A yes vote on Measure W supports our children and our community. I've been a teacher for more than 30 years. I often meet students I had in first grade at West Davis Elementary (now Chavez) with children of their own in Davis schools.

My own children and grandchildren have had the good fortune of attending our excellent Davis schools. Over the years, I've asked that parents support their children by reading to them, talking to them and spending time in the classroom. Now I'm asking everyone to support all of our Davis children by voting yes on Measure W. Your vote is absolutely critical to the continuation of our quality educational program and the retention of so many of our excellent Davis teachers.

Without local dollars from Measure W, without this investment in our own schools to fund what the state will not, our schools will face devastating cuts. Our schools will not be what they are now. Now we have some of the top schools in the state, some of the most prepared graduates, and some of the best educated young citizens with skills in math, science, music, writing and athletics.

Our students need your yes vote. Please join me in voting yes on W. Let's save our schools and support our children.

Mary Surkala