No on Measure L-Part 1 of 2

With the election barreling down to the finish line, I thought it was time to set the record straight on why Measure L needs to be defeated. We've already read and heard the various arguments for why we should pass yet another initiative. Here's why you should think twice on election day.

Measure L is intended to "protect core academic math/science/reading programs and student safety". A noble sentiment, but how could the same district who asked San Leandrans for $159 million to improve facilities fail then to recognize that they had no means of funding them? Measures B and M were brought forth during economic times no better than now, and prospects none the brighter, either.

Despite this knowledge of bleak financial forecasts, San Leandrans were asked to pay more, with the promise of "great benefit our students now and in the future, providing beautiful, safe facilities and enhancing program [sic]". What do we have to show for our investment? Test scores continuing to languish in the bottom rungs of mediocrity and no money for the fundamentals needed to run a district.

Once the four year life of Measure L has passed, we will once again be regaled by the district’s pleas for more money. Measure Q will appear, then in four years Measure P. We have reached and passed the point where the SLUSD needed to restructure themselves financially so that the basics are covered before anything else. Whoever got the bright idea to rebuild the football field obviously didn’t see that any money the district stood to gain should have been focused on the classroom, first.