I have worked in the Piedmont High School Music Department for 14 years. Every day I interact with students who benefit from our comprehensive arts program. Children who are exposed to the arts gain focus, discipline, and an appreciation for the beauty of the world!

My two children attended Piedmont schools. My son, David, an experienced violinist, recently graduated from Swarthmore College, and my daughter, Lisa graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Music followed by a law degree from USF Law School. The Arts education they received in the Piedmont schools had a direct impact on their acceptance at all 3 colleges and their love and appreciation for music is a gift they can enjoy for the rest of their lives!

Once ranked first in the nation for its financial investment in public education, California has fallen to 47th in the nation in per pupil spending. As a result, many school districts have severely curtailed funding for the arts. Piedmonters’ 27 years of support for the school support tax has allowed the PUSD to maintain funding for music, visual and performing arts programs at a level that sets us apart from many, many other districts.

I call upon all Piedmont voters to continue Piedmonts rich history of support for a comprehensive Arts education for all Piedmont students.

Vote YES on Measure A on March 5.

Jan D’Annunzio

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Dear Editor,

As with so many other families, we moved to Piedmont for the excellent public schools.   For the past ten years, our children have been nurtured and taught by the dedicated educational professionals that make up the Piedmont Unified School District.    As parents, we have participated in the educational lives of our children through volunteer opportunities. It is because of the time we have spent as volunteers that we unequivocally support the renewal of the school support tax, Measure A.  We have attended parent club, support club, budget advisory committee, curriculum forum, block schedule, and site council meetings for elementary and middle schools. From these meetings, we have learned that the quality of the education at PUSD comes from the exceptional caliber of staff and teachers.  We are grateful for this Administration’s dedication and focus on supporting the students/children and for a School Board that continues to work well with the Administrators.  The theme of “continuous improvement” rings true despite the years of PUSD budget woes which are the result of state government cuts.  An 8 year renewal of the parcel tax would allow the district to spend less time preparing and working on the passage of a parcel tax and more time on students and evolving curriculum.

The current tax which contributes approximately one third of the PUSD budget is set to expire.  As a community, Piedmont residents have an opportunity to support an excellent public school system with a proven track record by passing Measure A.

Sue Lin and Reuben Rivera

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Dear Editor,

For 30 years, I worked among PUSD students, parents and teachers.  One of the greatest and ongoing challenges is meeting multiple needs with a limited budget. School Board leaders are focused, fair, pragmatic and creative. When allocating limited resources, the needs of students are always primary.

All Piedmonters need to continue to work together to support the excellence in education that keeps Piedmont a destination for families who value and support education.

Please join me in voting YES on MEASURE A on Tuesday March 5, to maintain the necessary funding for our schools.

Sincerely,

Kerri Lubin

PMS Science Teacher, retired June 2012

Editors’ Note:  The Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose candidates or ballot measures.