What's this rally about? Has the board voted to put a parcel tax on the ballot already? I thought they're voting this week???

I have also wondered how they have already been raising money when the school board has not voted on the parcel tax yet.

Looks like the PTA is making the decision for the school board to move forward with the parcel tax.

I expected the people we elected to take the lead on this, not the PTA.

Chris?

Pat?

Jim?

Valarie?

Jamie?

Anyone care to comment?

Hey Raven -
where does it say in the PTA mission statement to fundraise for schools?? Wouldn't you rather PTA worked with State Legislators to fix the problems with education funding than get you to buy gift wrap??

Raven - I'd like to hear back on what the State PTA says. PTA is an advocacy organization, not a fundraising organization. I am sure the local PTA leaders are following the guidelines as provided in their bylaws. From what I can tell, all the Pleasanton PTA leaders are rule followers. I am sure that each school site PTA is voting weather or not they want to as an organization support a parcel tax or not which may or may not include a donation to the campaign. PTAs, PFCs,PTOs are 501C3s and are allowed by the IRS to donate up to 5% of its annual budget toward political activities. In PTA, the membership has to vote. State PTA does not allow PTAs to endorse candidates. Unfortunately, in advocacy work sometimes it involves a little politicking.




The Vote by the School Board for the parcel tax is Thursday, March 5th at Amador High School. Tanya was the Peralta District President 2 years ago. Joan Laursen was the President at Walnut Grove. Have you gone to the web site? www.savepleasantonschools.org. You might recognize some of your neighbors on the committee. I heard thousands have already signed up on their mailing list. Thank Goodness these people have stepped up. The State is a mess and we need to have local control over the money for schools. A parcel tax is for a short time and has to be voted on again for an extension, by then hopefully the State will have gotten it's act together. Can you imagine if our high school test scores were 900 or higher? Our real estate values would be so insulated.


BTW, the school district is not allowed to campaign or run a campaign for the parcel tax - that is why a community group has to take the lead.

Raven, advocacy includes political action.

My PTA at Alisal took a vote at one of their meetings about whether to support a parcel tax, should it appear on the ballot. That is required, according to the PTA bylaws.

In any case, PTA leadership is volunteer, and no PTA member who is American loses the right to take action in the political system as a citizen.

Thanks for all the posts. I love a great debate.

My comments to the posts. In the article, PTA Council President Joan Laursen, is co-chair of the group. If the PTA isn't behind this , then she shouldn't use her title. Thank you for the clarification about Ms. Ludden, I did go to the website and I misread it.

>I am sure that each school site PTA is voting weather or not they want to as an organization support a parcel tax or not which may or may not include a donation to the campaign. PTAs, PFCs,PTOs are 501C3s and are allowed by the IRS to donate up to 5% of its annual budget toward political activities. In PTA, the membership has to vote. State PTA does not allow PTAs to endorse candidates. Unfortunately, in advocacy work sometimes it involves a little politicking.<

>The parcel tax is for a short time and has to be voted on again for an extension, by then hopefully the State will have gotten it's act together. <

>Can you imagine if our high school test scores were 900 or higher? Our real estate values would be so insulated.<

Short time as in 5 years, or has it been decided? Or is this issue all about "our real estate values" being insulated?


So, did all the school PTA's ask for and receive any dollars for this campaign? Also, if 5% of the annual budget goes to political activities, then Ms. Laursen, needs to publicly announce that the PTA Council is raising money for this parcel tax.

The district by law is not allowed to campaign, but it is clear what they want from the article, it is a sure thing that this parcel tax measure will be on the ballot.

>advocacy includes political action.<
Yes, as long it it done by a volunteer non-political organization, PTA.

>You might recognize some of your neighbors on the committee. I heard thousands have already signed up on their mailing list.<

Yes, I have gone to the website. Recognizing my neighbors doesn't mean I agree with them. And thousands on the mailing list, doesn't by any means, mean that all these people will be voting yes on the parcel tax. Some sign up to find out what is going on by this group.

>My PTA at Alisal took a vote at one of their meetings about whether to support a parcel tax, should it appear on the ballot. That is required, according to the PTA bylaws.<

School PTA's I'm sure were asked if they wanted a parcel tax, IF it on the agenda, then it has to be asked. But who asked it to be on the agenda? It was a perfect way of testing the climate by the district without spending any money on a survey. BTW, I don't have a problem with this being done as long as it was done for the right reasons.

