Measure S Campaign Meets with PTA Affiliates

PTA presidents, local parents and school board member Mary Boger gathered at noon on Feb. 16 for an informational meeting on the current “Yes on S: Local Funding for Quality Schools” campaign.

Led by campaign coordinator Devin Osiri and campaign vice chair Rebecca Delfino, the meeting addressed priorities to educate the 14 attendees so that they, in turn, could educate others at their own respective schools.  

In short, Measure S proposes to issue $270 million worth of bonds to be used toward Glendale Unified School District campuses, including those in Montrose and La Crescenta. These funds would be strictly monitored and are aimed at improving campus technology, classrooms, science labs, libraries and safety, while increasing handicapped access and energy efficiency. For more information on the measure, read Patch’s coverage .

As Montrose Editor Cassandra Morris reported last month, though Measure S would continue the Measure K property tax levy, it would not exceed $46.03 per $100,000 of assessed value.

Boger reiterated this point during Wednesday's meeting. “As Measure K tapers off, Measure S will filter in,” she said, meaning that taxpayers will not see any notable difference in what they pay out. Measure K will be paid off in 2029, and, should Measure S pass, it will be paid off in 2050.

That is a long-term commitment, but parents seem to be on board. Jaimi Zwerling of the Glendale Council PTA called this measure “forward-thinking” and appreciates the fact that it considers “what we want our district to look like in 20 years.”

The campaign itself is already in full swing. On Feb. 15, and principals and teachers had their own phone bank at campaign headquarters (936 N. Brand Blvd.). Delfino reported that 600 calls were put out, and, out of those calls, 220 “connections” were made. Out of the 220 conversations had, Delfino announced that 71 percent plan to vote yes on the measure.

Delfino reported that the campaign is “moving vigorously” as parents and volunteers work to spread the word. Boger called phone banks the “backbone” of the campaign, and Delfino adamantly declared the measure “will not be able to pass this measure without volunteer and parent support.”

The campaign isn’t just about parents, however. Delfino explained that only one out of eight voters in the Glendale area has a child. She encouraged Measure S supporters to inform the community at large, as Measure S affects everyone, not just parents.

Measure S will have an impact on the areas’ property values. The Glendale Unified School District currently has several schools ranked in the nation’s top ten percent and 23 of GUSD’s campuses are California State Distinguished Schools. Such high ranking schools increase local values, and that’s a trend no homeowner wants to see come to an end.

Votes will be cast on April 5. The campaign wants to remind the community that this date falls during the GUSD spring break. For those who plan on traveling during this time, don’t forget to obtain an absentee ballot.

For more information on Measure S, visit Yes4S.com.