“School Dues”

Monterey County Weekly—Aug. 1, 2024

MPUSD’s $340 million bond measure for the November ballot includes “staff rental housing,” 60-80 units estimated at $60 million. A million dollars per rental unit? Since MPUSD owns the land, these units are worth a whole lot more. MPUSD’s own surveys show that 76 percent of teachers would prefer a salary increase to have the flexibility to live where they choose. This is a complex issue, as we need affordable housing on the Peninsula, but not million-dollar rental units.

MPUSD becoming a developer, landlord and commercial property manager diverts the focus from school responsibilities.

What this bond would do is increase the value of MPUSD’s property at renters and taxpayer expense. As a first step, MPUSD should raise teacher pay to a rate equitable to our neighboring cities, then, separate affordable housing development from the priority of school repairs and upgrades.

Vote no on MPUSD’s bond measure.

Julie Conrad | Monterey