Ok, so the vote is March 5, and the rally is Saturday. Where is this money being raised earmarked for? It's not stated in the article by Ms. Laursen. I bet you my 2 cents the money will go to offset the dollars to pay for the special election.

>In any case, PTA leadership is volunteer, and no PTA member who is American loses the right to take action in the political system as a citizen.<

As an American and a PTA member, the mission statement of the California PTA does not include politics whether it is volunteer or not. And if you volunteer for a non-political organization you can't use the title as part of your political agenda and support political causes under that name. However, the home page of the Pleasanton PTA states that they do want to be a PAC. If that's the case then be upfront about it and tell ALL it's members that this what this council is all about.

>where does it say in the PTA mission statement to fundraise for schools?? Wouldn't you rather PTA worked with State Legislators to fix the problems with education funding than get you to buy gift wrap??<

I love the PTA goes to Sacramento for reform, but any dollars that go from fundraising goes DIRECTLY back into the schools, you know the money that won't be there when the district gets done with the cuts. Oh, if fundraising is not a correct term, then let's change it to volunteering dollars to the school. Parents like to get something to give something. Thus gift wrap, or candy, or.... Where do you think that the money for the paper for printers for the computers will come from? Where do you think that the new library books for the school libraries will come from? Not from the district. and if not from the PTA,then from who?

Raven, as a PTA member you are welcomed and encouraged to attend the general membership meetings at the school you are a member of. Most schools have a hard time reaching quorum for thier meetings because the membership does not show up. By coming to meeting you will have a voice in the decision making process, the majority who votes rules on agenda items which are posted before the meetings according to the standard Roberts Rules of Order. We have several outstanding community PTA members who are part of the legislative team who go to Sacramento to lobby for our schools, we are lucky to have them and you too could have a voice if you became involved.

Thanks for the invite, but I am very involved in the Pleasanton PTA and will continue to be involved at the state level thanks to the wonderful Juanita Haugen.

Raven, I have no connection to the parcel tax debate but experience in numerous other campaigns. If you look at the Save Pleasanton Schools web site, you will notice a FPPC number. That means the Committee has registered with the Fair Polictical Practices Committee--which any organized committee is required to do. In addition, that requires that they will have to account for all donations in terms of who gave the money as well as all expenses with full public disclosure. They are going to need funds in order to purchase yard signs, ads in the Weekly, handouts, etc. The school district is not allowed to conduct a campaign for the parcel tax. I suspect that there will be some kind of No on the Parcel Tax Committee formed as well leading the Save Pleasanton Schools Committee to want to get out in front of the campaign. Regardless of how you feel on an issue, running a campaign is a huge undertaking/committment and people willing to do this need to get kudos for their committment.

Raven -
The reason Joan Laursen can use her PTA title is because the PTA council voted to support the Parcel Tax Campaign. I do not believe they are donating any money. PTA Council has a very small budget. They do not fundraise. School Site PTAs are voting to support or not support the campaign and or donate money - it is up to their membership.
If you are so involved in PTA for the past 20 years and even at the State level - why don't you already know all this??
I don't doubt that PTA funds will still be used at the school sites as they always have, but now maybe with a differnt focus - basics and not the cool extra stuff.

"School Site PTAs are voting to support or not support the campaign and or donate money - it is up to their membership."

Do you mean the money that I donated to the PFC can be used to fund the campaign???

I donated with the expectation that those funds will be used in the school and classrooms, not for campaigning. The PFC is not going to see anymore of my money.

Again, feel free to attend the meetings of your PFA, PFC or PTA and vote on how your money is spent. You can have every expectation in the world but if you don't participate you have no reason to expect everything goes your way. If the Save Pleasanton Schools campaign is successful any money donated by parents groups is going to save schools and classrooms in a way. If you don't like it try finding any town around here not doing the same thing.

Raven and all other concerned parents. There is no other non-profit, volunteer, national organization that advocates for all children, except for the PTA. The PTA is not a fundraising organization and has the rule of one fundraising event to fund three programs in their unit/school.

As previously posted in this thread,

**PTA is an advocacy organization, not a fundraising organization. I am sure the local PTA leaders are following the guidelines as provided in their bylaws.

If you are a PTA member and you do attend your PTA meetings, this is put on an agenda as it was at our unit at HPMS and voted by the membership after lengthy discussion, in order to take a stance and a call to action. If you choose to not attend the meetings, then you give up your vote. Each level of PTA knows this and they adhere to very strict guidelines.

