 58 percent approval from voters. Measure G needed two-thirds of the vote to pass.

For many, Measure G, the San Bruno Park School District's parcel tax, was one of the most important ballot measures ever to come before voters in the city.

It was the first time in the history of the school district that voters were asked to pass a parcel tax for the schools.

But in no big surprise, support for Measure G fell short at the polls.

A majority of voters—58 percent—said yes on the parcel tax, which would have lasted for five years and could have generated about $2 million a year for the schools. But that support wasn’t enough. Measure G needed two-thirds approval.

“The way I live my life is I hope for the best but expect the worst,” Scott Curtner, one of the parent leaders on the Yes on G committee, said as voting results started coming in throughout the night. “I never really expected it to pass, but I think it was a battle worth fighting.”

The parcel tax was being touted as a fix to the district's budget crisis to prevent further cuts that district officials say has been a trickle-down problem from the state's own budget crisis. Just last school year, the district was looking to close two schools to save money after sixth graders moved to Parkside Intermediate and reduce the number of combination classes.

After a huge backlash, the school board voted against making that decision.

Now, with the Proposition 30 expected to pass, the cuts may not be as severe. But San Bruno schools also may not be able to secure any other new sources of revenue, which means school closures may be back on the table.

Some of the volunteers who helped spread the word about the parcel tax said they were glad they got involved because they weren’t just fighting for their own children. They were also trying to make sure that the low-income kids who attend the neighborhood schools—and whose families are often least represented at the table when it comes to school district matters—had a voice as well.

What was most frustrating, supporters said, were the skeptics who didn’t want higher taxes period.

“When you’re looking at other cities like Hillsborough or San Carlos, they can easily pass measures, and you wonder, ‘Why can’t we?’ Well there is a reason why we can’t pass it here,” said Alfonso Esqueda, the Parkside Intermediate PTO president, who worked on the Yes on Measure G campaign. “There are a lot of minorities in our area, and they’re not really educated about our government system.”

Esqueda said he still viewed the effort as a success because more voters showed up to the polls this election than for Measure O, the bond measure that failed in the 2011 election.

“The word is getting out there, and with people speaking so negative about it, what they need to realize is this wasn’t brought up by the school board,” Esqueda said. “This was brought up by the people, and the parents from the schools want the money for the schools. So the community will still figure something out.”

Schools trustee Dr. Henry Sanchez said he also believed too many voters weren’t as informed about the parcel tax as they should have been. Now, he said, the school board will have to go back to the drawing board to find another solution for fixing its budget problems.

“The community decided with its choice,” Sanchez said, when reached by phone. “Now the school board will have to make its choices.”

Here are the final results for the election:

