I want to extend a personal ‘thank you’ to our community for the trust and support placed in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. With 67 percent voter approval in Tuesday’s general election, Proposition E will allow the District to make substantial improvements to the educational environment at our neediest campuses. Prop. E’s margin of victory represents the highest level of support for a general obligation bond on the ballot in San Diego County. I am humbled by the voters’ overwhelming endorsement of our fiscally sensible plan for school modernization.
Prop. E will create a School Facilities Improvement District encompassing 31 of our 44 schools. Prop. E was supported by groups such as the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego County Democratic Party (South Region), and individual parent and community leaders. Grassroots support was tremendous. The community’s decision to invest in our students is an honor we hold dearly.
As a public institution, we weren’t allowed by law to advocate for how people should vote, but together with service organizations such as Rotary and Kiwanis we were able to share why Prop. E was of paramount importance to the students of the Chula Vista Elementary School District. It’s clear our message resonated.
Of equal importance, the Governor’s tax hike for schools, Proposition 30, was approved by 54% of California’s voters. For K-12 and community college districts, Prop 30’s passage provides some welcome stability. While this measure does not create new revenue for us this school year, it does decrease the depth of cuts, which would have adversely impacted daily instruction and support for our classrooms.
In CVESD, instead of having to make $14 million in cuts in the current fiscal year, our District will now only face a $4 million budget deficit. The District’s Budget Advisory Committee will start an inclusive budget deliberation process on December 6, 2012, so that we can plan for 2013-14.
We made a promise to our students that they will receive the best education possible. Your support at the polls has helped us keep faith with this, our next generation of leaders and decision-makers.
Escobedo is the Chula Vista Elementary School District superintendent.
