In these uncertain times, it is a wonderful testament to our community that we came together to support our schools, educators, and students.
The latest voter count provided by San Mateo County has Measure L receiving over 57% of votes in favor – comfortably above the 55% threshold required to pass. The funds raised under this measure will be used by the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) to update learning technology, make essential safety and environmental improvements to our local high schools, and improve the facilities. This will enrich the entire learning experience, strengthen our community, attract great teachers and provide expanded opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
As the Chair of the citizens’ action committee Citizens for Outstanding High Schools, I have been deeply impressed by the passion and commitment of our entire community which rallied to support this measure. There are many people and organizations to thank for their endorsement and efforts. Every parent group at all six of the comprehensive high schools in SMUHSD (Aragon, Burlingame, Capuchino, Hillsdale, Mills and San Mateo) mobilized to invest in our high schools. The efforts of leaders of those organizations played an integral part in the success of Measure L.
Local politicians also understand the importance of supporting our schools, and we were proud to get the endorsement of State Senator Jerry Hill; Assembly Member Kevin Mullin; as well as County Supervisors Dave Pine, Carole Groom, and David Canepa. Many other elected officials stepped up as well to support our students, including community college trustees, city council members from all six cities in the district, and members of the local school boards. While there were too many people to be named individually at this time, please know that your involvement helped us get Measure L
passed by voters.
The local trade unions also provided invaluable support through their endorsement of this measure, and by spreading the word to their members in the community. The endorsement of the San Mateo Union High School District Teachers Association significantly buoyed our efforts. We recognize that in order for students to succeed, we must provide a modern, comfortable and safe environment for our teachers. They are the lynchpin of our students’ educational experience, and their endorsement confirmed that Measure L was an important step in the right direction.
Finally, I would like to thank the members of the citizens’ advocacy committee that offered tremendous amounts of time and energy to support Measure L. Each member of the committee spent hours planning, reaching out to the community, speaking in support of the measure, fundraising, and designing and launching the marketing efforts that led to our success. I would especially like to thank Laura Huff, Amy Johnstone, and Cassandra Robertson who took charge of reaching out to the local organizations and communicating our message to the community at large. We couldn’t have done this
without you!
On a personal note, it was a great privilege to meet with so many active and caringmembers of our local community. Best of all – as a parent with a graduate, current student and future student of a high school in the district – it was wonderful and humbling to get to know so many teachers, administrators, and other employees of SMUHSD. Their passion and excitement about teaching and supporting our students was evident at all levels, and our children are in great hands.
Best regards and thanks to all,
Neal Kaufman
Chair
Citizens for Outstanding High Schools, Yes on L