And although the book balancing may be a year away, the solutions to the problem can't wait. The district still needs to make additional cuts and that could translate into more school closures over and above the three schools—Hammer Montessori, Hester and Erikson—that were shut down in 2004. It could also mean further reductions in school maintenance workers, transportation and district employees. With little wiggle room and a deficit that requires a sooner than later solution, the district is left with limited options.

To close the gap the school district is once again floating the parcel tax idea. The measure would be placed on the November 2004 ballot.

When a similar measure landed on the March 2004 ballot it failed. Yet, since then, the district's deficit has not changed and help from Sacramento does not look promising, according to district officials.

This Thursday, during the July 22 school board meeting, the district plans to discuss the parcel tax proposal and present a polling survey to board members and the general public on its current findings and the likelihood of the measure passing in the November.

Now is the time for the public to weigh in and get involved. Whether Willow Glen residents have school age children or not in the district they should make a concerted effort to attend the meeting, if for no other reason than to educate themselves on the issue.

This is also an excellent opportunity for residents to become better acquainted with the district's new superintendent, Don Iglesias, who takes over for retired superintendent Linda Murray.

Although Iglesias is stepping in at a difficult time, the timing is right for residents to redevelop their relationship with the school district and start taking an active role in their community.

So whether you support a parcel tax measure or not, going to the upcoming school board meeting will enable you to make a more educated decision in how you vote or whether the measure should come to a vote at all.