Campolindo High School students perform at the rally Photo Doug Kohen

Students, parents, teachers and administrators from the Acalanes Union High School District turned out in large numbers at Lafayette's Plaza Park last Sunday, March 28, to garner support for Measure A, the emergency temporary parcel tax that is designed to help alleviate the burden of ongoing cuts to the District's budget. The measure will appear in an April mail-in election. Student groups from the local high schools performed at the rally to raise voter awareness and advocate for the preservation of critical programs.

Acalanes Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Bruce Lengacher, alongside colleague Ed Meehan, announced the individuals and groups as each made an appearance on the stage. A crowd of supporters and passersby enjoyed the sunshine and lay out on the grass to watch the performances.

One young Los Lomas High School teacher, who graduated from Acalanes, passionately described the impact her education made on her life and her commitment to the school district. Choral groups from several of the high schools sang and a pair of Los Lomas students showed off their skills by performing an excerpt from the hit musical comedy, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Other student groups showcased their talents at small tables situated around the park. Teachers who head up award-winning programs such as Mock Trial, student-run newspapers and digital design walked around sporting "Yes on Measure A" pins. Campaign organizers Joni Avery and Susie Epstein hosted a table at the event and responded eagerly to questions regarding Measure A and voter registration.

Enthusiasm ran high and many students who are eligible to vote in the election say they are prepared to make a mark on their schools before graduation and support the education of younger students. Senior Alex Suarez noted that her sibling might not have the same opportunities that she had if the district continues to face severe cuts to necessary resources. It is the hope of event sponsor, the Yes on A Committee, that the passage of Measure A will give the Acalanes Union High School District a chance to maintain its current status as one of the best high school districts in the state and will provide Californians with enough time to band together and formulate a comprehensive solution to the budget crisis.