I saw a sign the other day, “Vote no on EE and save our schools,” that recalled Orwell’s twisted book, “1984,” in which the government dubbed its War Department the Peace Department. The reality is that a yes vote on EE saves our schools, while a no vote destroys our schools. The state is cutting at least $5 million this year from the district’s budget, due to the state’s fiscal crisis. EE funds will make up for that loss and will also provide funds to continue the exemplary new programs our dynamic superintendent is implementing to assure extraordinary achievement for all students.
An EE yes vote produces smaller class sizes in more grades, a further reduction in permit students from outside the district, better and more arts, athletics, music, technology, library, and pre-school programs, more teacher training, more and better academic programs, and increased campus security.
A no vote means that the following (and more) will be eliminated: nurses, security, counselors, librarians, AP courses, arts, PE and music programs (except for bare bones remains at the high school). Due to lack of funds, there will be increases in class size from 20:1 to 33:1 (higher than that in the middle and high schools) and an increased reliance on out-of-district permit students.
If a citizen votes no on EE, because he doesn’t want a tax, so be it. But please don’t assert that a no vote saves anyone, especially children. If this measure fails, it will decimate our schools for many years to come.
I’ve been speaking on behalf of EE all over Malibu. I’ve found great support for EE, not only among parents with children in the schools, but among senior citizens as well. Seniors passionately affirmed that public schools are the institutions that make us who we are, as individuals and as a whole society, now and for the future. That is why, they told me, Malibuites have overwhelmingly approved every single parcel tax in our history. I am proud and deeply grateful that my hometown folk invest in and cherish our children.
The EE parcel tax amount, $300 per parcel per year for 12 years, is on the low end of the spectrum in California districts levying such taxes. Even with past parcel measures, our students struggle about $1,000 per student below the national average. This is because the state’s spending per student is so low (it hovers around 38th in the nation) that we have a giant gap to fill between the quality of education the state provides and the quality we locals expect.
Our school district is a capable steward of our hard-earned dollars. Its most recent audit reported no negative findings, i.e., it received a clean bill of health. Local schools are nationally distinguished. Our recent test scores are among the highest in the state. Additionally, EE mandates a separate budget for its monies and an annual public audit, all supervised by a citizen’s oversight committee. Local control of tax dollars insures the money is prudently invested in our local education priorities.
It costs less in heartache and dollars to raise our children right the first time. These children will grow up to be our plumbers, doctors, computer technicians, city planners, teachers. They can do their jobs ethically and well, if we show them the way. As a parent, I have the primary responsibility for my children. Yet, I need the help of my friends and neighbors. I respectfully ask everyone to join me in voting yes on EE, to carry on the Malibu tradition of which we should all be proud, a tradition of saying yes to children, schools and our shared future.
Deirdre Roney