School board runs deficit, ponders pool

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees’ October meeting began with song and laughter, descended into budgetary gloom and then emerged with a resolve to find a way to build a swimming pool.
Leading off the meeting, the trustees recognized El Verano Elementary School’s “Students of the Year,” Edwin Reyes and Beatriz Cortez. The students, surrounded by their families, were honored for their accomplishments and their personal qualities, with testimonials read in both English and Spanish. Then came a surprise. A chorus of third graders, with their teacher Tim Curley playing guitar, sang a song of praise about El Verano Elementary School that had the whole room bathed in smiles. Then trustees were each given an El Verano T-shirt.
Continuing the theme of praise, Paula Hunter, director of the Sonoma Charter School, spoke about the generosity she’s experienced so far in the community. Trustee Sandra Lowe confessed that 15 years ago, she’d opposed the charter school, as she did not think it would be representative of the community. That, she said, now seems not the case. “I just hope that under your leadership the school will continue – because Nora [Flood] was very industrious about that – to be reflective of the entire community.” Hunter said, “I know that she reached out to the community, which I think is very, very important, and I want to continue that work.” Trustee Helen Marsh noted that the school now has more Special Ed students than it did at the start, “so keep up the good work.”
While the adult education annual report was delivered and approved, Assistant Superintendent Justin Frese tinkered with his reluctant Powerpoint presentation and finally the designed slides appeared on the screen. The message was sobering.
“As of today, our deficit is $350,000,” said Frese. “This is solely based on the fact that taxes are lower than we anticipated. Nobody really knows exactly what’s going to happen with the tax base,” he said. “We’re really going to have to keep our eye on the ball with respect to these taxes. Because even a difference of one percent can make a huge difference.” Superintendent Pamela Martens called his attention to the $400,000 program improvement grant. “It’s really good that we’re getting some additional funds from the state,” she said, adding “we’re looking at additional cuts in the categorical area.” Frese agreed, saying, “The idea that major cuts are going to come down the pike is to me inevitable. Lowe said, “It’s a complete and utter disaster in Sacramento and we’re completely at their mercy.”
Following this discussion, a presentation of the proposed pool at Sonoma Valley High School and the costs involved elicited concern. Capital costs would be at least $2.6 million for construction, and operating costs would be $100,000 per year – not counting supervision. “So when you look at this number, bear in mind that we’re really looking at about $150,000 to keep this pool running,” said Frese. Lowe noted, “Construction costs will only go up. And this was something taken away from the kids, and we have a responsibility to make good on that. So that’s our commitment. I’m just asking everyone in this room to make a phone call, help us out!”
“We have the information, and now we need a plan of action – how to accomplish this,” said board president Cam Hawing. “Definitely we need to touch bases with the community. We need a swimming pool. We’ve been talking about this for a long time, and I think we should have a plan of action.” Frese recommended that the board seek partners to help with the costs.