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Letter: Measure C needed to maintain, not upgrade, schools

Though our children are in high school and college now, my husband and I maintain an avid interest in our K-8 schools.

We've been following the Measure C campaign and are endorsing it, yet we are struck by the difference between this measure to benefit local schools and those before it. In the past, we supported efforts to improve Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll and Hillview schools. Specifically, we passed taxes to fund smaller class sizes and technology upgrades, as well as dedicated science teachers and reading specialists to support the broad range of students enrolled in our public schools.

In 2010, there is no talk of improving our schools. Today's parents are fighting to preserve essential programs and valued teachers. Their school auctions and annual campaigns aren't raising nearly enough funds to offset the state budget cuts. These parents and other concerned residents have put Measure C before us in the hopes that if homeowners pay $178 annually for seven years, the district can stop distributing pink slips to bright young teachers and reverse plans to slash art, P.E., library and science programs.

We will vote Yes on Measure C to preserve the gains our schools have made and to help ensure that private schools aren't the only places where local kids can get a first-rate education. It is very gratifying to live in a community where residents can step in to take care of their own when state coffers are inadequate.

Kim Young and John Moragne, Santiago Avenue, Atherton