By Shari Davis and Louise Jaffe Community for Excellent Public Schools
For the past three years, a unique group called Community for Excellent Public Schools has been exploring and studying options and strategies for increasing funding for our public schools in Santa Monica and Malibu.
We would like to point out just what CEPS stands for, literally and symbolically, because each part is important. The acronym CEPS is for: Community for Excellent Public Schools.
All along, we have believed that multiple sources of funding are needed and that we would not succeed without everyone working together. The outcome of Measure S, and more importantly, the effort that went into achieving the victorious 67.61per-cent vote, proved how powerful our community is — and how much our community cares about education.
But, as you know, the news is not all good. Our schools still face a serious shortfall in funding. Measure S will make up about half of the $13 million deficit caused by the state’s $35 billion deficit.
In order to expect our public schools to be excellent, we must keep searching for funding solutions.
In January, 1,000 citizens rallied at Santa Monica City Hall, imploring our City Council to “double its love” for education and schools and find a way to contribute another $3.5 million.
In April, 1,000 supporters turned out for the “Pink Slip Parade,” marching through the city to show their concern for the 200 school district employees losing their jobs.
And, last week, 12,146 people voted yes on Measure S. We ask that on Tuesday, the City Council of Santa Monica join the effort in a most meaningful financial way by voting to add another $3.5 million for education in the 2003-2004 budget. What a way to be a pivotal and critical part of our Community for Excellent Public Schools!
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 14, 2003. Read the original PDF.