Public education funding from the State of California has been inadequate and unpredictable for many years. Per-pupil spending in California schools has dropped nearly every year since 1978. California ranks 34^th out of 50 states in per pupil funding, 48^th nationwide in the number of K-12 students per teacher (i.e., among the highest ratios in the country), and last in the ratio of guidance counselors and librarians to students.

Additional local funding approved by local voters over the years has enabled the Santa Monica-Malibu schools to provide the higher quality education expected by our communities.  In mid-2007, public opinion research found that quality schools remain a high priority for Santa Monica and Malibu voters.

Measure R, called The Santa Monica-Malibu School Quality Education Funding Renewal Measure, will renew and replace – without increasing – local funding from existing school taxes, annually adjusted for inflation, with exemptions for homes owned and occupied by senior citizens. Measure R requires annual audits conducted by an Independent Citizens Oversight Committee and reported to taxpayers.  To pass, Measure R requires a 2/3 super-majority of the Santa Monica and Malibu voters who vote on election day.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs and individual Santa Monica and Malibu school PTA’s  have voted to support Measure R.  As always during an election year, our PTA Council encourages all members of our community to study the issues and be active participants in our democracy.  Be sure that you are registered to vote, or re-registered if you've recently moved. Vote either by absentee ballot or at the polls on February 5.

For more information, voter registration materials, and absentee ballot applications, please contact the Co-Chairs of SMMUSD Council of PTA’s Legislation Committee: Susan Giesberg (SGiesberg@verizon.net), Colleen O’Beirne Brydon (OBrydon@aol.com), Laurie Yehia (LYehia@aol.com).