Tam District needs new plan before next election

Despite what some supporters say, the March election defeat of the Measure A bond proposal to support the Tamalpais Union High School District was not about ad campaigns or low voter turnout (“Tam Union Measure A supporters blame poor turnout, `untruths' in loss,” March 28).

The Marin Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers is not a villain for informing voters of the total cost. When one buys a home, the house cost plus interest is the cost of the loan. That's a fact.

State law prohibiting seniors from opting out was also a factor. In trying to saddle property owners with school budget shortfalls, that large demographic was ignored. Seniors are already saddled with increased taxes and fees. They have already paid into the system for much longer than their exemption period will be. Relying on property taxes to enhance school budgets is not realistic. I think it was a lack of planning by the district.

Measure A was not about teacher salaries. It was about infrastructure improvements, which I believe minimally impact student education goals. Demographic projections by TUHSD predict a declining student body. So why is it proposing expensive renovations, rather than just maintenance?

Some friends sarcastically thought the district wanted its buildings to match the fancy cars students park on campus. In this Marin County “bubble,” maybe image is part of the problem. I found it interesting that the largest support came from the district's wealthiest towns.

Next time, TUHSD should scrap the political consultants. It is clear district officials were led astray. Failure of the measure was due to unrealistic expectations that anything school related would get approval, while ignoring facts and demographics.