By Shari Davis and Louise Jaffe Co-chairs Community for Excellent Public Schools
In 1849, Robert Semple, a delegate at the first Constitutional Convention of California, made the following remarks: “I think that here, above all places in the Union, we should have, and we possess the resources to have a well regulated system of education. Education, sir, is the foundation of republican institutions; the school system suits the genius and the spirit of our form of government. If the people are to govern themselves, they should be qualified to do it. They must be educated; they must educate their children; they must provide means for the diffusion of knowledge and the progress of enlightened principles.”
This requirement for “a well regulated system of education” is as true — or more true — today as it was in 1849. But reeling from the current financial crisis, the State of California has let down our schoolchildren.
Here in Santa Monica and Malibu, however, we are fortunate to have a local solution to this state-caused crisis. On June 3, Santa Monica and Malibu residents will be able to vote for Measure S, a local school funding measure that will restore a large portion of money we’re losing from the state and save our schools from drastic budget cuts.
Measure S requires strict taxpayer accountability. As the impartial analysis in your ballot pamphlet states: Measure S would “ensure district accountability by providing resident taxpayer oversight and independent annual audits of revenue and expenditures.”
Measure S funds will be used to restore 91 teachers as well as some nurses, librarians and custodial support. Seniors 65 and over who own and reside in their residence may apply for an exemption. Measure S is supported by a large, multi-partisan coalition of parents, teachers, seniors, business, labor, homeowners, renters, Democrats, Republicans, Independents and Greens.
Our ability to continue to provide a high quality education for our children and a high quality community for ourselves is at stake. Please join us in voting Yes for Measure S.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 3, 2003. Read the original PDF.