Argument For Measure U

VOTE YES on Measure U to maintain the quality of education in Santa Cruz K-8 schools – Bay View, DeLaveaga, Gault, Monarch and Westlake Elementary Schools, and Branciforte and Mission Hill Middle Schools. Nothing is more important than helping our children prepare for success in high school, college, careers and life.

The State of California’s education funding formula is under-funding Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS).   Thankfully, our community has stepped in to fill the gap, repeatedly approving local parcel taxes that fund exceptional teachers, small class sizes, challenging instructional programs, outstanding science, art and music curricula, and essential student-support services.

Your YES VOTE on U authorizes three things to continue these protections:  1)  renewal of existing locally-controlled funding for instructional enrichment and student-support services;  2) simplifying by combining two existing parcel taxes into one stable funding source; and 3) adding a small increase, just $18 a year ($1.50 per month), to maintain essential elementary and middle school programs.  That’s a small price to protect the quality of education in SCCS schools.

Measure U will:

  • Attract and retain highly qualified teachers
  • Protect small class sizes
  • Maintain instructional programs in science, music and the arts
  • Provide library and counseling services
  • Support programs that help students at risk of falling behind or dropping out.

Senior citizens will continue to be eligible for an exemption.

REQUIRED TAXPAYER SAFEGUARDS: 

  • ALL funds STAY LOCAL for Santa Cruz K-8 schools.
  • NO funds are allowed for administrators' salaries.
  • Independent Citizens' Oversight and mandatory audits ensure proper spending.
  • These funds cannot be taken by the State or used for other purposes.

Stand with parents, teachers, local business and civic leaders and residents across Santa Cruz who know that good schools are the foundation of a healthy, thriving community.

Please – for our children and our community - VOTE YES on U.

www.friendsofsantacruzcityschools.com

Fred Keeley
Former State Assembly Member/County Supervisor/County Treasurer

Shiri Gradek
DeLaVega Elementary School Parent & Civic Leader

Hilary Bryant
Former Santa Cruz Mayor & SCCS Parent

Amariah Hernandez
19 year Educator, Gault Elementary Principal, Parent & Life-Long Resident

Ryan Coonerty
Santa Cruz County Supervisor & SCCS Alum