Palo Alto Daily News

Published May 14, 2005

Dear Editors,                                                                                                   

Certain truths are so often repeated that they become clichés. Yes, of course, our children are our future, education is essential, and without good teachers we might as well not have schools. It's easy to become inured to the truth of such statements when we hear them over and over again. It's easy to forget that many of us moved to Palo Alto for the wonderful schools, the dedicated teachers.

The teachers, likewise, moved here -- enduring high rents and/or long commutes -- to be part of a community that values education. This is a decision they may reconsider if Measure A fails. Already they earn somewhat less than their counterparts in comparable districts across the nation (including some that are close to home) and the future looks far from rosy. Our district has already lost $4.4 million over the past three years, while enrollment growth has added about $3 million in annual costs over the same time. If the measure fails, teachers will be laid off and class sizes will surge. To the extent we don't give teachers the best -- manageable class sizes and a good working environment -- we are doing our children, and ultimately ourselves, the worst kind of disservice.

Measure A will actually do more than retain small classes. It will also help safeguard elementary, middle and high school programs across the board. Let's not become merely another materialistic Silicon Valley enclave; let's remember what's truly important and leave a legacy of education.

Sincerely,

Liz Simons (former Daily News "School Matters" writer)
557 East Crescent Drive
Palo Alto, CA, 94301

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