Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/5139
Election Continued from page 31 cess of so many school board candidates who were endorsed by educators means that more districts will listen to educa- tors and work with them to keep cuts away from the class- room in the difficult months ahead for the state.” Overall, seven of the 11 parcel taxes on local ballots across the state were passed by the required two-thirds margin, notes State Superin- tendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. Two of the failed parcel taxes received more than 55 percent of the vote. Both CTA and O’Connell support SCA 6 by state Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) to lower the parcel tax approval threshold (current ly two- thirds, about 67 percent) to 55 percent, the same as re- quired for school construc- tion bonds. “Local communities need to generate much-needed funds for staf f , l ibraries, sports, arts — all the impor- tant programs that are being decimated by the deep budget cuts to our schools this year,” says O’Connell. “I believe it’s critical that the 55 percent ap- proval threshold also be ap- plied to parcel tax measures.” It was a close win for one Marin County school district. Measure A passed with 68.13 percent yes in the Lagunitas Elementary School District. The extension for eight years of the $325 annual parcel tax will fund smaller class sizes, library services, counseling, science and music classes, and other school programs that are threatened by state educa- tion cuts. Other CTA-supported wins include the passing of Mea- sure C in the Mi l l Valley School District, a $60 million school bond to renovate schools; and the passing of Measure I in the Albany School District in Alameda County, a $149 annual parcel tax to generate $1.2 million annually to help counter re- cent district cuts of $4.2 mil- lion. Albany voters al so backed Measure J, which sta- bilizes existing school fund- ing while maintaining fund- ing for science, technology and foreign language classes. Both measures were support- ed by the Albany Teachers Association. mike myslinski Further your career in education. Now more than ever, our children need great educators. If you’re considering a career change or continuing your education, we invite you to explore Azusa Pacific University.With programs for teachers and counselors, coaches and administrators, we’re confident APU has a degree for you. APU offers: • Convenient classes 1 night a week at 1 of 8 Southern California locations. • More than 36 credential andmaster’s degree opportunities. • Accelerated programs that allow you to earn your degree in just 12–18 months. • NCATE-accredited programs recognized by all 50 states and internationally. CTA BOARD EXPENSES ALLEN ...........................................................5,289.86 BRIDGE.........................................................5,343.91 BUSTOS .......................................................3,631.49 CABELL ........................................................4,146.71 CICHOCKI ...................................................3,572.03 CRUMMEY .................................................1,849.01 DAWSON ...................................................2,604.37 DILLON ........................................................5,046.35 GROTH .........................................................5,099.31 HASSON .....................................................5,407.57 HEINS ............................................................7,478.17 HENLEY .......................................................7,870.86 JACKSON....................................................8,855.15 MEEDEN .....................................................7,301.70 MELENDEZ ...............................................8,233.98 ORTEGA ......................................................4,274.16 PEÑA .........................................................15,450.75 PORTER .......................................................6,242.50 ROGERS .......................................................3,583.94 SANCHEZ ...............................................11,280.93 SHATUN .....................................................2,522.95 STERNBERGER ........................................1,326.33 STONE ..........................................................6,103.73 VAUGHN .....................................................3,627.51 VOGEL ..........................................................4,910.84 Represents monthly average for a representative quarter of fiscal year 2008-09. During this reporting period, the normal and statewide activities include CTA Board meetings, State Council, Service Center Council meetings, Equity and Human Rights Conference, Good Teaching Conference, various task force meetings and other business related functions. Start your degree this fall. Contact us today! Call Click Email (800) 825-5278 www.apu.edu/explore/education graduatecenter@apu.edu AZUSA | HIGH DESERT | INLAND EMPIRE | LOS ANGELES | MURRIETA ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO | VENTURA | ONLINE november 2009 | www.cta.org 37