To the Editor:
The Soledad Unified School District has placed Measure E on the November ballot. Measure E will provide the funds to help the school district repair, renovate and replace school facilities.
Two of our schools are very old: San Vicente Elementary School is 71 years old and Gabilan Elementary is in its 40s. Hopefully, State Proposition 2 passes, as well as Measure E, and then the school district could be eligible for state matching funds, thereby increasing the funding available for the completion of more projects.
These projects would involve career, technical and vocational education improvements, enhancing and expanding science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics labs, improving safety, critical infrastructure repair, ensuring accessibility for all, and modernizing classrooms and facilities. For example, San Vicente’s multipurpose is used for many functions and it has no air conditioning and Gabilan needs major kitchen improvements. Many of our schools are now 20 years old and things are starting to break or are worn out and need replacing.
This funding can’t be spent on administrators or teacher’s salaries, it can’t be taken by the State of California, and there will be a yearly audit and an independent citizen oversight committee. Funding similar to this helped to build Soledad High School and Main Street Middle School.
Our students are the future and need, and deserve, the best education that we can provide for them and Measure E will help make that possible. Please vote yes on Measure E and support our schools.
Christopher K. Bourke
Vice President, SUSD Board of Trustees
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