By When the Los Altos School District's proposed $333 increase in its parcel tax first appeared before voters last April, we supported it because no other viable funding options existed to stave off massive budget cuts. We also saw the proposal as a vital investment the community must make to ensure quality education would continue.

We still feel that way and so do district supporters who are back again with the same proposal in next week’s election. It fell short of capturing a two-thirds majority needed the first time around.

Why support Measure H? It is simply the right thing to do.

The district has never received adequate state revenues, necessitating the need for the parcel tax in the first place. But the state’s current budget crisis has left the district gasping for financial breath. The district, in the wake of the state’s $20-plus billion deficit, is facing another $4.2 million deficit next year. Los Altos gets 80 percent of its funds from the state.

Locally, we have to step up. We have long benefited from quality schools that have added greatly to the value of this community. Test scores, as indicated by Egan Intermediate School’s third straight top ranking in the API, remain high because of the quality education our students receive. If these programs are compromised, it stands to reason that the quality will go down.

If the parcel tax does not pass next week, the district is looking at more teacher layoffs, 30 percent increases in class size and closure of two schools. Halloween pales in comparison to this scary scenario.

Those opposed cite arguments ranging from fiscal irresponsibility to administrative bloat, but those are the arguments of the ill-informed. The opposing arguments on the Nov. 5 ballot, for instance, are from Libertarians and taxpayer groups outside Los Altos.

This is not just about supporting parents and students. This is about supporting the high quality of life in our community, a standard we all pay plenty to enjoy. Quality schools are part of that high cost of living here.

Those living on fixed incomes and over 65 can qualify for an exemption to the new parcel tax. They can vote yes to maintain good schools and their property values without paying any additional tax themselves. Vote yes on Measure H.