An earlier bailout measure had failed in March, prompting the school board to vote to close all of its libraries as part of a draconian budget overhaul to avoid bankruptcy in the fall. The decision prompted an outpouring of private gifts to save the libraries and core athletic programs.
“It’s definitely been the largest mobilization of parents, community members, and students ever, working on behalf of public education in this district,” school board member Glen Price told the Tribune. Money generated by the parcel tax will be used to keep libraries open and athletic programs running, maintain reduced class sizes for grades K–3, purchase textbooks, and retain teachers, aides, counselors, and custodians.
The plight of the school district also prompted a nearly month-long hunger strike by nine activists at the state Capitol in Sacramento to persuade Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to discuss cost-saving methods for the district. The fast ended June 4 when the governor agreed to sign legislation, AB2756, that allows the school district to refinance the $28.5-million balance of its 1991 state bailout loan at 1.6% instead of 6%, according to the June 5 Contra Costa Times. The district will save about $600,000 per year because of the refinancing.
Posted June 11, 2004.