Letters to the Editor
By Santa Ynez Valley Star Staff · Tue Mar 17 2020
The Expensive Reality of Parking at Santa Ynez High School
Did you know our High School is suffering from an on-going structural deficit? This school year the deficit will be $86,048. Projections for 2019/20 are $659,878 and $792,131 in 2020/21. The District has not backfilled certain teaching positions to address this structural deficit. There are classes with more than 30 students, including math. Did you know that the Board recently approved spending $1.3 million on the east parking lot with District operating funds? This decision will not only strain the budget but will put the newly elected Board members in an unfair and grim position if staff cuts are necessary in the future.
There will be new Board members starting in December. The current Board needs to do no harm to the already broken budget. Allow the new Board to decide if a $1.3 million parking lot is more important than student programs, certificated staffing, curriculum, math, science, music and vocational classes.
Taxpayers approved a new parking lot to be paid with Measure K bond funds, not school operating funds. These operating funds should benefit the students.
I asked the Board to re-vote at the next board meeting on November 13 at 5:00 p.m. The Board will hear the first interim budget presentation that includes the impact of their $1.3 millionexpenditure decision. Please come to the meeting or contact President Jan Clevenger and let your voice be heard. A new parking lot, I believe, does not help educate our kids.
Michelle de Werd
Los Olivos
Parent of former SYHS student
As someone who attended the City of Solvang candidate forum and watches the City Council meetings regularly the choice for Mayor couldn’t be more clear, Although Jim Richardson should be commended for his service over the last 18 years it’s become exceedingly apparent that our city of Solvang needs new energy and leadership to meet new challenges and maintain the quality of life we all expect here in the valley. Councilmember, Ryan Toussaint, displayed a keen grasp of important local issues and exuded the dynamism that Solvang sorely needs. • More specifically Ryan after being elected in 2016, took the initiative and dug into our water issues and stopped a proposed water rate increase of nearly 35%. Keeping his campaign promise of 2016. • He’s also worked hard to stabilize water and sewer rates while increasing quality and ensuring reliable sources to our homes and businesses. • He has the vision and drive to help maintain what we have but with any eye to meeting future challenges that a new economy presents. In other words, Solvang needs new leadership to meet modern challenges of today. Please join me in voting for Ryan Toussaint come November 6th. Patti Gilmore City of Solvang Resident
Solvang is at a Juncture
On November 6, Solvang voters will decide whether to choose a mayor who has energy and ability to help Solvang navigate tough issues and succeed into the future.