When we think about education, we often only think about it from a purely pedagogical perspective. However, facilities play a fundamental role in the school education of students who attend them every day, and far from not being sufficient to stimulate their full potential, they sometimes do not meet the basics.
Given this, the proposal or Measure S for Redwood City is on the table and on the ballot, which seeks a source of funding to provide improvements to school facilities, mainly those that were built more than 50 years ago, without covering the salaries of district staff.
Why do we need Measure S?
Redwood City has a long way to go to bring our school buildings up to the demands of today, so dedicated funding is necessary to meet these needs and provide real-world, hands-on STEM instruction to all students in the district.
In an interview with Peninsula 360 Press, Wei-Ting Cheng, co-chair of the Measure S Campaign, said that this proposal is a response to the district's previous master plan to improve buildings, facilities and student support services, which resulted in the need for about $600 million during the first phase.
And, he said, "the buildings are very old and need improvements, mainly because 50 years ago there was not as much education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, subjects that require the use of technology to improve student learning."
He also commented that about 15 years ago people began to realize the impact of climate change in classrooms, and now air conditioning, heating, and air filtration systems are necessary, especially after a pandemic like the one we experienced.
Therefore, he added, if this measure is achieved and the necessary funding is obtained, this "will allow us to configure and obtain additional functionalities in schools, which not only generates benefits among the teaching staff or the students, but also for the community in general by having better schools."
"There are a lot of people who are thinking about what this measure would cost them in economic terms, or whether the measure will have results in student learning services; however, we will have healthy students and students who can learn. And that is why it is important," he concluded.
Measure S will cost homeowners $24 per $100,000 of their home’s assessed, non-market value per year while the bonds are in effect.
If Measure S, which is on the ballot on Nov. 8, passes, the new tax would not appear until after the first bond issue is sold, at least a year or more from now.
It should be noted that the funds will be allocated, for the time being, to "improvements to the facilities" and then a thorough prioritisation process will be carried out on the projects that should be pushed forward.
It is important to note that these funds can only be used within the Redwood City School District and a citizens oversight committee will be in place to provide accountability and oversee annual audits.
The ballots are already in the hands of voters and now is the time to vote for real improvements in schools so that students benefit the most and to be able to promote education that during more than two years of pandemic deeply affected hundreds of children and young people in terms of education.
If approved by local voters, Measure S would generate approximately $298 million to complete projects such as repairing and improving science, technology, engineering, arts and math classrooms and laboratories.
In addition, to bring all schools up to the same level of learning and safety; provide dedicated classrooms for music, art and performing arts electives; as well as upgrade air conditioning, heating and filtration systems and provide sustainable emergency backups.
Pamela Cruz. Editor-in-Chief of Peninsula 360 Press. A communications expert by profession, but a journalist and writer by conviction, with more than 10 years of experience in the media. Specialized in medical and scientific journalism by Harvard and winner of the International Visitors Leadership Program scholarship from the U.S. government.
Twittter: @Pamesmiamiga
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