Oak Park school bonds draw pros and cons

Oak Park schools are in need of repairs and significant modernization.

As a teacher in this district, I see the numerous repairs our schools seek from this bond initiative, from repairing leaky roofs, updating antiquated science, art and computer labs to making the schools earthquake safe along with installing modern fire alarms. Our students and our community deserve updated and safe facilities that are worthy of the 21st century.

Our public schools depend on financial support from local, state and federal funding. Unlike in the private sector, if our public schools need money we cannot merely "raise tuition."

I strongly urge you to vote yes on B6 and C6 on June 6. Victor Anderson Oak Park

As a businessman, I don't cast a vote without doing my homework. I checked out Measures B6 and C6. If you are having any doubts about the plan to repair and renovate our local schools, consider this.

All of the money raised by these measures will be spent locally in Oak Park to benefit our schools. The money can't be taken away by other school districts or politicians in Sacramento or anywhere else. And independent citizens' oversight committee and independent annual audits are mandatory to ensure funds are spent as promised. No funds can be used for administrator salaries.

Measures B6 and C6 are a smart plan to renovate our schools so they are ready for the next generation of Oak Park students. Wayne Blasman Agoura Hills

I regards to Measures B6 and C7, I would like to raise some concerns. The Facilities Master Plan Summary created by Fields and Devereaux Architects and Engineers outlines their findings and recommendation for OPUSD schools and administration sites.

On page 118 there is an artist's rendering of the proposed upgrades to the 5701 E. Conifer Site. Their plan is to incorporate the Continuation High School, Independent Study High School, nursery school, administration offices and a day-care center.

I find this mix of students and young children disturbing.

Our district wants to build a new assembly room for education and community needs. What is

I am looking at the recent article in The Acorn about the wonderful parents who got a donation and helped spruce up Oak Park High School. They are even putting in a small park and picnic area. Then I read the editorial letters encouraging Oak Park residents to approve the spending of even more money to fix up the schools.

If the students aren't learning, it is not because of the buildings. Did I see somewhere that much of the bond measure B6/C6 funds will go to build administrative buildings for pupil services? Does this remind anyone about how funds to help the students learn through building betterment were hijacked at Brookside for the principal's administrative offices?

No teacher will leave the district because they aren't making enough money. No house will lose its value because there is a leak at the school. It is with all those horrible things that our schools continue to obtain awards, property values skyrocket and Oak Park continues to receive the glowing praise for academics and campus wrong with our existing Oak Park Community Center? I don't think it is my responsibility to fund a day-care center.

Also, state funds will only be used to replace, add casework and cabinetry at the district site. Everything else will be paid for by district and deferred maintenance funds.

Is this the same company that recently planned/built our pavilion and cafeteria at the high school, and it already needs $2 million in upgrades? If so, why did we hire them again?

I am voting no on B6 and C6. Joni Bushman Oak Park beauty from OPUSD administration.

Everything is fine. It is a secret ballot. Look at your tax bill before you go in the booth. Spend that money on your own home. Vote no on C6/B5 this year. I am sure they will be happy to take our money next year or the year after. Debra Herschman Oak Park

Regarding Measures B6 and C6 facing Oak Park voters, its is especially important we remember that our elected school board members are volunteers, they are human, that each one has the very best interest of every child at heart and that (board members), too, are property owners.If you want to have a say in how the money is spent, assuming the measures pass, then take the time to go to the school board meetings-they are open to all.

Don't just come when you have a special issue you want discussed and then leave without even staying for the whole meeting.

If you are one who is against funding our schools in this way and the measures don't pass because of you, then it is even more important that you attend the meetings to offer your support and ideas. They will be needed more than ever. John and Debbie Verity Oak Park

Everyone with an eye to our future supports our schools. But even if you accept the assumption

that young buildings need major, expensive updates, how in the world can such maintenance, modernization and "security" cost more than $100 million? We could almost build our schools from scratch for that amount, and we've got some of the youngest school buildings in California.

Do you know how many students are in all the kindergartens in Oak Park schools this year combined? Barely 200.

The truth is that Oak Park homes are priced beyond the range of most young families and experts predict our enrollment to continue to decline. We may need to close down a school rather than mortgage millions of dollars to add high-tech gadgetry.

Vote no on B6 and C6 and ask the district to come back with a price

We need your help to ensure our Oak Park classrooms are safe and up-to-date for our children. Measures B6 and C6 will allow our Oak Park schools to qualify for over $9 million in state funding tag and a plan that makes sense. Barbara Bronson Gray Oak Park that will otherwise go to other school districts. The parent-teacher group at every Oak Park School has endorsed Measures B6 and C6.

I'm encouraging you to make our local schools safe for our kids. Please vote yes on B6 and C6. Natalie Friedman Oak Park