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VIEW POINT/CITY NEWS

YES on Measure A

June 2007

In 2003, Emeryville voters signaled their support for the Emery schools by overwhelmingly passing Measure A, a 10 cents per square foot parcel tax paid for by residents and commercial buildings alike. Measure A passed with almost 78% of the vote, far above the two-thirds required for a special tax.

The residents’ faith in the schools has paid off. The last few years have seen remarkable progress in Emery: increased test scores, higher enrollment, reduced dropout rates, enhanced programming. The results are measurable and in some cases dramatic: 83% of the District’s Class of 2006 passed the math portion of the State’s high school exit exam. The Similar Schools State Academic Performance Index ranking for Anna Yates Elementary School jumped two points – from a 3 to a 5, on a scale of 1 – 10, where 1 is the worst and 10 is the best. In 2005 Emery was designated an “Arts Learning Anchor District” by the Alameda County Office of Education. The schools’ library collections have been expanded and diversified.

Under the visionary leadership of EUSD Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith and the Emery School Board of Trustees, funds raised by Measure A – approximately $1.5 million annually – are spent directly on programs that benefit students: art, music, and enhanced library resources are just some of the programs that been revitalized due to Measure A. District morale has been restored, and Emery has been recognized by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell as one of the most improved small school districts in California.

Yet with all of the good news, much more work lies ahead. That is why we support the renewal of Measure A on the June 5 ballot.

Measure A on the June 5th ballot will renew the parcel tax for 10 years. It also increases the tax rate from 10 cents to 15 cents a square foot. Measure A deserves to be renewed. The District has demonstrated that not only is the money needed, but that it is prepared to administer and spend Measure A funds wisely and productively. None goes to administrative overhead or “bureaucracy.”

Measure A represents more than increased financial resources for our schools. It signals Emeryville’s willingness to band together as a community to support one of our most important civic institutions. The entire Emeryville community – residents, the City government, businesses, and the local Rotary Club, among others – have all rallied to the schools’ cause. And although commercial properties pay approximately 80% of the Measure A assessments, the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted – unanimously – to endorse the reauthorization of Measure A. The Emeryville City Council, EUSD Board of Trustees and Representative Barbara Lee all support Measure A.

Emery’s new slogan is: Where partners power student success. That slogan captures the essence of what Measure A is all about: community partners investing in the academic success of the next generations. Let’s keep the Emery schools moving in the right direction. Vote yes on Measure A on June 5th.