We're all feeling it. The unrelenting flood of foul financial news make us fearful about our jobs and our 401(k)s, our mortgages and our credit card bills. In these tumultuous times, our reaction is to hold those pocketbooks close, protecting ourselves and our families.

BUT IT'S ALSO A TIME to look for bargains. And at $10 a month for the next three years, the schools parcel tax Measure W will provide benefits to our children that could last a lifetime.

Many of us move to Davis for its quality schools, and enjoy increased property values as a result. By investing in Measure W on Nov. 4, we are putting a priority on our kids and our community. We're saying that the small class sizes, school music, librarians and language programs that we've become accustomed to are important. That we value our strong science, math, English, art and athletic programs and the wonderful teachers who bring them to life.

Without the $2.4 million in extra funding per year, we face the same severe cuts and massive teacher layoffs that were threatened last spring. That's when the community came together - led by the Davis Schools Foundation - to raise $1.77 million. That one-time effort, along with more than $1 million in district budget cuts, plugged the hole for this school year only.

It was just last November that we passed Measure Q, the $4 million-per-year parcel tax that costs homeowners $200 per year and apartment owners $100 per unit. That will expire in 2011.

But since then, the state budget crisis has exacerbated, with the governor asking school districts to fund more and more of their core programs.

And it's those core programs - nothing new - that will survive if Measure W wins. That additional $120 per year for homes and $50 for apartment owners will maintain and preserve the programs threatened last spring, and provide that funding source for three years. And a citizens' oversight committee - the same one that keeps an eye on Measure Q funds - will be watching to make sure the money is spent appropriately.

IF MEASURE W FAILS, the community faces another massive fundraising drive to save teachers and programs. Or worse, we face their loss due to budget cuts.

But community philanthropy can't always be the answer, said Alan Anderson, the new president of the Davis Schools Foundation. 'Ongoing support is the best way to solve chronic under-funding from the state and to restore confidence in the future of our public schools for families, teachers and, of course, our students.'

We agree.

We realize the tax could pose a hardship for some. That is why there is an exemption available to seniors 65 and older, and a lower rate applied to apartments.

But in the end, investing in the schools is always a smart investment. Vote yes on Measure W on Nov. 4.