There are thousands of reasons to vote yes on Measure W, more than 8,000, in fact, and every day each one of them marches off to the classroom to learn how to create the future.

One reason some may consider a no vote, however, may be concern over where the money will go. Well, it will go straight into those classrooms to work for the kids by preserving science, math, English, social sciences, music, foreign language, P.E., drama and other programs. We know this because, as members of the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee, we've seen the spreadsheets that show where every dollar from last year's Measure Q is spent. Though Measure W will fund different programs, our committee, which is made up of community volunteers, will also be charged with overseeing Measure W collections and expenditures.

Of the Measure Q expenditures, 93% go to pay teachers, counselors, library aides, nurses, psychologists, and technology specialists, all educational professionals that are boots on the ground inside our classrooms. Most of the other 7% goes for classroom supplies, staff training, and local fresh produce for lunchrooms. Less than 1% goes for administration, and that’s to pay for the cost of collecting the tax.

But don't take our word for it. The data are public record available for your own oversight from the school district office. Meetings of the oversight committee are public meetings, the agenda posted in advance in accordance with the Brown Act. This deal is as transparent as a newly cleaned plate glass window.

Vote yes on W. You invest, we'll oversee, the kids will grow, and the entire community benefits.

J.D. Denton, Trina McMorrow, Leslie Hunter, Mona McCord, Anna Ferrera

While the above are members of the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee the letter does not speak for the committee