MARIAN BERGESON -- Community Commentary

Commendations to the Daily Pilot for its May 13 editorial endorsement

of Measure A, and also to Orange County Treasurer John Moorlach for his

“A” rating for this ballot proposal. It is important to understand the

need for school facilities involving our tax dollars. Good questions are

asked and good answers must be given.

During the former Wilson administration, new emphasis was placed on

the need for building, refurbishing and rebuilding our schools. Reforms

to reduce class size, increase competence and student performance are

dependent upon safe, clean, well-equipped facilities. Schools as well as

other infrastructure needs have been sadly neglected. Necessary ongoing

upkeep of facilities also has been neglected.

The administration and the Legislature also tackled the bureaucracy

and delays of getting school projects approved, the frustrating delays of

many years just to get in line to get approval of plans. The solution, of

course, was to give greater latitude and control to local districts with

options for state matching funds. This plan (SB50) was submitted to the

voters of California in the form of Proposition 1A in 1998 and passed.

We wanted schools to reflect local priorities. A system that is

well-planned, managed and implemented. A system that is to be accountable

to the taxpayers, the parents and community. A requirement that provides

for a commitment to ongoing maintenance to protect the public’s

investment.

Prop 1A provided $6.7 billion for public K-12 facilities. Half of the

funds have been appropriated and the other half will be available in

July. There is far greater demand than dollars available. Timing is

important in order to leverage the state-match portion before the money

is gone. Without the passage of these bonds, Newport-Mesa risks losing

access to these state matching funds.

As a former member of the State Allocation Board, I am impressed with

the planning, justification and oversight for the expenditures of Measure

A. The collaborative effort of the Newport-Mesa School District with

community input and expertise assures us a fiscally sound investment that

adequately responds to the “hard” questions. The continuing external

oversight providing public accountability is a critical factor.

Our schools are the center of communities; they reflect our values.

Our kids deserve a healthy, safe environment in facilities where teachers

can teach and students can learn, where parents can feel they too belong

so they may assist and encourage the learning process.

In order for this initiative to pass, it requires a two-thirds

majority -- a very high voter threshold. A plan must be articulated so

that the community recognizes we are all stakeholders in the benefits of

an educational system that holds the promise of future social, and

economic security for all.

This measure is deserving of our support!

* MARIAN BERGESON is the former California Secretary of Education,

current member of the state Board of Education and Newport Beach parent

and grandparent.