A reader asked that we publish this opinion piece on a ballot referendum for this November. We’re happy to do so and invite other such opinion pieces on either side of this and other ballot issues.
Palm Beach County school district is known for educational excellence – a reputation that didn’t happen by chance. It happened as a result of you – a remarkably supportive community who four years ago voted to allocate a quarter mill property tax to sustain Fine Arts, Music, Physical Education and Magnet/Academy programs. Our students thrived amidst drastic budget cuts.
Palm Beach County is consistently rated the #1 academically performing urban district in Florida while also having schools selected as “Best in the Nation” by US News & World Report. Many of us chose to live here because of the standards of excellence in education.
This year we’re asking voters to Say Yes to Referendum #2 to continue the existing tax allocation. In other words, nothing will change. We will continue to pay the same amount as we have for the past four years.
Saying Yes to #2 is crucial. Roughly 90,000 students will lose access to Fine Arts, Music, PE and career academy classes while over 500 teachers may lose their jobs. Class sizes will inevitably increase and graduation rates may plummet after stripping away career classes that keep our most challenging students enrolled.
Career academy programs, many of which offer industry certifications, help students gain employment or provide a jump start to determining what’s next. Without your help, the school district will be forced to pick and choose educational priorities for students making it more challenging for our graduates to be competitive for jobs and college.
Please Vote Yes to PBC Referendum #2 and continue to provide the best educational and career-ready offerings to improve Palm Beach County’s economy and future. Our children are our future.
Rita M. Solnet
President, Parents Across Florida
Chairman, West Boca Raton High Community Academies Advisory Board
