Grandparent Voting `No'

I am a grandparent of a child in the PUSD, and I am going to vote "no" on Measure E, the Pleasanton parcel tax. Given the school district’s past accountability and the current state of the economy, any increase in property taxes is simply wrong.

I, for one, also believe that it is extremely unfair, if not unjust, for seniors to vote for a tax increase that they can avoid paying. This places a burden on young families, many of whom are struggling financially. The pro tax people are counting on seniors to win this election for them. I wonder just how many seniors understand that they will have to reapply every year for the exemption. If you forget to apply every year, you will pay the tax. They are counting on seniors forgetting. Check out the FACTS at www.pleasantonparceltaxinfo.com.

Please join me in rejecting this tax increase. Vote "no" on Measure E.

Dorene Paradiso-Carroll, Pleasanton

Conservative in Favor of Measure E

As a political conservative, I wince at the thought of increasing taxes. However, Measure E, the Pleasanton Unified School District local school funding measure, has caused me to reconsider.

Measure E, if passed in May, is a local source of funding that places money directly into classrooms. It will help attract and retain qualified teachers and provide funding to support core academic instruction that improves reading, science and math skills.  Libraries will remain open. The measure will minimize class size increases. Each parcel within the district will be assessed $98 per year for four years only.

My sons attended Pleasanton schools since kindergarten. The older son is now in college, the younger son a sophomore at Amador Valley High School . We have long appreciated the high caliber of teachers, quality of education and availability of counselors.

Unfortunately, the schools might not have the same level of excellence this fall. Severe cuts are proposed on the PUSD budget. Measure E is not a cure.  It can, though, help preserve a fraction of what we value in our schools.

During recessions, people make tough financial decisions. Measure E is a worthwhile investment for our children’s future.

Cathy Needham, Pleasanton

Measure E Keeps School Money in Pleasanton

Our school district faces a myriad of funding problems and passing Measure E won’t cure all of them, but it does ensure that the funds it raises will go directly to benefit the children of the PUSD, and not the bureaucrats in Sacramento.  No funds from this measure will go to increase salaries and benefits of PUSD employees. Also, there will be an independent oversight committee that will review the allocation of funds at a public forum.

 The funds raised by Measure E will help to minimize class size increases, keep school libraries open, and help to improve math, science and reading skills.  These much needed funds will ensure that our schools maintain their excellent level of standards and give our children every opportunity to maximize their talents.

 A "yes" vote on Measure E is an investment in our city that will pay dividends for years to come in terms of higher property values and a better educated workforce that will lead our city into the future.  Let’s not depend on the politicians in Sacramento — Vote "yes" on Measure E.

Scott and Erica McNerney, Pleasanton

Teacher Credibility is Questioned

Measure E goals are noble, but in reality credibility is lacking that Pleasanton teachers and staff can implement them.  

Let us just consider the first goal stated in the measure: Emphasize core academic instruction that improves math, science and reading skills. Teaching staff is generally not qualified to teach math and science and this is true throughout the U. S.

 The majority of teachers are overwhelmed when it comes to teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to students at all grade levels.  This is evidenced by the need to pay extra for “science specialists” in elementary schools.  Instead we should require that every classroom teacher be capable of teaching STEM.

The measure goes on to address accountability by creating an independent citizen committee to oversee and ensure the use of the funds for these purposes.  There are no metrics for this.  How will they know that money is being used to “improve math, science, etc. skills?  They won’t.

Then there's the "Quality of Pleasanton Schools."  What amazes me is that everybody ignores the quality of their children and the culture and upbringing that parents contribute, which in reality is responsible for the intelligence, capabilities and achievements of their kids.  

Frank Doljack, Pleasanton 

Vote `Yes' on Measure E

All property owners in Pleasanton should vote yes on Measure E.

 As a Realtor who does business in Pleasanton, I can tell you our high-quality schools are the primary reason why families consider moving to Pleasanton. Good schools improve demand on homes which in turn keeps property values up.

 As a mom, I can tell you that our schools have been devastated by the state’s $19.4 million in funding cuts.  Just two years ago, there were 20 kids in K-3 classes.  This year, there are 25 or in some cases, 26 children.  If Measure E fails, class sizes could reach 30 in K-3 classrooms next year, and all elementary age children may spend fewer hours in school.   

 Ask yourself: 1. How will larger classrooms and reduced instructional time impact our children's education?  2.  What does this mean to me/my property values?

 I only see negative answers to those questions.  That’s why I’m voting "yes" on Measure E.  I hope you do the same.

Annette Junell

For more information about the election,  including the official ballot arguments for and against the measure, click here. Letters should be emailed to kari@patch.com and will be published in the order they are received. We reserve the right to edit your submissions for style, grammar and length. The deadline for submissions is April 24. You must include your full name, city of residence and a daytime phone number in case we have questions.