Residents press board for answers on school flooding and oppose proposed 7% levy

Several residents used the board’s public comment period to press for accountability on facilities work and to voice opposition to the superintendent’s proposed tax levy.

Vince Randi, a Water Street resident, told the board that neighbors directly affected by persistent flooding at the high school had not received promised design meetings and follow‑up. He said community members were still waiting for answers and asked when a public meeting on the matter would occur. A board member asked Randi to meet privately after the meeting and said district staff had been in contact; Randi said he wanted the community invited to the meeting.

Laurie Della Para, another resident, criticized the board’s long‑term planning and spending, saying recent investments and reserve draws left taxpayers vulnerable and arguing that the district should have tightened spending as state funding formulas changed. “We cannot take on a 7% tax levy increase, especially our senior citizens,” she said on the record.

Other speakers described the levy as a heavy burden and asked the administration to spell out long‑term benefits to students and taxpayers. Dr. Villanueva and trustees responded on the record that they will supply additional household impact scenarios and that the district will follow up with affected homeowners; no public meeting date on the flooding was announced during the session.

The board closed public comment after the allotted time and reiterated key calendar dates: additional budget work sessions, adoption on April 21 and the public budget vote on May 19.