It’s Fundamental: Measure W for Davis Schools
September 26th, 2008 Categories: Davis Schools, Davis Schools Foundation
Most real-estate related calls I get are from people hoping to put their children in Davis schools. However, it is not a given that our schools will thrive. Davisites will not soon forget the intense effort last spring to overcome threats to our schools due to budget shortfalls. Janet Berry led the “dollar a day” campaign on behalf of the Davis Schools Foundation to save nearly 100 cuts of Davis teachers. Over $1.7 million was raised and we avoided the impending cuts. FOR A YEAR…. And then what?
One donation was $100k from a single person…unlikely that we can continue to raise this kind of money in a grassroots effort year after year. Enter Measure W. Every dollar will be used to directly support:
1. Elementary Science Education
2. School Librarians
3. Music teacher at all levels
4. Secondary courses in English, Math, Science, Physical Education and Foreign
Languages
5. Lower class sizes in 9th and 10th grades
6. Athletics and co-cirricular activities such as drama and journalism
Measure W will do this by collecting $120 from each household for the next 3 years. Households headed by a senior over 65 will not be taxed. Apartments and multi-unit buildings will be assessed at $50/year. Proceeds of $2.4 million /year for the next three years will NOT be used to fund administration or create new programs - it will be managed by an oversight committee comprised of indepedent citizens.
In this time of great uncertainty what could be more important than making sure that all of our children - collectively - have an opportunity for a good education? Is it too much to ask that we participate a little more so that our children will know what they need to lead rich and informed lives?
So, what to do? First off, we need a 2/3 majority on election day! Let your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues know how important this is and urge them to vote. Want to do more?
1. Volunteer to call voters
2. Walk your neighborhood and knock on doors or hang a door hanger
3. Put up a yard sign
4. Send money to help with the campaign
Go to http://www.yesforourstudents.org/what for details on how to keep our Davis schools as good as they can be - for your children, for our future, yes, even for your property value. Thanks.
