April 26, 2010
Dear Northgate Community,
As you know, the State of California is continuing to cut funding to public education. And, while I urge you to continue to write, call, and visit your legislators to demand they be held accountable for jeopardizing our children’s future, there is something you can do locally to make a difference.
On the June ballot, there is a new bond. Measure C will make a strong investment towards our children’s future at your school. The measure will add instructional technology, upgrade labs, improve facilities for career and technical education to prepare students for tomorrow’s job market and provide safe places for after-school activities like athletics and fine arts. Measure C will fix leaky roof and windows so our children can focus on learning. It will also improve energy efficiency through solar technology and other upgrades that will attract state incentive funds and cut costly utility bills by more than half – creating millions in vital savings, which will help minimize teacher layoffs and protect academic programs.
I am in agreement with many in our community that we need a parcel tax, and I have confidence that we can eventually get one passed. However, right now, the 67% threshold does not seem attainable. But, a bond needs 55%. This bond will allow our sites to make some critical improvements which will help reduce on-going expenses and free up more general fund money to go back into the classrooms.
To get this bond passed, we need your help. Here is what you can do for Northgate and our larger school community:
- Go to www.protectourlocalschools.org to learn about the details
- Please endorse the bond
- Donate to the campaign
- Sign up to phone bank or walk the neighborhood
- Talk to friends and neighbors and urge them to vote yes
- Go to MDUSD's designated project webpage to see the specific projects targeted for Northgate
- Vote. Make sure your neighbors vote.
- Read the endorsement by the Walnut Creek City Council: www.ContraCostaTimes.com
- Ask questions
- Talk to your children about it, so they are informed and knowledgeable future voters (and register those new 18 year olds!)
I am continually impressed how this community rallies together for our school. I hope we use that same Bronco spirit to pass Measure C.
The PFC did not hit our budget for the Education Fund yet. We rely on this money to help open up additional class sections, so our students have more choices and smaller classes. We have committed to paying for ten sections, and potentially more if we can reach our goal. We are currently about $40,000 short of our protected budget.
Thank you for all you do for Northgate.
“The Future depends on what we do in the present.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Go Broncos!
Best regards,
Monica Fitzgerald
PFC President