City Council has expressed interest in helping bail the school district out of some of its financial problems. There are a number of areas in which the city could provide assistance. One possibility being considered is a June election to determine public support for such action.
City Council unanimously agreed to hold a June election to attempt to bail the school district out of its financial troubles. Proposition A would increase the utility tax by 2%, bringing in $550,000. Proposition B would raise the tax an additional 1% bringing $250,000 more. The funds would be for maintenance of school property and facilities used by the city.
Article outlines arguments for and against the two ballot measures raising the utility tax in order to restore school programs and prevent school closure.
Last year the School District received $138,000 from different community groups. The District, in a financial crunch, used the funds for some of its basic expenses.
It appears residents will have an opportunity to vote in June on whether the city should help the school district with its financial problems. They are trying to reduce the budget by $1.2 million.
Arcadia Unified School District officials prepared for a second try at a bond measure to rehabilitate school facilities by taking a group of seniors to Arcadia High School for a meeting and tour.
Incumbents Mary Dougherty, 57, and Joann Steinmeier, 47, beat out challenger Debbie Ewing, 29, for 2 Arcadia Unified School District Board of Education positions. A bond measure to raise funds to renovate AUSD facilities won by a vote of 71% to 28.3% (67% was needed to pass).
Arcadia voters overwhelmingly supported their schools in the tax base election held November 8. There was a heavy turnout, with over 80% of those eligible going to the polls.
Arcadia registered voters received the second in a series of mailings last week, urging them to vote in the $27.9 million bond election on April 20th. A similar bond measure failed by less than 1% in an election on September 15, 1992.
Declining enrollment over the past few years has hurt the Arcadia school system financially, since income is based on attendance. The 1984-85 budget totals over $20 million. Last year the school district went $300,000 over budget. Cuts will have to be made to accommodate the finances for the upcoming school year, but they will mainly be made in areas outside the classroom.