OPINION

YES on Measure B

EvaMarie Martinez and Margie Martin

On Nov. 4, our community has the opportunity to take a decisive step to protect one of our community’s greatest assets – the quality of our local high schools. We’re talking about Measure B on the November ballot, a school bond measure benefiting high schools within the Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD).

Our local high schools – Alisal, Everett Alvarez, Mount Toro, North, and Salinas High Schools – have served generations of students well. But most are now over 50 years old and although well maintained, they are outdated, overcrowded and overdue for repairs and upgrades.

Measure B will ensure that local high school students from the Salinas area planning to go to college can properly prepare, and non-college bound students seeking jobs immediately after graduation, can get the job training that they need.

The simple fact is we can no longer depend on the state. We must take steps locally to protect the quality of education in our local high schools.

The high school district has worked with our community over the past year to identify critical educational needs that require attention to relieve overcrowding and protect the quality of education in our local high schools. Measure B authorizes a prudent, responsible plan to meet these needs.

Under the Measure B proposal, bond proceeds can only be used on capital assets as defined by State Proposition 39 approved by California voters in 2000. A specific list of projects is required to qualify for the ballot.

Completing these projects will permit SUHSD to continue to provide an educational setting with technology and skills training needed to succeed in college and future careers. We need these upgrades so Salinas kids will be better prepared for college and careers in fields like science, engineering, technology and skilled trades.

The Measure B project list includes:

• Modernize high school academic and job-training classrooms to increase access to college and careers in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology, agriculture, and skilled trades

• Upgrade educational technology and science labs

• Rehabilitate leaky roofs, deteriorated plumbing, lighting, HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems to keep our high schools properly maintained

• Replace aging portables with permanent classrooms

• Construct new classrooms and high school facilities to relieve overcrowding

• Improve campus safety and security at all Salinas area high schools

Great care and attention has been invested into building a measure that is aligned with the values and of our community. For example:

• By law, all Measure B funds stay in the district, benefitting only Salinas Union HSD schools. The State cannot take this funding away.

• Measure B funds can be spent on school facilities, technology and equipment only. No funds are allowed for employees’ salaries, benefits or pensions.

• An Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee and mandatory performance and financial audits will ensure funds are spent properly.

Today’s high school graduates need to be prepared to compete in a highly technical workforce. Salinas Union High School District is working hard to ensure that our students succeed.

Whether or not you have school-age children, protecting the quality of our schools and the value of our homes is a wise investment. Good schools protect property values.

Please join teachers, parents, alumni, civic, business, labor leaders, and residents throughout Salinas taking a positive step to help our local high schools continue to thrive. Learn more at www.YesOnBforBetterHighSchools.com.

Please vote Yes on Measure B.

EvaMarie Martinez is president of the Salinas Union High School Board

Margie Martin is chair of Better High Schools For Salinas YES on Measure B Committee