The Quality of Our Local Public Schools is at Stake
February 5
Vote Yes on Measure R
The SMRR Steering Committee recently voted to endorse The Santa Monica-Malibu Schools Quality Education Funding Renewal Measure which is designated as Measure R. Measure R, which will protect important education programs and maintain the quality of our local public schools, will be on the February 5, 2008 ballot, the same ballot as the presidential primaries.
The Santa Monica-Malibu Board of Education placed Measure R on the February 5 ballot because it must renew the local funding measures already approved by voters that are due to expire soon. This local funding is critically necessary to attract and retain highly qualified teachers, maintain reduced class size, protect academic achievement in math, science, technology, arts, music and reading programs, maintain school nurses, counselors and technology support, and sustain school libraries. None of the funds raised with Measure R can be used for administrator salaries.
Why do Santa Monica and Malibu Schools need this local funding? They need it because the State of California simply does not provide enough funding for the high-quality schools our students deserve and our community expects. Our schools have been inadequately and unpredictably funded by the State for many years. Per-pupil spending in California schools is a disgrace and ranks with states like Utah and Mississippi. California has the second highest ratio of students per teacher in the nation.
The SMRR Steering Committee supports Measure R because we are strongly committed to our public schools and our teachers and support staffs. Thanks to local funding supported by SMRR and approved by local voters over the years, Santa Monica-Malibu schools enjoy high quality education and student achievement.
Measure R will renew and replace local funding. Measure R will not increase the present assessments for Measure “Y,” approved in 2000, and Measure “S,” approved in 2004; it combines them.
Measure R will allow our schools to:
- Retain excellent teachers.
- Support reading and literacy instruction.
- Protect smaller class sizes (20 students instead of 30 in Grades K-3).
- Continue programs to improve student skills in math.
- Preserve science and technology instruction.
- Support elementary school libraries.
- Keep music and art in our schools.
- Support other vital programs
Measure R includes strict taxpayer accountability provisions and audits by an independent Citizens Financial Oversight Committee.
Measure R requires a 2/3 majority of Santa Monica and Malibu voters to pass so every vote is crucial to its passage.
SMRR is part of a strong coalition that supports Measure R. Along with SMRR, the Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs, the Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association, SEIU Local 99, and The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica have endorsed Measure R.
As the SMRR platform states: “A well-educated community is in the best interests of all Santa Monicans.”
If you have questions or would like to help advocate for Measure R, please contact the Campaign Committee Chair, Shari Davis at (310) 395-4483, Shariceps@aol.com.