The Lafayette School District (LSD) provides an excellent education with a minimum of funding. It is important to note that California ranks:
- Third in the nation for money spent on prisons and police/fire protection
- 11th in the nation for money spent on health and hospitals
- 47th in the nation for money spent on K-12 education
In 2008-2009, California spent $2,300 less per student than the national average of $11,223, which put our state in the bottom 10 in the nation (edweek.org). Since then it's gotten worse; we’ve fallen to 47th in the nation. It is important to note that because of a model established in the 1970s, the LSD receives less than the California state average per pupil. Even with the financial support of the community, the LSD spends less than $9,000 per student. Top states spend almost twice that amount.
In the past three years, LSD funding from the state has decreased by $1,089 per
student. Because of this decrease, the district has cut $2 million and as part of its three-year required budget process, has approved cutting an additional $2 million. The 18 percent decrease in funding from the state compromises the quality of education in Lafayette, especially in light of the fact that enrollment has increased slightly (from 3,193 students in 2006-2007 to 3,225 in 2010-2011).
Even with below average funding, the LSD is a high-performing district. Its academic scores place it as the 32nd highest performing elementary school district in California out of 768 districts. With careful planning and fiscal responsibility and the support of the parents, Lafayette Partners in Education and the community, the LSD provides an excellent education with a minimum of funding. Prior to the downturn in the economy, Lafayette schools survived on a tight budget. The decrease in funding over the past years compromises the quality of education in Lafayette.
Looking to the future, the LSD prepares its students for the variety of rigorous courses offered at Acalanes and Campolindo high schools. Lafayette students are preparing to live and compete in a global society.
Measure B does not solve the bigger problem of the state budget crisis. It will not bring back all of the cuts that the Lafayette schools have experienced but it will provide local temporary funding for education in Lafayette that cannot be taken by the state.
If you are hearing conflicting information, please take the time to ask questions. We moved to Lafayette for the quality education – that education is in jeopardy.
- www.yesonmeasureb.net
- Email Juleen Lapporte – juleenlapporte@yahoo.com
- Email Corrine Christensen - joeandcorrine@msn.com
Please vote YES on B, help preserve education in Lafayette.
Corrine Christensen and Juleen Lapporte
YES! on B Campaign Co-Chairs
