As I sat and listened to the public comments at the November 20 school board meeting regarding John Deasy’s 15% tax on all school donations, I was disappointed at what I heard, but not from the parents addressing the Board. It was the under the breath, name calling that came from one parent as she listened to those opposed to the plan. This same parent voiced her support of the plan to the board, then sat down and was overheard by many saying “complainer,” “whiner,” and even “b—h” as parents opposing the tax expressed themselves. It occurred to me then: this tax is not just about the money, it’s about a wedge that threatens to divide schools and parents, dismantling this district’s already fragile unity. This separation of “us and them” is troubling and, frankly, worse than any budget crisis we have faced together.
John Deasy’s proposed tax is at best, an ineffective way to create equality, and at its worst, considered by some to be illegal. As a past PTA president and a 5-year term PTA board member, I know how difficult it is to raise money for our schools. On the other hand, I have been extremely encouraged by the culture of giving that is developing throughout our public school system. I think this tax threatens this culture to the very core. We have a unique opportunity to pool our talents and develop solutions to fund programs and services where needed.
First, why not let each school solicit money for a general fund hand-in-hand with their Direct Drive Campaigns? I have seen parents respond generously when specific needs are presented to them in a way that inspires them to give. Let this campaign become part of summer welcome letters and Back-To-School Night presentations. Through the PTA, each school could appoint a liaison to work with the district for corporate and/or local business donations. This district has scores of talented, willing parents who want to help. I am disappointed that the district leadership has not first attempted to satisfy its objective of raising the standards of some of the districts’ schools by approaching all district parents and businesses directly with a request for funds (I’m not talking about a raffle). Why hasn’t a general fund for such a purpose been proposed?
I believe more money would be raised with a direct approach, than it will through forcing a tax on already strained budgets and parents. Typically, less than 50% of the parent population contributes to the Direct Donation Funds at each school. This is the same group of parents that would be required to donate 15% more so their contribution would have the same value to the school as it had in the past. That’s not right.
It wouldn’t be right for the Los Angeles County Board of Education to require all 18 districts it oversees to pool their private funds to be redistributed at their discretion. This plan is morally flawed. I’m not saying I don’t want to help. I’m not saying, “I can’t” or “I won’t.” I say, “I can” and “I will” all the time. We give to our schools because there is a need, a value to our children and community, and we feel inspired to support them. We never feel like we owe our schools. We give because we want to help and we want to work with a group of people who are non-judgmental, sincere and working toward a common goal.
There are no easy solutions for creating equality in funding for our schools. Creating a new tax may appear to be a way to bridge financial gaps, but if this system creates a division between the parents and schools within our district, the cost will far out-weigh the modest financial benefits.
Lisa Toledo, parent
Webster Elementary School