Last year, over a 100 pink slips were issued to local school employees.  At least 27 district employees will lose their jobs next year if we do not pass Measure W.  The days of solving deficits by cutting excess spending are gone.  In this economy, cutting jobs will hurt our community, families and children.    

I ran into my son’s Harper science teacher recently.  We talked about how the  secondary science program will be impacted if we lose credentialed elementary science teachers.  I also spoke with an outstanding Holmes math teacher.  I worry she may retire early if her class size almost doubles.  

Years ago, my son and I were celebrating the last day of school.  We met a woman who suggested music lessons to help with his math comprehension.  She was a Davis High math teacher.  The connection between music and math skills is now well-known.  Our science, math and music programs will be decimated unless Measure W is approved. 

My son’s lessons in elementary and junior high were enhanced with the books and computer programs overseen by school librarians.  Without Measure W, many highly trained librarians will be lost.    

The experienced teachers, music and library programs, smaller class sizes, and the variety of foreign language and other elective course offerings are the core foundation of our renown educational program.  Measure W is a temporary tax to help us survive this recession.

My son attends Da Vinci High, which relies on his prior computer and research training.  Last year, roughly 70% of the Da Vinci and Montessori teachers received pink slips because they have less tenure.  It takes additional training and special credentials to teach these programs.  These teachers may again face job losses.  While no one teacher is irreplaceable, the cumulative effect of losing so many teachers and eliminating programs and courses is staggering.  

School employees are our neighbors.  Budget cuts will impact our schools and local employment, affecting our property values and Davis businesses.  Please don’t starve our educational system. Vote Yes on Measure W.         

Sheryl Patterson