Senior citizens are eligible for an exemption. Proposition
A will pass if approved by two-thirds of voters on June 3, 2008.
Results Oriented Solutions for Our Students:
The district has a long-term strategy to address the most important
problems facing our schools and this proposition is a critical
part of the solution. Studies show that well-trained teachers
are the most important factor in determining student achievement,
yet SFUSD is losing good teachers to districts that pay more.
Proposition A will provide the following solutions:
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Make salaries competitive with surrounding school districts
to assure that San Francisco has the best and the brightest
teachers.
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Provide additional incentives for teachers who work at schools
with high teacher turnover and in hard-to-fill subject areas.
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Double training and professional development opportunities
for teachers to stay abreast of the latest teaching methods.
-
Increase teacher support and accountability,
including mentoring for new teachers and greater assurance
that teachers who aren’t
meeting standards leave the classroom.
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Provide block grants to schools showing the most growth in
student achievement.
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Improve academic innovation and upgrade technologies and computer
systems at our schools.
School Funding:
Since Proposition 13 passed in 1978, California’s per-pupil
spending has slid to one of the lowest in the nation. In
an effort to create adequate and stable funding for schools, school
districts have been passing parcel taxes, and other voter-approved
funding measures, to generate crucial resources. Examples of other
city’s recent parcel tax measures include: Albany 2005 -
$250 per parcel; Lafayette 2007 - $313 per parcel; and Kentfield
2008 - $774 per parcel.
Support:
Proposition A is supported by a diverse and growing coalition that
includes Mayor Newsom, the entire SF Board of Education, San
Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the San Francisco Labor Council,
the San Francisco Democratic Party, SPUR, the Alice B. Toklas
LGBT Democratic Club and many more.
Oversight:
Regular independent audits and an independent oversight
group will ensure that all proceeds from the parcel tax are spent
in the manner approved by voters.
