Twenty concerned citizens convened last Thursday to form a committee called YES on EE = Educational Excellence that will promote passage of Measure EE, for the benefit of Culver City schools, on the Nov. 3 ballot.
If passed, the measure would raise approximately $1.25 million per year for five years to ameliorate the effect of severe state budget cuts on Culver City schools.
Culver City property owners would pay $96 per parcel, with owners over age 65 eligible for exempt status.
State law provides no other way for communities to raise the money for educational programs other than a parcel tax. In the last two years, the School District has slashed its budget by $6 million due to decreased state funding. Now, the School Board is faced with cutting an additional $3 million from its budget due to additional funding cuts by the state.
Madeline Ehrlich, former School Board member, community activist and 34-year resident of Culver City, says:
“We cannot and should not let our great School District deteriorate in any way.
“As a community, we have worked hard to deliver the best education to our students.
“Education is the backbone of a strong community. Its quality affects everything we value in Culver City — our property values, a great community and a strong business climate. Now, and never, can we afford to short-change our students due to lack of funding.
“The School Board has made deep cuts. They will have to continue to do so if we do not step up to the plate. Passing this parcel tax of $96 per year for five years can and will make a difference,” Ms. Ehrlich said.
Committee members said they organized to launch a grassroots effort to bring awareness of the crisis facing Culver City schools and to disseminate accurate information regarding the parcel tax issue.
Members said it is important that residents realize that by saving the schools, high property values will be maintained, students will be well educated, and the climate of the community will remain strong.
Ms. Ehrlich and Scott Zeidman, are co-chairs of YES on EE = Educational Excellence. To donate, checks should be made out to: Yes on EE.
Mailing address:
Yes on EE = Educational Excellence,
Crystal C. Alexander, Treasurer,
3970 Shedd Terrace, Culver City, CA 90232-3014
Volunteers may contact Mr. Zeidman at 310.925.8207 or Ms. Ehrlich 310.398.4103.
For information, go to YESonEE.com.