San Bruno Park School District Measure G

Completed Precincts: 20 of 20

Measure

Votes

Percent

Yes

5,947 58.5%

No

3,903 41.5%

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Chuck Zelnik November 7, 2012 at 09:54 am
Edwin S
When I served 6 years on the SBPSD Board I was the one that started the push to sell Carl Sandburg and it took about a year to get the rest of the board onboard. Where would the District be today if the sale never came about. If you want to know more about me look at my voting record. I was responsible for many success and I am willing to put in the time again.
John Hanson November 7, 2012 at 12:00 pm
You can thank Hutt and the rest of the School Board, except Jennifer for the defeat of Measure G. Jennifer was the only one that knew, it was a bad time for a parcel Tax.
A waste of more School money to put G on the ballot. Do we need a study to know Hutt is not a Leader for our Schools.
Sonia R. November 7, 2012 at 12:21 pm
 Shame on those of you who gloat in the wake of something as important as a child's education. Even Romney conceded the presidency with grace and dignity. 
 As usual, all I hear is a group of cynics complain about perceived wrongdoings, but offer nothing to contribute to a greater cause. I agree Measure G was perhaps a quick fix to a larger problem, and I also agree that perhaps it is time for new leadership; But, I don't agree that we sacrifice the future in spite of these things.   Measure G failed out of selfishness, personal agendas and misguided opinions. Now, those of us who want to be an active part of this community continue on the path of uncertainty with our children's education. 
Chris Kiely November 7, 2012 at 12:26 pm
With Democratic super-majority in Legislature, they can now raise taxes without getting any Republican support, and can overturn vetoes. Guess we'll find out now if raising taxes is really the answer.
Maria November 7, 2012 at 12:39 pm
The only bright light in those whole damm election, that G failed. Hold on to our wallets folks because here comes the redistribution storm!
Maria Pia November 7, 2012 at 01:19 pm
Yes, if you O W N a home/property in San Bruno.
Property owners before you have and future property owners will pay/contribute to public school districts through their annual property tax whether or not they have children of their own, whether or not they send their child/ren to public schools.
Chuck Zelnik November 7, 2012 at 02:17 pm
Sonia R
There is no gloating go on. What I and other people are saying is SBPSD resident wake up and get rid of Sup Hutt and board member Henderson, Sanchez and Martinez Then people will see new leadership that they can trust and be willing to put money into the quality of San Bruno education. Chuck Zelnik
Edwin S November 7, 2012 at 02:53 pm
San Bruno wont put money up for anyone. You honestly think this would have passed if you were on the board? if leadership was any different? It was never about that. Membership can change at anytime.
I am wholeheartedly against taxation. I will tell you what I believe with no hidden agenda. But, the only thing I hate more is deceptive-speak and dishonesty. You, Mr Zelnick, and Mr "watchfultaxpayer" are trying to play the self-righteous card, but we all know you have other agendas. My only gratitude to you is that you have both helped the "no-taxation" cause with your actions - but if you think you will get tax money in the future with a change in the boards membership - think again. And to you Mr Baker - with your 10-aliases here on the Patch (Maria, et al) same to YOU as well!!
Shirley November 7, 2012 at 03:25 pm
One way we can raise money for our kids public schools is to donate directly to our kids schools, PTA's, PTO's and The San Bruno Education Foundation.
The SBEF will be holding a Fundraiser tonight - Wed., Nov. 7 from 6-10 pm at Arajuo's Rest., 404 W. San Bruno Av, SB. The SBEF website is: www.SanBrunoEdFound.org
Chuck Zelnik November 7, 2012 at 05:40 pm
Edwin S
My only agenda is to have each student given a well round education so the they can have many choices in their future. Edwin could you bring us up to speed on your contribution to quality education in the SBPSD? Maybe you would be the right person on the SBPSD Board Chuck Zelnik.
Bill Baker November 7, 2012 at 06:42 pm
Edwin S. you're a sore loser. As far as using an alias is concerned, I'm clearly not using an alias and you (Edwin S.) are obviously so ashamed of what you are saying, you have to use an alias. Sonia R., you're another sore loser who continues to engage in the same type of empty rhetoric that Measure G supporters engaged in which lost them the election. I would suggest that all of the Measure G supporters who were so anxious to burden San Bruno taxpayers with an additional $199 per year tax donate $199 a year, for the next 5 years, to the San Bruno Education Foundation:
http://sanbrunoedfound.org/ You can do this while you work to change the leadership in the SBPSD. Have a nice day folks :-)
Alfonso Esqueda November 7, 2012 at 09:55 pm
I would vote for Chuck. I would like to see what he can do to bring quality education to San Bruno.
Judy November 7, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Carol, so if we trust the school, why not give the money directly to the school?
Tired San Bruno community member November 8, 2012 at 12:11 am
So sad. This measure even if passed would not save schools or programs. Our last interim CBO told the board and the community if we didn't cut spending we would be over $5 million in debt next year. My question is "What is your Plan B????? Our board now has to close schools--sad but true. This could have been so much easier if the board and sup did their jobs. I am so sick of there sorry excuse that the state is cutting education again. It's a given, they have been doing it for years. The district has no plan and never has except to blame the state. We need solid financial decisions and plans for the future,not blame!!!!
watchfultaxpayer November 8, 2012 at 02:38 am
