[BHS etree] BSEP: Ballot meeting Monday, July 26

[bhs at idiom.com]

On Monday, July 26 at 7:30 pm a planning meeting will be held to organize
support for the tax measure on the November ballot supporting the Berkeley
public schools. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN
BERKELEY ARE ASKED TO ATTEND. The meeting wlll be held at the Unitarian
Fellowship Hall, Cedar at Bonita [1924 Cedar].

Even if you cannot attend the meeting, this email contains important
information.

The new measure will provide funds for:
• Smaller class sizes and expanded program offerings 68% (about $5.6
million)
• School Libraries 16% (~$1.3 million)
• Music Programs 7% (~$600,000)
• Program evaluation and teacher training 7% (~$600,000)
• Parent outreach and translation 2% (~$140,000)
As above, about two thirds of the money would go to lower class sizes: “The
goals for class sizes to be achieved with the use of these monies are: a
district-wide average class size of 20:1 for grades K-3; 26:1 for grades
4-5; 28:1 for grades 6-12.”

While the district enters the 2004-05 school year with a balanced budget,
the past several years have seen teacher and staff layoffs resulting in
increased class sizes and elimination or reductions of vital programs. This
new, two-year measure is a bridge to 2006, when the Berkeley Schools
Excellence Project (BSEP) measure expires. The BSEP measure will continue as
it has in the past; the new measure will provide additional funds.

The state provides the bulk of education money, yet the governor cut $2
billion in education funding this year—at a time when costs are steadily
increasing. While our vehicle license fees are lower, our children and
teachers are faced with rising class sizes—often 5 or 6 more students per
class in Berkeley than just four years ago. Library spending per student in
California is lower than every other state in the country. In times of great
need, the Berkeley community rallies to protect its core values--join us now
to preserve quality public education in Berkeley.

We need your help. Attend the meeting! Endorse the measure! Send a donation!
Spread the word!

7:30 pm Monday July 26th
Unitarian Fellowship Hall, Cedar at Bonita [1606 Bonita]

Send endorsement cards and checks to: Berkeley Citizens for Quality Schools,
1494 Rose Street, Berkeley, CA 94702 869-4460
Nancy Riddle is the campaign treasurer [although she would like help in this
task], and the campaign has filed for a Tax ID#.
Questions can be addressed to Nancy at nancyriddle at comcast.net
Please indicate your occupation and employer on the check, we are required
by law to collect this information. Or use the attached reply card.

The tax requires a two-thirds majority of voters to pass. This measure
affects only the Berkeley Unified School District, and is separate from the
various tax measures proposed by the City of Berkeley. The median Berkeley
home (1900 sq ft) will see about an $15.80/month increase in its property
tax.

Vote November 2

______________________________
Janet Huseby and Kathryn Capps are the facilitators of the etree; please
direct any questions or concerns to them at <bhs-owner at idiom.com>

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