Editorial: Vote 'yes' on Measure A to deal with unexpected enrollment surge

"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."

"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."

Ravenswood School District has maintained stability in East Palo Alto politics while other local meetings have become contentious. Eight years ago the district faced potential county takeover due to financial problems and allegations involving a former superintendent. Since then, the district has reduced costs, increased revenue, and improved its reputation. The district’s leadership and superintendent are presented as responsible stewards. Measure A would raise $27.50 per $100,000 of appraised property value, producing about $4.9 million annually. Enrollment is expected to rise from about 1,400 to 1,700 students after the closure of The Primary School, which was founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan. The district’s prior plans assumed 1,500 students, so additional classroom upgrades are needed to prevent students from being placed in portables.

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