We are recommending a “yes” on Ravenswood School District’s Measure A bond measure.
Oftentimes, the Ravenswood School District is the adult in the room when it comes to East Palo Alto politics. While City Council meetings devolve into arguments and games of one-upmanship, the school board has, with no drama, kept the district afloat. That’s no small task when eight years ago it was looking at a takeover by the county due to a woeful financial situation and allegations of corruption of the former superintendent. Since then, the district has worked hard to save money, generate revenue and clean up its reputation.
In our view, the five board members and Superintendent Gina Sudaria have proven to be responsible stewards.
Which is why their ask of $27.50 per $100,000 of a property’s appraised value, generating about $4.9 million annually, seems reasonable given the circumstances the district is facing. The district is about to get an influx of students due to the surprise closure of The Primary School, founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg’s wife.
As part of correcting its financial issues, in part caused by the steady decline in enrollment, the district closed two schools. But now the district’s enrollment is about to spike due from 1,400 to 1,700 students due to The Primary School closing. The district’s old plan to close schools and upgrade classrooms was with the expectation of 1,500 students.
Classrooms the district wasn’t counting on using need to be spruced up for students, or else they will be stuck into portables.
Vote “yes” on Measure A.
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