The PTA and and non-PTA parent clubs will be asked to do more with their funding efforts than what they have in the past, due to the present situation with PUSD. As a community it would be well to note that your involvement can be a part of the problem or part of the solution. To be involved positively for the sake of ALL children is PTA's primary focus and objective.

I understand that save our pleasanton schools committee is trying to do. Raise money for the campaign, for signs, ads,. I personally feel that the money and focus of this group should be to raise monies for schools, where programs will disappear.

Being involved in the PTA for 20 years, I do know all about what the PTA Council is doing and my local PTA. Doesn't mean that I like the direction that Council has chosen, more like a PAC.

To the poster about monies for campaign. The PTA can use 5% of funds for campaigns.

I believe being positive is about looking at the reality of the situation. I have not faulted any one posting on this thread about their perceptions of the save our pleasanton committee or the PTA Council.

Good luck to everyone on this issue, no matter what your stand.

PTA Mom & Teacher with PUSD, a member of the Amador Valley High School community,

You just stated:

As a community it would be well to note that your involvement can be a part of the problem or part of the solution. To be involved positively for the sake of ALL children is PTA's primary focus and objective.

What exactly do you mean when you say -- your involvement can be a part of the problem? Are you saying that if I disagree with your position that I'm a part of the problem?

I'm also a PUSD teacher. We need to make across the board cuts first - administration classified and certified - before asking the people of our community to further tax themselves during a massive recession.

And just to be very clear … if you believe that government should continue to assess more taxes to solve their budget shortfalls, you are definitely part of the problem.

PTA Mom & Teacher with PUSD,
“As a community it would be well to note that your involvement can be a part of the problem or part of the solution. To be involved positively for the sake of ALL children is PTA's primary focus and objective.”

Your inability to accept a person with a different position and in fact vilify anyone that does not agree with you, is why parents must be concerned about retribution toward our kids.

You represent your profession poorly.

Posted by Parent, a member of the Pleasanton Middle School community, 1 hour ago

PTA Mom & Teacher with PUSD,


“As a community it would be well to note that your involvement can be a part of the problem or part of the solution. To be involved positively for the sake of ALL children is PTA's primary focus and objective.”

Your inability to accept a person with a different position and in fact vilify anyone that does not agree with you, is why parents must be concerned about retribution toward our kids.

You represent your profession poorly.

----------------

Parent, very well stated. What scares me is that these teachers, administrators and school board members believe they are so right. They would like nothing better than to force their will on us, without a fair and honest debate. I'm shocked and saddened but in the end, not surprised. After all, look how our President behaves - same way, bigger stage.

PTA Mom & Teacher with PUSD,

Wow, if you treat adults like this on this board, I wonder how you teach? Do you encourage healthy debate and the minority point of view. For some reason, I doubt it.

Please clarify your position when you have a chance.

She said what about the people who cannot afford this parcel tax? $16.00 a month seems so little to help our children who can't afford to lose their education! We have to remember this is for and about our children, not about who is helping. As far as I am concerned, the PTA should be helping. We need as much help as we can get so our kids don't end up on the losing side of this. Remember them! The little voices of Pleasanton.

"Do you mean the money that I donated to the PFC can be used to fund the campaign???
I donated with the expectation that those funds will be used in the school and classrooms, not for campaigning. The PFC is not going to see anymore of my money."

**Could not have said it better myself! They are digging their own hole and not helping anyone.

Amber, why is it OK for "resident" to use language about problems and solutions, but not OK for "PTA Mom and Teacher" to use the same language?

And neither one of them are in a classroom. They might both behave differently if they were.

Why an assessment of any duration more than "one shot"? We should have to tithe to the gods of education for a one-time-fix only, and then our duly elected School Board and their appointed administrators will have to budget within their means.

Why do I have to fork out $223 more than once because of lack of foresight on the part of the school leadership? Program costs might be better supported by the participants - extracurricular clubs can raise funds more creatively than "begging letters" - have them earn it, and get some positive press because they're trying. Put the money into education!

I will probably vote in favor of a parcel tax, since my 10 year old daughter has plenty of PUSD edumacation ahead. However, I will be very reluctant to pay the "mandatory" fee everyone is required to pay at the beginning of the school year to support student activities, supplies, etc. I guess the PTA will have to look at their involvement in this parcel tax battle as a trade-off, as we all are when it comes to more taxes in a difficult economy.

