Measure G provides crucial funding for high schools
East Side Union High School District provides an outstanding and continually improving education to local high school students. Dedicated teachers and rigorous academic programs provide a strong foundation for success in college and future careers.
Student achievement is on the rise. Graduation rates are improving and are now above state and county averages. Today more than four out of five of our graduates go to college. Last year, more than 1,200 graduates went straight to San Jose State University. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college.
The district has built trust among our community through transparent procedures and policies. Our operational financial audits over the last four years and our bond construction audits for six years have been clean with no findings.
We strive to provide an excel- lent education for students, yet funding for our schools is inadequate. We need to protect and improve science and core academic programs, keep qualified teachers in the classroom and continue preparing students for college and careers.
State funding for schools cre- ates “haves” and “have-nots”; Districts from wealthier parts of Santa Clara County with skyhigh property values receive upwards of $21,000 per student. Districts such as East Side Union High School District receive $10,500 per student. Our districts needs a sustainable source of lo- cally-controlled funding to give our kids a chance to compete in today’s global economy. That’s what Measure G will do.
East Side students deserve the same opportunities as other students to learn the necessary skills for success in Silicon Valley. Measure G guarantees locally controlled funding needed to protect 21st century science, technology, engineering, math, reading, and writing instruction in our local East Side high schools: Andrew Hill, Evergreen, Independence, James Lick, Mt. Pleasant, Oak Grove, Piedmont Hills, Santa Teresa, Silver Creek, Overfelt, Yerba Buena, Foothill, Calero and our charter high schools.
Measure G also will allow us to attract and retain high quality teachers, counselors and staff. It will protect and enhance hands-on science programs, protect arts and music and keep school libraries open. It is vital tomaintain counseling services to assist students with academic planning for college and careers.
All funds would be controlled locally, go to our local schools and could not be taken away by the state. Measure G requires independent citizens’ oversight and audits to ensure that the money is spent as promised. By law, none of the funds can be used for administrators’ salaries. Senior citizens, many of whom live on fixed incomes, would be eligible for an exemption from the measure.
East Side high schools need local funding that cannot be taken by the state. Measure G will provide it.
Vote “yes” on Measure G to protect core academic programs such as computer science, biology, biotechnology, physics, web technology design, robotics and keep qualified teachers in the classroom. East Side high school students are counting on your “yes” vote.