Santa Monica citizens to vote on Measure ES on the November ballot

Santa Monica citizens will vote this November on Measure ES, which aims to issue loans to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) for the repair of school facilities and upgrading of equipment.According to Dean of Students Catherine Baxter, the measure is intended to fix roofs, floors, walkways, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as to repair and construct classrooms and computer facilities, and to install new, energy efficient systems. However, none of this money can be used for anything related to the instruction of students, including teacher salaries.“Deteriorating facilities need immediate repair, along with earthquake and fire safety upgrades. Aging classrooms are not equipped for 21st century instruction,” a statement from the Santa Monica City Council said.An analysis of the measure by council member John F. Krattli said that if the measure is passed, the loans to the district will amount to $358 million at most.According to Baxter, Samo  needs the money from this measure. SMMUSD middle and elementary schools have had their needs met in terms of facility improvements, but Samo, which makes up one fourth of the district’s population, still has many facilities that need repairs.Many people, however, are against the measure and have argued that there is already unspent money in such bonds available to fund school repairs.“Voters should know that the local schools have tens of millions in unspent bond funds given by residents in recent elections,”   Former chair of Samo’s Bilingual Advisery Committee, Matthew Millen said. “Further, prior to placing Measure ES on the ballot, the District made no assessment or needs list for this new money,”According to an analysis of Measure ES from smgov.net, if the measure is passed, problems in the past such as spotty climate control and electrical systems could potentially be solved.“There is no state funding for continuing vital school safety and modernization projects in our district,”  a rebuttal to arguments made against the measure on the Santa Monica Government website said. “Without local funding from Measure ES, we jeopardize our children’s safety and futures.”cgoldberg@thesamohi.com