I moved to Pleasanton about eight years ago. I have been highly impressed with the PUSD. I received my education in the Richmond School District System and came out all right. I went on to college (even with the large gaps in my educational experience). In my professional life I spent years visiting school sites throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County and in the Central Valley. I know of many sites which would love to have some of Pleasanton’s thoughtful, highly qualified, and dedicated teacher, administrators, support staff, and parents, not to mention the amount of educational programs and materials. This community’s dedication to its schools is impressive. Parents here expect the best from PUSD and PUSD responds to those expectations.

What is clear is that our problems were not created at the local level but, for the short run, will need to be dealt with locally; with or without a parcel tax as only one of the solutions. If the community decides the parcel tax is one of the ways it will support the schools then schools will be gutted less. However PUSD will still be working with less and will face large challenges in adapting and doing without all the resources they are used to. If the community feels the parcel tax is not a way it can support the schools then the PUSD and School Board will balance the budget, as it always has, making more hard choices and doing without even more resources. But PUSD will make due with whatever they have. I have no doubt PUSD won’t be thoughtful in their decisions and do their absolute best they under the circumstances.

I wanted more for my children than I received, and honestly more than what other children receive in troubled school districts, but for now that may not happen. I can adjust. We will have to lower some of our expectations, we will need to find new ways to support our children, our teachers, our administrators, and our schools support staff. That will be true whatever point of view you hold or whatever decision the community makes. I hope this community finds a way to pitch in no matter what happens. We will need it because things will change and we will have to change too. Expectations will need to be realistic and not the same as they once were. I hope anger begins to be directed towards Sacramento soon and less at those who take time to support our schools or at Pleasanton Unified School District itself; neither has failed this community.

Lydiksen parent, The PFC at Lydiksen is not part the the national PTA organization....there are a few schools in Pleasanton that do not have PTA'a and Lydiksen is one of them.....

Like "Parcel Tax Objector", I'll happily pay the parcel tax if it passes but will also cease making donations to the PTA at my children's school, which is around $3000 give and take.

For the PTA to use our donations to fund a political campaign is irresponsible. You won't see my donations at the walk-thru anymore

$3,000? That is well above what the PTA asks for. In all seriousness, thanks for your generous support of our schools as you are doing way more than your fair share.

The PTA is in favor of the parcel tax as they genuinely believe that the restoration / preservation of smaller class sizes, school counselors, reading programs, etc. is a positive thing for the District. BTW the PTA currently helps to fund school programs (including partial funding of some teaching positions) that would be eliminated without their support. If we simply rely on the State for funding we should expect the same results as other Districts who do not get financial (and volunteer) support from the community.

To (Word removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff),
I've been a pta member and supporter for over 15 years. But I too will not be contributing to pta at walk thru...instead, I'll be checking with teachers regularly throughout the school year to see what supplies they need beyond those they ask for in the beginning of the school year.
And to all you teachers out there who buy materials for your classrooms. While I'm grateful, I really don't want you spending your own money - that is not fair. Please try to send out emails or post something on your websites as you need new or additional supplies and let parents like me help out.

BTW, neither Hart nor Foothill are PTA schools either.

PTA parent at Walnut Grove, Harvest Park Middle & Amador

PTA is a child advocacy organization and has a long history of advocating for children through influencing legislation. The National, State and Local PTA's VOTE on issues that affect our children and then advocate on their behalf. If a State, District, Council or School Site votes to endorse a Measure (not a candidate, which is prohibited by PTA regulations), then they have a right to put money towards that measure. Check the PTA bylaws on the CA PTA website. Attend a PTA meeting and put a voice to how the money is spent.

A very small fraction of your school site donation (I think it's $.75 goes to Pleasanton PTA Council). For that $.75 you get programs like Will and Company(Shakespeare), Excellence in Education (honoring outstanding teachers), Multicultural Fair, the Sun Safety campaign and the Rethink your Drink (sugar content education series). Each one these programs cost more than the Council gets from school sites. The rest of the money for PTA Council comes from GRANTS, SPONSORS and ADVERTISING. Do you really want YOUR fraction of a penny refunded????

Parents join PTA to support their children, but PTA also supports that child sitting next to your child. The one whose Dad is now unemployed. The one whose single Mom is working two jobs. The one who is in foster care. PTA supports ALL children in every school - even if their parents do not make a generous donation.

PTA money also goes to that teacher you're not so fond of. Also goes towards that book in the library that you would never let your child read. Also goes towards that sports program your child doesn't participate in. That musical instrument your child is not playing.

I'll say it again ... instead of pulling your Donation to PTA - GO to your school site PFC or PTA and VOTE on how your money is spent.

