Joining the steadily expanding list of organizations endorsing the Parcel Tax on the Nov. 3 ballot, Measure EE, City Council on Monday voted unanimously to endorse the proposal designed to bring in approximately $1.2 million annual to Culver City schools.
With a contingent of School District officials in the audience supporting them, Yes On EE co-chairs Madeline Ehrlich and Scott Zeidman spoke on behalf of the measure.
Ms. Ehrlich, a 34-year resident, parent, and former School Board member, told the Council that property values and the health of the community are related, in part, to the good quality of Culver City’s educational system, police and fire departments.
She went on to explain that the passage of Measure EE was imperative not only for maintaining the excellence of Culver City’s schools, but also to help protect property values.
Mr. Zeidman, speaking as a parent, 37-year Culver City resident, and a graduate of the Culver City school system, said that he had received a spectacular education from Culver City schools (Farragut Elementary School, Culver City Junior High School, Culver City High School). He said this education formed the foundation for his success in college, law school, and thereafter.
“When I attended Culver City High School,” Mr. Zeidman said, “California was the 21st best funded state for education. In 2006, California ranked 47th in funding education when accounting for Cost-of-living adjustment. Now after the draconian cuts of the past two years, California ranks somewhere between 48th and 50th in education funding. We are only that high because there are just 50 states.”
Mr. Zeidman said the budget cuts over the past two years have cost the School District more than $6 million from a budget of just over $50 million.
With an estimated $3 million more in cuts anticipated, Mr. Zeidman urged the City Council to endorse Measure EE.
In what the Council members described as their easiest decision to date, Vice Mayor Christopher Armenta’s motion passed unanimously, with all five members praising Measure EE.
Here is a letter on the same subject:
Why a Community Thrives
By Crystal Alexander
The quality of Culver City public schools was one of the major reasons we bought a home here in 1986. We know there are many families like ours who move here for the schools, both because they want the best education for our kids and because they know that one of the hallmarks of a thriving community is the quality of its public schools.
Our confidence in the school system is demonstrated by the fact our son is now a senior at Culver City High School. He thrived in the language immersion program at El Marino, and the breadth of Advanced Placement courses he has been able to take at the high school have challenged him and prepared him well for college.
These are scary economic times for many of us, but especially for our School District, which has been getting less and less money from the state each year and struggling not to cut its offerings. Just this past year we nearly lost my son’s guidance counselor to budget cuts. Imagine being a senior and applying to numerous colleges with a guidance counselor who knows nothing about you or your dreams.
We came close to losing the Advanced Placement Chemistry class, too. Classes like that are vital for Culver City's best and brightest to be competitive in applying to the top colleges in this country. We need the reliable support of a parcel tax to help our schools maintain quality programs during these difficult times.
Even if you don't have a child in the public schools, think of families like ours and know that your property values are enhanced when prospective homeowners know that the greater community supports its schools. Real estate agents make note of it. You should, too.
Invest in both the future quality of life in Culver City, and in the educational excellence of our youth. Vote yes on measure EE on November 3.
Crystal Alexander, former City Treasurer
Kenneth Alexander, USC Professor of Mathematics
Glenn Alexander, CCHS Class of 2010
We urge you to support Measure EE.
