By Chuck and Leila Booth
For the Auburn Reporter
Auburn voters have two issues before them on the February special election ballot. The first is a replacement levy to continue funding educational programs and activities and the second is a reconstruction and modernization bond to replace Auburn High School. As a former educator, administrator and mayor, I urge you to vote “yes” for both positions for our students and our community.
The replacement levy allows the district to keep personnel in place to lower class size and focus on enhanced instruction. Funding all activities and athletic programs, as well as part of the transportation budget and basic programming as well as AP, STEP and programming for students with learning disabilities allows education not only to work but also to excel for all of Auburn’s students.
Learning environments matter for students, families and communities. The district committed to, and residents supported, Auburn Riverside and Mountainview high schools to serve our growing populations. The time is now – with record low costs of borrowing and construction – to replace the classrooms and instructional spaces for students downtown and put them on par with resources and facilities at our other high schools.
Considerable data shows the positive impact facilities have on student achievement. In new spaces, teachers are able to use the best technology and collaboration methods for instruction and students’ rates of truancy and disciplinary infractions decline, while achievement rates improve.
Sadly, the present 60-year-old structure is in such a state that bringing it fully to code and making needed improvements will cost more than 70 percent of the cost of a new building. The reconstruction bond will create a better, more efficient and longer lasting structure meeting seismic and energy efficiency standards which will make the facility safer and longer lasting than what we have in place.
The Auburn School District and its students have achieved considerable success despite cuts in state support for education. Continued support for vital programs and replacing the increasingly dilapidated high school facility downtown are good for our students and Auburn families.
Please remember to vote “yes” by Feb. 14 and help Auburn’s students and our community.
