Most school bonds are focused on raising money for facilities, including classrooms, HVAC and athletic fields. Monterey County voters will decide on four school bonds Nov. 3. Pacific Grove Unified School District’s Measure K is the only bond measure focused on instruction and direct student services – including English and math programming, services for students with disabilities and mental health services. The measure would add an $85-per-parcel tax for five years, raising an estimated $800,000 annually.
Superintendent Linda Adamson says that if Measure K passes, it would keep before- and after-school programs affordable. There are 200 elementary students enrolled in these programs and the rates increased from $7 to $8 per hour this school year. “The challenge is that these fees do not cover the full cost of operations. To keep the program running, we must subsidize it each year with a significant contribution from our unrestricted general fund,” Adamson notes.
For two years in a row, PGUSD has faced a budget shortfall and made cuts to address them. This year, the board eliminated four teacher positions and a school librarian. Adamson says these reductions weren’t enough and the district is looking for other options.
The PGUSD board will also see two new members, since Elliott Hazen (Area 3) and Laura Ottmar (Area 1) aren’t seeking reelection. (In Area 5, incumbent Jennifer McNary will be reappointed with no challengers. Likewise in Area 3, where parent Nicole Rivera is the only candidate.)
There are three parent candidates for Area 1: Charles Brinker, a small business owner; Dan Miller, a former P.G. City Council member; and Stephen Bennett, an electronic systems technician who served in the Navy. Miller, who was periodically combative during his time on council, is campaigning on a promise to reverse PGUSD’s shrinking and cutting trend.
PGUSD hosts a forum to discuss Measure K on Monday, Oct. 26 from 5-6:30pm at the district office, 435 Hillcrest Ave.
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