Many Lamorinda parents and high school staff breathed a sigh of relief last Tuesday evening. With a 52.16% voter turnout and 37,867 ballots cast, Measure A squeaked by with 68.49% of the votes - just passing the required 2/3 majority to win.
What does this mean for the students? To begin with, they will not lose their 7th period. "It really allows the instructional programs at the schools to remain at or even possibly a little broader than before," said Acalanes Superintendent John Stockton. The school counselors and librarians will also be retained at each of the school sites. "I'm thrilled we're keeping our counselors; they're very preventative and proactive and they do an amazing job for our kids. I'm very excited about our librarians because they do so much more than check out books; they teach our kids how to do research in the 21st century," said Measure A campaign co-chair and Acalanes parent Joni Avery. Avery worked tirelessly with co-chair Susie Epstein and the AUHSD teachers. "We had twenty-six phone bank nights and the teachers were at every single one of them. Our teachers really are part of the solution," said Avery.
Stockton was pleased with the outpour of support for Measure A from the Lamorinda communities. Although the duration of the campaign was relatively sort - only 87 days - the communities rallied to support it. "Adults of all ages, students, civic leaders, educators, and dynamic parent leadership united to support educational excellence for our students," said Stockton in a written statement. Avery added, "It was a huge team effort with hundreds of volunteers. I'm very proud to have been part of a really positive campaign."
The elementary districts also joined in the massive effort to pass Measure A. "It was really important to educate the elementary school parents about what was going on in the high school district, as it would directly impact their children within a few short years. As a parent of 7th, 5th and 2nd grade children, I know we'll be facing these educational uncertainties for years to come at the high school, middle school & elementary school levels, all at once," said Springhill and Stanley parent Kathy Hemmenway. Hemmenway acted as the Springhill Elementary Measure A representative. "I think the initiative also helped create dialogue between parents of different aged kids and opened up lines of communication about how great our high schools really are," continued Hemmenway.
Stockton said there are occasions when administrators seem to forget the reason they're doing the work they are doing - the students. "It's not about what's right for adults; it's about what's right for our kids. We just are fortunate to have a very supportive community that is willing to respond to the needs of our kids. We're really a model district for the rest of the state," said Stockton.
What does this mean for the students? To begin with, they will not lose their 7th period. "It really allows the instructional programs at the schools to remain at or even possibly a little broader than before," said Acalanes Superintendent John Stockton. The school counselors and librarians will also be retained at each of the school sites. "I'm thrilled we're keeping our counselors; they're very preventative and proactive and they do an amazing job for our kids. I'm very excited about our librarians because they do so much more than check out books; they teach our kids how to do research in the 21st century," said Measure A campaign co-chair and Acalanes parent Joni Avery. Avery worked tirelessly with co-chair Susie Epstein and the AUHSD teachers. "We had twenty-six phone bank nights and the teachers were at every single one of them. Our teachers really are part of the solution," said Avery.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA