As a parent of a DHS senior and a sophomore, I have seen the benefits of the current Davis public education and I urge you all to vote yes on W to protect it. My children have benefitted from elementary and junior high school librarians, from an elementary science program, from the elementary music program, from coaches in the secondary program, from class size reduction in 9^th grade math and English and 10^th grade English, and from having enough teachers at the high school so that almost everyone can take the classes they request. These are the programs which were on the cut list last spring, which Measure W would provide the stable funding to protect.

It is a sad, cold time to contemplate these fundamental programs disappearing. It is disheartening that these programs aren't supported in every district in the state and the nation. But we can make a statement here in Davis , that we believe in quality public education and that we are all willing to pay a little more so that all children in our district can benefit. It is very little: for homeowners, it’s $10 per month and for apartments it’s less than $5 per month.

This school board and all prior boards in Davis have been vigilant to comply with the prior program parcel tax, and deliver the services as promised. Frankly, I think they are relieved when good programs are off the table and non-negotiable. As a long-time site council member of various schools in Davis , I have seen the protected programs stay, even as other programs wax and wane with the state budget.

So don't leave it to the state, don't leave it to bake sales, and don't leave it to yearly negotiations. Lock in the quality programs that make Davis public school great for all students. I'll be voting for W to provide the benefits of a high quality of education to the young students who are following my children. Please join me and Vote for W in November.

Susan Hulsizer