Are we being selfish. Directing money to programs that only benefit ourselves - my kid, my school, my favorite program? When our kids are two don't we teach them "IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU." Have we forgotten that as adults. I love this community because we don't just think of ourselves.

Walnut Grove 5th grade leadership collected toiletries for Food Pantry patrons. Harvest Park PTA put together food baskets at Thanksgiving for 6 needy HP families. I love the community we live in because most are generous and kind, giving when it's of no benefit to themselves.

Rise. Inspire. Be charitable. Give grace. Look at the BIG PICTURE.

PTA is a child advocacy organization and has a long history of advocating for children through influencing legislation. The National, State and Local PTA's VOTE on issues that affect our children and then advocate on their behalf. If a State, District, Council or School Site votes to endorse a Measure (not a candidate, which is prohibited by PTA regulations), then they have a right to put money towards that measure. Check the PTA bylaws on the CA PTA website. Attend a PTA meeting and put a voice to how the money is spent.

A very small fraction of your school site donation (I think it's $.75 goes to Pleasanton PTA Council). For that $.75 you get programs like Will and Company(Shakespeare), Excellence in Education (honoring outstanding teachers), Multicultural Fair, the Sun Safety campaign and the Rethink your Drink (sugar content education series). Each one these programs cost more than the Council gets from school sites. The rest of the money for PTA Council comes from GRANTS, SPONSORS and ADVERTISING. Do you really want YOUR fraction of a penny refunded????

Parents join PTA to support their children, but PTA also supports that child sitting next to your child. The one whose Dad is now unemployed. The one whose single Mom is working two jobs. The one who is in foster care. PTA supports ALL children in every school - even if their parents do not make a generous donation.

PTA money also goes to that teacher you're not so fond of. Also goes towards that book in the library that you would never let your child read. Also goes towards that sports program your child doesn't participate in. That musical instrument your child is not playing.

I'll say it again ... instead of pulling your Donation to PTA - GO to your school site PFC or PTA and VOTE on how your money is spent.

Are we being selfish. Directing money to programs that only benefit ourselves - my kid, my school, my favorite program? When our kids are two don't we teach them "IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU." Have we forgotten that as adults. I love this community because we don't just think of ourselves.

Walnut Grove 5th grade leadership collected toiletries for Food Pantry patrons. Harvest Park PTA put together food baskets at Thanksgiving for 6 needy HP families. I love the community we live in because most are generous and kind, giving when it's of no benefit to themselves.

Rise. Inspire. Be charitable. Give grace. Look at the BIG PICTURE.

Had I known that the PTA would use our donations to fund a campaign for a parcel tax that will force me to pay more, I wouldn't have donated either. No good deed goes unpunished.

To Resident, a member of the Donlon Elementary School community,
Thank you so much for your well chosen words. I couldn't agree more with your comments regarding the high caliber of "Pleasanton’s thoughtful, highly qualified, and dedicated teacher, administrators, support staff, and parents, not to mention the amount of educational programs and materials."
At last, a posting worth reading!

To Resident, a member of the Donlon Elementary School community,


Thank you so much for your well chosen words. I couldn't agree more with your comments regarding the high caliber of "Pleasanton’s thoughtful, highly qualified, and dedicated teacher, administrators, support staff, and parents, not to mention the amount of educational programs and materials."


At last, a posting worth reading!

For all thoses who did not know that the money they gave to PTA can help with causes like this, I say get INFORMED! It is not the PTAs problem that you did not do your research before you gave your money. And as far as forcing people to help out our schools by giving money, you probley spend more a month on coffee than this measure will cost. Let's not be cheap when it comes to our kids education!

"Let's not be cheap when it comes to our kids education!"

Yes, hand them your wallets and don't ask questions.

And that's going to make the quality of education better???

I guess you still believe in the toothfairy too.

I stopped donating at walk-through registration years ago and have resolved to just write a check to the classroom instead.

I would never trust a sorority of aging hippies who can't even balance their checkbooks to handle my money and clearly I'm right.


Donate directly to the classroom if you want to see more of your donations used in your children's classrooms.

We're intentionally giving topics pertaining to the June 2 parcel tax measure and teacher layoffs a rest because the postings have become repetitive and, in some instances, accusatory and hurtful to teachers and other employees of the school district who are unable to respond to postings, most of which are made under the cloak of anonymity. The postings online will remain, but future postings to these threads or new ones dealing with teacher layoffs and the parcel tax can be made only by registered users of the Pleasanton Weekly forum.