Column: Yes on Measure K – Setting the Record Straight

Ignore the misinformation about Measure K, the much-needed parcel tax on the June 5 ballot for West Contra Costa schools, says this guest column by Karen Shebek, a WCCUSD parent.

As a parent of district students for the last 12 years, I have seen the difference our parcel tax has made on our students and teachers.  The June 5 election is just around the corner, and unfortunately for our students there has been a lot of misinformation about the parcel tax. The voter information booklet includes an argument against Measure K that states that "parcel tax payments are not deductible against federal and state income taxes. The State has announced that beginning in 2012, they will enforce that non-deductibility."  The Franchise Tax Board clarified on Friday, April 13, 2012 that this was not the case, and that the IRS has confirmed that homeowners can deduct parcel taxes and other taxes that are not ad-valorem. The …

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G.C.

8:19 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I would have spared nothing to make sure experienced, qualified teachers were in every classroom. I would have cut all sports programs if necessary. If the WCCUSD cannot afford athletics, then it has to accept this reality. Academics come first. And I would have cut the Adult school program, too. Let the community college district manage it. Our district needs to focus on K-12 and nothing else. …   more ›

WCCUSD Students to Receive Award for English Proficiency

More than 1,000 West Contra Costa County students have reached the goal.

More than 1,000 West County students will be recognized on May 21 for reaching academic and conversational fluency in English. The West Contra Costa Unified School District, which includes all three public schools in Hercules, will host it 13th annual Reclassification Ceremony. The students, formerly "English learners," have achieved proficiency in English skills to a level to be "reclassified and no longer considered "English learners." "These students have mastered both academic and conversational English and have met the state and district criteria for fluent English proficiency," according to a school district statement. The ceremony will take place 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 21 at the Richmond Civic Center Auditorium. It will be attended…

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It's Teacher Appreciation Week; 10 Tips That Don't Include Apples

May 8 in National Teacher Appreciation Day. Tell Patch readers which teachers you think are making the grade.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson urged all Californians to find ways to appreciate teachers this week, designated as National Teacher Appreciation Week. “Teaching is the most important job there is,” Torlakson said. “Ask just about anyone about the person who made the biggest difference in their life, chances are that person is a teacher. Let’s all take a moment this week to say `thank you’ to California’s teachers.” Here’s Torlakson’s top 10 list. For Students: For Parents: May 8 is National Teacher Appreciation Day, an annual tradition continued by the National Teaches Association. May 9 is California Day of the Teacher, a day established under California Education Code Section 37222, to encourage schools to …

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Bay Area School District Pins Hopes on Parcel Tax to Keep Schools Afloat

A look at West Contra Costa County Unified School District's budget woes and Measure K.

Poll: You OK with More Sales Tax, Income Tax for Wealthy, to Help Schools?

A survey by the Public Policy Institute of California finds most California voters don't want to pay more sales tax but do want higher income taxes on the wealthiest to help fund our schools. We want to know what Hercules voters think.

When asked about how to raise more money for public schools, most likely California voters support raising the income tax for state's wealthiest residents but not the sales tax, according to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California. We'd like to know what Hercules Patch readers think in our poll below. The survey results, released Wednesday night, found 65 percent in favor of raising the top rate of income tax paid by the richest Californians, with 34 percent opposed. But raising the state sales tax was opposed by 52 percent, versus 46 percent in favor. Both taxes would be temporarily increased under November ballot measures proposed by Gov. Jerry Brown to help close the state's large budget gap. Please tell us your vote in …

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West County School District Asks Too Much with Tax Measure, Times Says

The Contra Costa Times editorial touches on two school-funding measures.

Press Club Offers Grants to High School Journalism Programs

Grants can be used for equipment, training, workshops or other learning tools.

The San Francisco Peninsula Press Club is offering grants to high school journalism programs (looking at you Hercules High and John Swett High schools). Grants can be used for: Grants will be awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Peninsula Press Club. The grant program is open to all Bay Area high schools with journalism programs. Applications may only be submitted by the school's journalism teacher or class adviser. To apply, send a one-page letter on school letterhead with the following information: Grants will be considered year-round. Applicants will typically be notified within six weeks of receipt of the request. To apply, send the above information to penpressclub@comcast.net or to the San …

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John Swett High to Present First Musical in Over a Decade

“You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” Set to Open May 17th at JSHS Auditorium and combines efforts of music, drama, wood shop, art, and multi-media classes.

-By members of the John Swett Unified School District John Swett High School will present their first musical production in over a decade in their newly refurbished auditorium, May 17th through the 21st, and is one of the biggest multi-discipline productions the school has undertaken in recent memory.  It is truly a collaborative effort between several faculty members and classes.  The wood shop is building the sets and props, the Art Department is painting the scenery, the multi-media class has taken on responsibility for marketing and promotions, and the Music and Drama Departments have been rehearsing since February. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown will feature a double cast alternating performance nights throughout the run of the …

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