Apr 28, 2008

School Matters

Vote 'yes' on proposed Measure A

By Joanie King / Daily News Columnist

Spring is here, and Measure A signs are beginning to pop up on lawns all over town.

Granted, many of these lawns are also home to bikes, trikes and soccer balls, but even those Palo Alto homeowners without children in school recognize the benefit of a top-notch school district when seen in the context of the resale value of their property. Call me self-interested, but as a mother of young kids, I am all for a proposed measure that promises to upgrade aging public school facilities without raising property taxes.

In 1995, more than 80 percent of voters approved bonds to fund school renovations, enabling the Palo Alto Unified School District to receive more than $25 million in state matching funds. The bond paid to fix leaking roofs, build new libraries, add classrooms and more, but could not address all necessary upgrades. Since then, enrollment in the PAUSD has increased more than 25 percent and is expected to increase by another 1,000 students by 2012. Last year's kindergarten class was the largest in 30 years. Clearly, additional classrooms are needed to reduce overcrowding.

The PAUSD bond measure appearing on the June 3 ballot will raise $378 million to expand, upgrade and improve all 17 of the K-12 campuses in the district, extending the useful life of these facilities and accommodating enrollment growth. Brand new facilities proposed for the bond funds include a new pool and gym at Gunn High School, a new theater at Palo Alto High School and new classrooms at all levels, as well as funds for technology and maintenance.

All of this, while keeping the current property tax rate in effect.

Most PAUSD schools are at least 50 years old. Measure A will fund important improvements, including adding classrooms and replacing deteriorating portables with permanent classrooms; renovating remaining worn-out roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, lighting and electrical systems; ensuring schools have modern science labs, computer equipment and libraries; upgrading fire alarms, sprinklers, fencing and security systems; and improving insulation to increase energy efficiency.

An independent citizens' oversight committee will oversee annual audits to ensure the funds are spent as promised.

We are fortunate to live in one of the best school districts in the state. Measure A will provide our students with safe and modern facilities and the technology needed to support our kids' success. Proponents of Measure A remind us that great schools enhance our community and protect our property values.

Viewed in a broader context, great schools also give our kids the best possible educational foundation upon which to build productive lives. This creates a powerful chain reaction that will be felt by the many communities where these young people will settle later in life. It would logically follow that even if you don't own a house, or have a kid, by voting for Measure A on the June 3 ballot you stand a good chance of positively impacting lives for generations to come.



School Matters is edited by Joanie King. Contact King at schoolmatters@paloaltopta.org.