Community support vital to local schools

Jon Hatakeyama

California’s state budget for 2012 is gloomy, especially for public education. Although taking away funds from our public schools is nothing new, it has had an especially devastating effect to our schools due to this present economic crisis.

Teachers Aid Coalition was formed during the downturn in 1999 to counter this trend by raising funds to provide our public school teachers with classroom supplies. Despite not receiving cost of living wages since then, these teachers are still required to supply copy paper and other writing materials. This situation is equivalent to my dental profession stipulating that all dental assistants supply cotton rolls and patient napkins as a condition to work in a dental office … such a requirement in our profession would be considered absurd and completely unacceptable.

Recently, another organization, the newly formed Operation Roadmap, projected an auspicious beginning by sponsoring a forum geared toward families and students of Hispanic heritage at El Toro Elementary School, entitled, “No Excuses.” It was a day of inspiring these youths to aspire to college education, and beyond to potentially rewarding careers.

English language-challenged ethnic groups often lack the communication skills that will enable parents to instill the values of higher education to their youth. Further, due to cultural barriers, they are often not cognizant of the financial means of funding this education. The “No Excuses” forum featured remarks by Morgan Hill Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Wes Smith and keynote speaker, Dr. Francisco Reveles, a professor at Sacramento State University. Both speakers addressed overcoming these shortcomings. The participants then broke into sessions covering different topics related to college aspirations. The many compliments emanating from this event has encouraged the organization to continue efforts toward addressing a formidable weak link in our local public education by inspiring our Hispanic youth to strive towards higher education. Ideas, donations and membership information can be provided about Operation Roadmap by contacting Mario Banuelos or school board member, Claudia Rossi.                                          

There are always people who will say, especially those with no school age children, what’s in it for me? A vast majority who pose this question are local property owners who desire work in our community. Referring back to our present economic situation, the communities in Santa Clara County which suffered the least from property devaluation were those whose with excellent public school systems. Communities which can offer its citizens, outstanding public educations will always be considered the community of choice for skilled individuals and financially secure families to locate for these are people who understand the value of public education.

Any community with a population with these characteristics will tend to attract desirable companies, often with likewise community values. The emergence of these companies, in turn, make that community even more desirable for more of these same folks to reside. Decent salaries translates to better overall commerce and support for a wide variety of retail businesses, resulting in improving the diversity and quality of life for that community. As one can see, this becomes self-perpetuating, providing rising property values, excellent business climate, plentiful employment opportunities and an environment beneficial to all who support public education.

We have very capable school administrators in charge of our public school system and a cooperative city government to deal with the many school issues which need attention – much of which local citizens are not in a position to help. However, the difference between a good public school system and a great public school system are the parents. We can start making our public schools great by supporting our schools through organizations like Operation Roadmap and Teachers Aid Coalition, the many home & school clubs associated with our schools, along with backing those who champion public education.

TAC, a nonprofit organization in Morgan Hill, is still active today. Its volunteers would like to invite our community to its “Chocolate & Wine For Valentine” fundraiser which takes place on Feb. 11 at The Granary, 17500 Depot St. This event will feature local wineries, chocolate confectioners, restaurants and artisans. All funds raised will be used to help our teacher’s by purchasing and distributing necessary classroom supplies. Students’ education will be enriched not only by having the classroom necessities, but by having teachers who are even more motivated knowing there are parents who take an active role in their schools. Anyone in our community with $25 can attend this fundraiser to help elevate Morgan Hill’s public school system up another notch. More information about this event can be obtained by the event’s ticket sources at BookSmart, Tinker Toys and the offices of Drs. Don Nguyen and Jon Hatakeyama.

Details: (408) 779-7391 or [email protected].

Jon Y. Hatakeyama, DDS, is a third generation Morgan Hill resident whose years of community service  was recognized by the city of Morgan Hill and the Chamber of Commerce as Man of the Year in 2009.