By Town Crier Report

More than 125 drivers and walkers participated in an Oct. 5 get-out-the-vote precinct walk for the Los Altos School District’s Measure H campaign.

Supporters are seeking a $333 increase in the annual parcel tax to maintain programs threatened by a down economy and a state budget deficit. The increase would raise the annual parcel tax from its current $264 figure to $597. The proposal is on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Los Altos resident John Reed orchestrated the event by creating precinct maps, walking materials and training. The goal was to reach out to district voters, provide them with fliers and answer questions about the measure.

Those participating in the precinct coverage included all members of the district board and Superintendent Marge Gratiot. Three former Los Altos mayors also helped: King Lear, Jane Reed and Robert Grimm. Several teachers and principals also joined in the effort.

The district has been recognized as the best in the state by the Mercury News and the Associated Press, among others. But inadequate state funding has forced the district to make budget cuts in excess of 15 percent over the last two years.

Supporters said the district will be forced to make significant additional cuts including layoffs to teachers, if Measure H fails. Opponents have cited reasons ranging from fiscal mismanagement to the unfairness of a tax exemption for seniors. Opposing arguments on the ballot are from taxpayers groups and Libertarian Party representatives, whom supporters dismiss as being unfamiliar with the district because they live outside Los Altos.