Snowline ponders parcel tax

PHELAN • Grappling with a $6.3 million shortfall, the Snowline Joint Unified School District is turning to layoffs, a shorter school year and the pockets of parents and local residents to balance its budget.

Snowline board members on Tuesday night approved a slew of major cost-savings measures, including charging for transportation, increasing class sizes and forcing 10 unpaid furlough days for all employees next year.

At the same meeting the board directed district staff to look into pushing a parcel tax measure on an upcoming ballot — a tax hike district officials say could reverse some budget cuts but cost local property owners about $250 or more per parcel annually.

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Natasha Lindstrom may be reached at (760) 951-6232 or at nlindstrom@VVDailyPress.com.