Support school parcel tax

The Oak Park Unified School District has done a superb job educating local students. Student achievement is the highest in Ventura County and among the best statewide. All Oak Park schools are in the top 10 percent of the state's Academic Performance Index. Oak Park schools have received numerous National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School honors.

Residents without children in Oak Park schools also benefit from excellent local public schools. Great schools develop good future citizens, maintain high property values, keep our neighborhoods safe, and preserve Oak Park's unique community character. Senior homeowners 65 and older are eligible for exemption.

Oak Park students' success could not have been achieved without community support.

In 2004, when the state slashed education funding, Oak Park voters approved local school funding that spared Oak Park students from damaging cuts seen in other school districts. This local funding will expire next year, forcing substantial cuts in Oak Park schools, unless Measure C is passed.

Measure C simply renews existing school funding at the same rate that Oak Park voters approved in 2004. It does not raise taxes. If Measure C fails, Oak Park schools and the community will suffer.

Measure C funds will assist in:

•Keeping experienced and qualified teachers

•Preserving essential programs, including high-level math, science, English and art and music.

•Protecting highquality education and enhanced instruction

•Keeping class sizes as small as possible

An independent citizens' oversight committee will review and audit all spending. No funds can be taken by the state or spent on administrative salaries.

Oak Park Citizens for Excellent Schools is the grassroots committee comprised of parents and community members who are volunteering their time to support Measure C. We will be walking door to door and calling members of the Oak Park community to encourage support and voter participation leading to passage of Measure C on June 3, 2008. For information on how to volunteer or contribute please go to www.oakparkmeasureC.com.

Please support Oak Park's tremendous schools and extraordinary community. Please vote yes on Measure C, which is endorsed by 34 local organizations including the local Chamber of Commerce and the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs Association.

Jay Kapitz, chair

Barbara Schwartz, vice-chair

Oak Park Citizens for Excellent Schools- Yes on Measure C Committee