Sonia, your example was that the loser, Romney, conceded with 'grace and dignity.' That would be the Yes on G people in ths case, NOT the NOer winners.
I suggested before that all of those who were YESers go by the District Office and leave their $199. By my calculation that would be $1,093,903. If they do well with that amount, then perhaps the NOer's would be willing to drop off thieir $199, Some of the YESers might not have had to pay if they are apartment dwellers or young people with no property. BUT if they are true believers in the district and the importance of education then put up. I think it might work. I know if I saw a remarkable change in operations I would happily drop of my $199. Why not? I've paid a whole lot of money over the years I've been a homeowner. Still do looking at my tax bill.
Carol November 8, 2012 at 02:06 pm
Judy, Growing up in San Bruno my parents supported our schools and as a parent with two children in the district, my husband and I did too. We gave our time and money to our childrens' schools. I would hope that parents do the same today. I doubt it is a lack of parents helping as much as the Boards lack of management that causes the escalating problems of today.
John Hanson November 8, 2012 at 03:10 pm
Why can't the School Board post on the Patch? We need access to the week to week ongoings , from the School Board. Parents can work together with the board to make sure they understand what the children of today need. Times have changed.
John Hanson November 8, 2012 at 03:27 pm
Prop 30 seems to have used the kids again, by planning to use the money for other projects also.They don't tell you how much will go School. If you pass a parcel tax, you won't needs as much from the State. What a deal.
John Hanson November 8, 2012 at 03:30 pm
How much will go to the Schools?
Edwin S November 8, 2012 at 07:49 pm
Perhaps you are too busy posting to notice...so let me help you...
The election is over. G didn't pass. You can stop now, and get back to your "Dr. Hutt and Skip Henderson are bad, bad men" postings.
Chuck Zelnik November 8, 2012 at 09:54 pm
John Hanson
The day to day operations of the SBPSD is and has always been the job of superintendent Hutt. The Board has listen to parents during school board meeting. but that where it ends.The Board thinks they know all, but as we look at the money problem in SBPSD it shows they do not. Prop 30 will do little for K-8 school. Most of that money will end up at the college levels. We will just have wait and see. Chuck Zelnik
Chuck Zelnik November 8, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Edwin S
There is one think about people like you that bug me . You can talk the talk but unwilling to walk the walk. Chuck Zelnik
Edwin S November 8, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Your powers of observation are keen, better than I would have expected. But, again, you show how biased you are. This board is full of "talk the talkers". John Hansen, watchfulltaxpayer, bill baker - much more than me. I'm honest, you and they are not. You use this board to bad-mouth Dr Hutt. But it wont get you elected. I'll give you credit for actually putting an effort into running for school board - far more than those individuals have done. I even voted for you last time. Wouldn't do it again.
Scott C. November 12, 2012 at 11:46 am
Many interesting questions and comments above. I hope to see some of you at the SBPSD board meeting this Wednesday, 7pm at El Crystal. If you get there on-time, early in the meeting, you'll be able to ask your questions directly to the board and staff during the "HEARING OF DELEGATES AND INDIVIDUALS". Here is the agenda... http://sbpsd.k12.ca.us/assets/docs/board-agenda.pdf
John Hanson November 12, 2012 at 09:21 pm
As long as Hutt is there, I will not be attending any School Boatd meetings.
Scott C. November 21, 2012 at 09:39 pm
Thursday, Nov 29, 7pm, District Office - there will be a detailed budget discussion (since we couldn't get to it last Wednesday). Hope to see you there, and Happy Thanksgiving :-)
Chris Kiely November 21, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Budget stuff posted on the agenda from that last meeting, in Scott's link above. If you are interested, take a look at it, and post questions here. Maybe we can have a real discussion about it here over the week before the meeting.
John Hanson December 3, 2012 at 03:04 pm
Are we still talking about Measure G?
Scott C. December 10, 2012 at 12:00 am
This Thursday, December 13th, 7pm @ Crestmoor Elementary, you are invited to join us at our SBPSD’s Board Meeting, or watch it on San Bruno Cable with a friend. The 463 page (28MB) meeting agenda contains everything you could ever want to know about the district’s budget, and can be found here: http://sbpsd.k12.ca.us/assets/docs/board-agenda.pdf. A fun read indeed! You'll note there is a line item titled "parcel tax", but alas it is empty :-(
Chuck Zelnik December 10, 2012 at 12:42 am
I wonder how many Board Member have read all 463 pages, understand what they read and finally realize that they are deficit spending?
Chuck Zelnik
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Karin Cunningham June 17, 2013 at 11:08 am
Yep! Yep! You can get one at the San Bruno Chamber of Commerce!
Heidi Beck June 13, 2013 at 07:29 pm
I drove by on the way home from work -- if they're really opening tomorrow, they are going to haveRead More to work all night!
Mamarocko June 18, 2013 at 12:52 pm
I heard that Safeway was going to open at the end of the month.
Heidi Beck June 18, 2013 at 02:36 pm
They took down the sign that said they were opening on June 14 and I haven't seen a new one with theRead More new date go up. The website still says "Store Grand Opening is on target for June 14, 2013," so that clearly needs updating too.
Karin Cunningham May 30, 2013 at 05:34 pm
Yay! Back to San Mateo Ave.? That's awesome! Let's support! I might even walk down with my lawnRead More chairs and just hang out in the Citibank parking lot!