I have always wondered why the school district did not simply sell its surplus assets like the Grande Avenue property to avoid laying off teachers and other employees.  At a Measure W informational coffee I got my answer.  It is not permitted by state law.   The district has two major funds.  One fund is for facilities and can only be used for things to do with buildings and property.  The other is general fund revenue that is used for programs for students, teacher salaries, textbooks, and things to do with the daily operation of the schools.   The money that will come from the sale of district-owned property may be used for maintaining or renovating facilities, but it cannot be used to keep the current programs and talented teachers in place.  These are at risk due to a shortfall in state dollars in the general operating fund.  Measure W is needed to close the funding gap and save those teachers' jobs for the next three years.  Please join me in voting "Yes" on Measure W for our students, our schools, and our community.
 
Marjorie Dolcini