Our schools are the best in the state.

This year, for the fourth year in a row, Los Altos School District students received the highest academic test scores in California. This outstanding educational program is in jeopardy. Every year the district, like every other district in California, struggles to supplement inadequate state funding with other sources to provide students with a basic educational program.

Even with frugal management of district finances, the gap between State funding and program costs increases annually due to inflation, competition for qualified teachers, and operating expenses such as rising energy costs That's why the independent Citizen's Advisory Committee for Finance, which provides accountability for parcel tax expenditures, recommended the district adjust the existing parcel tax to bridge the gap between shrinking revenues and escalating costs--just to keep the current level of program in place.

Without the predictable, stable source of funds from the parcel tax, the district will have to make severe cuts affecting the quality of the educational program currently offered to students. Class size would rise above 30, libraries would close, students would share textbooks, good teachers would leave, and our small neighborhood schools would be threatened with consolidation. Until state funding problems are resolved, locally controlled parcel tax funds are crucial in helping the district maintain a solid educational program.

Measure A provides a shield against financial disaster and ensures students receive an excellent education. Understanding school financing is difficult. Understanding the importance of quality schools in a vibrant community is not. Excellent schools make this a desirable place to live and preserve high property values. Measure A is a good investment for our community and for our children's future. We can't afford to let the quality of our schools go down. Vote YES to Keep Los Altos Schools Strong.