The Davis community generously supported the Davis schools last spring when the state's budget problems threatened to make the Davis Joint Unified School District cut basic educational programs. Individuals and businesses teamed up with the Davis Schools Foundation to raise $1.77 million to avoid massive teacher layoffs and program cuts. That was a very impressive community effort. But, it was for the 2008-09 school year only.

Every year cannot be faced in a crisis mode. The schools need more stable funding for these basic programs. It is Measure W. For $120 per year ($10 per month) we can avoid having to cut $2.4 million in education programs and classroom instructors for the 2009-10 school year. (See Measure W materials for the specifics. The measure touches most program areas.)

The economic times are uncertain now, but the best way to enable our children to have the best future possible is to provide a quality education for them now. There are more than 8,500 children in our school district. They are our future. Please join me in voting for Measure W to invest in their education.

Marilyn Mansfield
Retired Davis High School principal, Davis