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What can Alameda parents and citizens do about the funding crisis at our local public schools?  Join us at this town meeting held March 8, 2008, as we explore the issues.

The AUSD school board is talking about increasing taxes (Alameda Sun, January 24, 2008) in response to Sacramento's education cuts. Yet, millions of our local tax dollars, every year, are redirected to subsidies under the name of "redevelopment." Alameda's redevelopment agency siphons taxpayer dollars to help fund development, such as the new Civic Center garage. Analysis of filings made by the city of Alameda during the years 2004-2007 show that over $1.2 billion dollars worth of Alameda properties have had a portion of their owner' property taxes redirected to the redevelopment agency, and the State Controller's report on California Redevelopment Agencies shows that the City has amassed $285 million in debt--unapproved by voters--through the redevelopment agency. The total bonded indebtedness of the City, including redevelopment debt, is over $550 million. Roughly $12 million of local tax dollars annually is diverted to redevelopment, more than enough money to make up for the current school deficit. Under Measure C, passed in 2004, AUSD persuaded voters to approve a $63 million bod issue to maintain our schools, yet an existing redevelopment pass-through agreement from 1991 provides money to maintain AUSD educational facilities. If you are looking for tax dollars to fund education and city services, you cannot ignore the incredible diversion of taxpayer funds from these areas to redevelopment.