Yes on 3A & 3B

On November 6th, residents of downtown Lakewood (and all residents of Jefferson County!) will have the chance to shore up the damage done to our local school system by the recession.

Good schools are essential to protecting property values and encouraging businesses and people to relocate to our area. For decades the Jefferson County Public Schools enjoyed a reputation as the best school system in the Denver metro area. Declining revenues over the last decade, however, have resulted in cut after cut-- and that was before the recession that started in 2008. Since then, per pupil funding has dropped an additional $761, and is now $100 below the state average. And folks, the state average in Colorado is $1400 below the national average!

Such a low level of funding is corrosive. Essential maintenance is being deferred. The school year is being shortened via furlough days. Programs like music and libraries are being eliminated. Class size is up, and schools are having trouble recruiting and retaining the best teachers.

A yes vote on 3A & 3B is a vote to stop this slide. Good schools are as essential to successful urban renewal as good planning and good design.