Letter: Thoughts on school finance

EDITOR,
I have just read Kenn Ellis’ letter (“A shame to take money from schools,” April 1) about Gary Redenbacher’s work in a lawsuit against the Scotts Valley School District. While I certainly agree with the spirit of his letter — our schools need more money — I can’t agree with the specifics.
First, is he really saying that a contractor shouldn’t be paid for his work just because the school district is the entity that owes him money? As the facts in the case appear to support the contractor’s claim, that hardly seems fair.
Second, we need to remember that forgiven debts and school fundraisers don’t go very far toward solving the overwhelming financial problems our schools are facing. What we really need are long-term solutions, such as replacing Proposition 13 with means-tested property taxes that provide money for schools and keep people in their homes.
Finally, I wish Vine Hill well on its auction and would like to invite readers to attend SLE’s silent auction and dinner May 13, where we will be raising money for science, music, and art. And let’s hope that someday, we can all go back to being parents instead of fundraisers.
Ronald Bourret, Felton