Oak Park schools need Measure C

Friends of Oak Park Schools, an education foundation would like to urge the voters of Oak Park to vote yes on Measure C which is the continuation of the parcel tax passed four years ago.

This tax represents $197 per year which is equivalent to $16.42 per month per household (parcel).

This measure will help supplement the funds that the Oak Park Unified School District receives from the State of California. California is ranked 46th in terms of per pupil funding.

In spite of this lack of funds, the children of Oak Park enjoy the benefits of National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished Schools.

Ninety-seven percent of the graduating seniors have moved on to a two or four year college. How could anyone live in the community of Oak Park and not be proud of our district's accomplishments.

Oak Park is a community that is defined by the priorities of its residents. This includes open space, volunteerism and quality education.

Friends of Oak Park Schools' board members feel that we (all) have an obligation to leave a district that we are so proud of, stronger and less financially burdened than the one that our children currently enjoy.

In addition, Oak Park is blessed to have a group of dedicated parents on the various schools parent teacher organizations who work tirelessly to assist their respective schools with budgeting issues. But, once in a while we need the community's help in continuing the district's ability to fund the teachers that provide high quality programs to our students. This is one of those times.

We ask for the community's support by voting Yes on Measure C on June 3.

Barry Myerson

Oak Park

Myerson is chairperson of the Friends of Oak Park Schools