Measure D is going to be in the upcoming Special Election. On May 19th, 2009 voters in MDUSD will vote on Measure D, a $99 school funding measure to provide the district with an estimated $7 million annually in reliable, local funding for students, teachers and quality education. This will be money the state cannot take away to fix its budget problems. The measure needs two-thirds voter approval. The board has voted on a priority list of items to be restored, starting with the most recent reductions including funding for high school sports, librarians, 4th grade music, VP’s, custodians, etc.

Seems like every block has a “YES ON D” lawn sign. Taxes are high enough and our favorite Governor Terminator has decided that increasing our taxes even more is absolutely needed to save the State. Does raising our taxes even more to put into a school system that has been sliding down hill for years make sense?

It seems like a raw deal but instead of just looking at the financial aspects of Measure D, what are the moral implications? Will the schools and therefor the students suffer as a result of no additional funds? I think so. In the not so distant past, a community took the responsibility of raising the the kids inside. Though that has been lost over the years, I still think we should do what we can to support our kids. Isn’t it up to us as a community to help our kids get the best education possible?

One local resident doesn’t seem to think so.

Contra Costa Libertarian has a blog where he lays out his thoughts against Measure D.

I’m all for kids getting a good education, and I’m voting no on D. Here’s a short synopsis why:

-Already paying almost $300 per year for the 2002 Mt. Diablo Bond on my property tax bill. Where’s that money?
-Grand Jury report has shown financial irresponsibility on part of MDUSD.
-Check out YVHS when school is out. How many kids do you see taking books home to study? 60%? More money won’t help that, only responsible parents.

Look at who pays if Measure D passes-
-Homeowner with no kids – $99
-Homeowner with 5 school kids – $99
-Apartment Building owner with 100 resident school kids – $99
-Homeowner who home schools their kids- $99
-59 year old retiree homeowner with no kids – $99

Rather than imposing a tax on everyone, why not charge a $50 enrollment fee per student? Wouldn’t that be more fair?

The opposition to Measure D seems to be isolated to splinter blogs and comments on any post in support of the Measure. The real opposition is from the lack of interest in the community to go out on May 19th and actually vote.

Measure D needs a large number of votes to pass. The Campaign Manager Rudy Ramirez explained to me on the phone that Measure D needs a 2/3 Yes vote to get through. That means that by not voting YES you are in effect voting NO.

I don’t have kids in the Mt Diablo system but I was raised here and will have children in the MDUSD someday. I have friends that have kids in these schools and they have been complaining about the lack of funds for years. I was floored to hear that parents had to pitch in just for teachers to have simple items like rulers and binder paper. I was ignorant to the issues. I am guilty of not caring since I wasn’t being directly effected by the situation.

The MDUSD has been dealing with some problems recently and mostly from internal sources namely Gary McHenry.The community has been very vocal about the problems in the Mt. Diablo district and over the past few months there have been many changes. Now the problems are coming from a State level and this is a bit more problematic. We can point fingers all day at our School Board and the lack of fiscal responsibility shown but those were issues we as a community have figured out. The lack of money for our schools is not the result of McHenry’s mismanagement, though he didnt help us out at all.

The Yes on Measure D campaign has the support of teachers, student and even regular people like me with nothing to gain.

How can you help?

First, VOTE on May 19th. That is the easiest thing you can do.

Campaign Manager Rudy Ramirez is looking for some civic minded people that can help the cause in small ways. Today there are events planned around Concord to support the Yes on Measure D cause.

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Location: Street Corners Listed Below
Phone: 925-202-3178
Email: rudy@protectourlocalschools.org

Contra Costa Blvd and Monument
Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa Blvd
Treat and Clayton Road
Ygnacio Valley Road and Oak Grove Road
Willow Pass Road and Bailey Road
Willow Pass Road and Salvio

They are also asking for people to help make calls to the community helping promote the cause and make sure people vote. You can see an entire list of events on the Yes on Measure D website.

If you have ANY questions about Measure D contact Rudy Ramirez. He will give you facts and explain Measure D to you in detail.

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