Measure A, a San Jose Unified School District levy-tax proposal, would have assessed a $98 per year property tax for five years and avoid reductions in essential programs, textbooks, instructional materials, and class sizes.

Shortly after Measure A failed, Willow Glen High School art teacher Eric Stachnick approached the Willow Glen Parents Club with a plan. He proposed that parents still pay the $98 for the next five years, but instead of the money being funneled through the district, the entire amount would go directly into the classroom.

Parents club member Terri Renfro says the club quickly jumped at Stachnick's idea and was able to raise $5,000. After the club's members realized their initial success, they decided to expand their campaign to the greater Willow Glen community. She thought area businesses, residents and Willow Glen alumni would want to contribute to the academic sucess of the students during this difficult time of budget slashing and dwindling resources.

"When Measure A didn't pass, every student's potential was also cut back," Renfro said. "We are all just trying to cooperate with our neighborhood schools."

Renfro said a special account has been created to hold these funds until they are dispersed evenly to every teacher. The money will allow teachers to purchase vital school supplies such as books, workbooks and other essential classroom items.

The Willow Glen Parents Club is encouraging the community to donate whatever they can, whether it is for one year or the original Measure A plan of five years.

For more information, contact Willow Glen High School at 408.535.6330. The group asks those donating money to make checks payable to the Willow Glen High School Parents Club and mail them to the school. On the envelope, write "Attention: $98 Club."