Statements appearing in the official county voter information guide:
Argument Against Measure P
In 2020, voters rejected the district's proposed so-called "temporary" parcel tax of $1,188.
Did Oak Grove Elementary School District hear you, and get the message?
Clearly not, because they are spending district funds on this election, to impose on homeowners (or tenants) a whopping $236,000,000 bond—even as enrollment has been steadily declining.*
State government has an estimated $97 billion surplus (our money!).
Has Oak Grove sought its share of what California should distribute to each district?
Let's check the district's academic performance (2018—19, latest available):
• 46.11% of students tested below grade level in English.
• 53.68% tested below grade level in math.*
Over half the kids lag in math, nearly half lag in English!
Following voters granting them an $89,800,000 bond in 2014, the district seemed not to properly prioritize their ONE JOB: delivering children a quality education.
Could that be why enrollment is steadily declining? It's down 1,223 students (11.16%) since school year 2016-17.*
Parents know: if you reward poor behavior, you get more poor behavior.
Should voters and taxpayers reward Oak Grove when half its children lag in the vital subjects?
If you answered "no," we urge you to vote NO.
The district spends $13,510/student per year. Average California private-school tuition is only 82% of that, yet the district wants more of your hard-earned money to pad their salaries and fat pension plans.
Proponents say Measure P's funds won't be spent on administration. But that's an empty promise: funds generated separately from this bond can be used for administration, without limit. Don't be fooled by the shell game.
Vote NO, to direct Oak Grove Elementary School District to prioritize academics over begging us at election time.
You can be FOR children, FOR teachers, FOR schools—and AGAINST costly bond debt.
Please vote NO on Measure P.
For more information: SVTaxpayers.org
*Source: Ed-Data.org
Mark W.A. Hinkle
President: Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association
Joe Dehn
Chair: Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County
Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure P
In 2020, voters rejected Oak Grove Elementary School District's (OGESD) "temporary" parcel tax of $1,188.
Did OGESD hear your message: "NO MORE TAXES!"?
Clearly not, because they are diverting district funds to today's election, to impose on homeowners/renters a whopping $236,000,000 debt—while enrollment is steadily declining.*
California has an estimated $97 billion surplus! Has OGESD sought its share of what California should distribute to schools?
Let 's check students' academic performance:
• 46.11% tested below grade level in English!
• 53.68% tested below in math!*
(Those are 2018-19's results—the latest reported. Why aren't OGESD's 2020-21 results published? We suspect because they worsened while children suffered learning loss during shutdowns.)
Whether or not those illustrate being "among the best in the state," it isn't what OGESD children deserve.
Proponents boast: 17 schools won California Distinguished School Awards. Well... only three won since 2012; the others' last accolades were 1999-2006.
Following 2014's approval of the $89,800,000 bond debt, OGESD seemed to neglect their ONE JOB: delivering a quality education.
Could that be why enrollment is declining? It's down 1,223 students (11.16%) since 2016-17.*
Parents know reward poor behavior; get more poor behavior.
Should voters and taxpayers reward OGESD when half its children lag in the vital subjects?
If not, please vote NO. Tell OGESD:
Don't rest on your laurels. Focus on academics; don't come begging before there's drastic academic improvement and cost cutting of nonessentials.
Vote NO on Measure P.
More information: www.SVTaxpayers.org
* Source: www.Ed-Data.org
Joe Dehn
Chair: Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County
Mark W.A. Hinkle
President: Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association
Honor M. Robson
Chair, Libertarian Party of California
Jonathan Fleming
CEO and Executive Director, Silicon Valley Public Accountability Foundation