Why I Support Measure A

Editor's Note: The Arcadia Unified School District board of education is asking voters to approve a parcel tax of $228 per parcel annually for five years called Measure A. Exemptions will be made for seniors and social security recipients.The ballot initiative closes March 13.

By: Mary Dougherty

Over the last five years the has cut $17 million from its budget, and if this measure isn’t passed it faces the potential of cutting another $4 million. The District has kept the cuts as far away from the classroom as possible, thus trying to reduce the impact on the students. During the 16 years I served on the AUSD Board of Education we always made the students and their education our highest priority, and I’m proud to say that philosophy has continued.
 
With , none of the money can be spent on administrators’ salaries or benefits; it can ONLY be spent on teachers and the school program. There will be an oversight committee established by the Board of Education to ensure that the proceeds of the tax are spent according to the purposes stated in Measure A.
 
You might ask how the District has been able to build the and renovate the schools, and still has to layoff teachers or have furlough days. The answer is simple. We, the voters, passed a $215 million bond issue to allow this construction. The bond money CANNOT BE USED for salaries or for ANY purpose other than for those purposes stated in the bond measure when it was submitted to the voters. A Bond Oversight Committee is charged with seeing that the monies are spent according to the plan that was approved by the voters.
 
Most of us moved to Arcadia because we wanted excellent schools for our children. Business needs an educated workforce to grow our economy. The desirability and value of our homes is tied to the educational value presented by our schools. Thus, I believe that we must continue to support our local schools.
 
I believe that Measure A is an investment in the future of the children, an investment in economic growth, and an investment in our property values.

Guest columnist Mary Dougherty is a City Council candidate and former Arcadia Unified School District board member. She currently serves as the president of the Santa Anita Oaks Homeowners' Association.