School Funding

December 24, 1999

Dear Editor:

Re: Bennett Tramer's letter and his shock at California school spending being at 42nd in the nation I can only say, "Mister, where have you been?" This started with Prop 13 and grew increasingly worse to where at one point we were second or third from the bottom. I think Mississippi and Utah were the only two who spent less per pupil. Along in the late '80s we passed Prop 98 which was to set a floor for school funding at 40% of new revenues going to public education. For many years this was a ceiling, not a floor.

He asked about elected officials. Every elected official is very aware of this problem, and both city and district lobbyists devote much of their time to public education issues. Both our state senator and assembly person are very active on educational issues. I am sure they will welcome his voice added to our cries to Sacramento and Washington.

In a few weeks, the Governor of California will propose a new state budget. I would suggest that Mr. Tramer and your other readers might want to write him (he doesn't have an e-mail address) and express your concerns for educational funding.

Another well-placed letter could go to the President, our local congressman and two Senators. Federal law says that the Federal government will pay 40% of Special Education costs. They never have. Current funding is about 13%, the highest it has been in several years. This correction alone could solve most of the problems with the Santa Monica/Malibu school budget.

This community is wonderful. It has supported our schools in ways that are the envy of districts across the state. But that is not enough. Both the state and federal governments have to pick up their share.

California is near the bottom on the percentage of personal income devoted to public education. New dot.com millionaires are complaining because they can't find the employees they need to grow their businesses. Several of them are based locally. They should be talking to Sacramento.

My oldest son started school two years before Prop 13, so I have been an eyewitness to the harm done to California's and Santa Monica's children. I have watched programs cut. How many even remember reading specialists? Real credentialed librarians in elementary schools? Elementary general music? An elementary visual arts specialist? I know districts the size of ours with one school nurse. Do we want to go that way?

No, Mr. Tramer, don't blame our local elected officials. Be glad your eyes were opened and help open other eyes. Tell Sacramento and Washington that we value public education and want California's schools funded to at least the national average and Washington to pick up the tab they have signed on for. It could be the best
holiday gift we give all of our children.

Joanne Leavitt

P.S. If you want more facts to back up your letter go to www.edsource.org. Well balanced and researched information. Founded by the League of Women Voters of California, California State PTA and AAUW.

Preferential Parking Not An Answer

December 29, 1999

Dear Editor:

If all of the neighborhoods in Santa Monica think that by obtaining preferential parking permits their parking problems will end, they are greatly mistaken!

I reside south of Pico on 26th Street. I am on the alley and therefore do not have a driveway. I pay $30 each year for two permits and still cannot park in front, or most of the time, anywhere near my home.

The employees of the liquor store, the Mexican restaurant and the law office, all on Pico and 26th Street, park on 26th Street from 6:10 A.M.until closing of their business or the end of their workday, seven days a week. There is never any patrolling by parking enforcement as they can't possibly have that many people to patrol all of the residential areas that have preferential parking.

On my street you can park for 2 hours from 8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. without a permit and then there are no restrictions. If you work at the businesses around us at night, you park your car at 4:00 P.M. and at 6:00 P.M. you have met your 2 hour restriction, and after that you can park until you finish for the night. Most employees, of course, park right in the middle of a two car space - this is helpful too!