Dear Editor,
Measure E on the June ballot will provide much needed assistance for K-12 extracurricular activities in addition to its primary purpose of equipping our schools with up to date technology. Adequate hardware for student use, as well as improved networking, data tracking and parent accessible student progress information has a direct impact on student learning. Yet just as important to well rounded development are a wide variety of high quality extracurricular activities – they provide the teamwork, goal setting, performance stress, soul searching, interpersonal relationships, and character building opportunities that, despite a classroom teacher’s efforts, can most effectively be taught beyond the regular academic day.
Having been involved in high school athletics for 25 years, I have witnessed the persistent erosion of funding for activities that has increasingly discouraged student participation and long-term adult involvement. The focus of coaches, bandleaders and any special program directors has been shifted from instruction to fundraising – not only bypassing the best use and impact of their time, but also tipping the funding burden from the community as a whole to individual sponsors and private donations. Such funding is tenuous as it relies on individuals and business sponsors whose roster, charitable choice priorities and financial ability is constantly changing.
Measure E is the first time in a long time that our school district has acknowledged the importance of developing the whole student by seeking the resources needed to get the job done. With more than $8 million in annual cuts accumulating over the last five years, the lion’s share coming “away from the classroom” (meaning activities and services), Measure E seeks to reinstate only one-fifth of the reduced amount.
Our new superintendent, Dr. Alan Nishino, has been courageous to seek these funds on the heels of much turmoil and controversy in our local school district. Why would voters agree to taxes for a school district that was declared by the state to be negligent?
The community and our school board trustees have worked together to bring about much needed changes in leadership. Now is time to extend a measure of trust and some resources to give our new leadership a chance. To those who know him, Dr. Nishino is earning that trust; to those who don’t, less than $8 per month, that I, too, will be paying, limited to five years and carefully spent in the direct support of students is a cheap and safe way to observe his leadership and provide a chance to perform on his word.
I’m encouraged by our district’s new direction. I am relieved by the recognition of the vital role of arts, activities and athletics. I’m refreshed at the prospect of program relief on the horizon. I’m looking forward to the June election, not to mention the next football season. I’m voting for Measure E.
