Please join me to support Measure W. It will allow the continuation of many important programs in our schools, including second language classes. An education in foreign language is vital in preparing our children to succeed in the 21st century.

As a parent and principal of NewStar Chinese School, I have witnessed the growing demand for a bilingual workforce and enthusiasm of our children to learn about foreign cultures, and need to secure our schools' foreign language program.

California has an expanding commercial and culture exchange with China, one of our top-5 trade partners. China has the world’s fastest and largest economic growth, which will bring more business and employment to California, particularly occupations requiring bilingual ability.

Davis has a significant population of Chinese-Americans, and is actively engaged in cultural exchange with China (we have two Chinese sister cities). In NewStar Chinese School, over 170 students (coming from Chinese and non-Chinese speaking families) enroll in our current classes. In partnership with Davis school district and operated by parent volunteers, NewStar Chinese School teaches elementary Chinese language, history, art, and culture at Emerson Junior High campus Friday evenings. Our students also participate in community events such as UC Davis Picnic Day, Davis Heritage Day, and Yolo County Asian Pacific American Celebration, contributing to our cultural diversity.

The importance of teaching Chinese has long been recognized by the school district, shown by the offering of Chinese language classes in Davis Senior High.  Many of NewStar Chinese School's graduates also enroll in the High School's Chinese classes for further learning.  As California's trade with China grows, and more students become interested in Chinese, we need to expand and advance the Chinese class in our school district.  However, the crisis of the state's education funding has endangered the Chinese class and other important school programs.  Measure W will enable our school district to maintain these programs, and our children to have the best education in California.

To ensure the quality of our schools, and the competitive advantage of our children in tomorrow’s world, we must support Measure W.

Ning Wan