Letters of Support

To read the full text, click on the title. Please contact Campaign Coordinator Kingsley Melton if you want to send in a letter of support. See footer for contact info.

Gavin Payne and Susan Strachan - Strong community response to a dysfunctional state

".... In our community, the conversation is always about giving our schools what they need to insure that our children learn, excel, and grow into properous, thinking, and participating adults. It is about the best investment we can make in their (and our) futures...."

Julie Cuetara - Dweezel the Dragon says yes on W

".... I have been proud to be Dweezel, proud of supporting children and the Davis community for over 15 years. Through my endeavors, I've learned a lot about our district, its finances, policies, programs, schools and the people behind them. I have lost a lot due to decisions made and through all my sadness and upset with our district, I am proud to say, we do have a good district that deserves our support...."

Evangela Harrison - Fairness and equity

".... Owners of apartments and multi-family dwellings are assessed a much lower rate of $50 per unit. Even if that full rate is passed along to me in my rent, my cost will be only $4.17 a month. As a parent and teacher, I can't think of a better investment for my $5 bill...."

Delaine Eastin - Protect the education of children and our property values

".... Let us send the children of Davis into the future knowing we did everything in our power to help them to be great messages to the future."

Richard Harris - Two-thirds support needed to pass Measure W.

".... To succeed, we need two votes in favor of Measure W for every one vote against it... there are many more potential voters in households without students attending Davis schools than households with children in the schools. So parents, now is the time to get out of your comfort zone and go talk to your neighbors who don't have school-age kids...."

Sue Greenwald - Invest in education; yes on W

".... We all have become suddenly more aware our country's systemic economic challenges. To be competitive in today's world, we are going to have to invest in education. This is our opportunity to pitch in and contribute to building a better future...."

Gina Daleiden and Tim Taylor - Measure W protects programs we can all agree on saving

".... Clear and straightforward, if you support science, math, English, foreign language, music, social studies, librarians, athletics, debate, journalism, and the teachers who enliven the minds of our next generation, then you support Measure W. The choice is clear...."

Colleen Connolly - Arts backers urge support of W

"... the DSAF urges all Davis residents to support and vote for Measure W."

Pamela Pacelli & Michael Harty - Focus on the present and the future

".... Responsibility for protecting our community asset, and our future, is not limited to current parents. Everyone has a stake: parents and grand-parents of former and current students, unmarried homeowners, and college students. We particularly encourage our neighbors whose families have benefited in the past not to turn away from those following behind. We need every vote, every voter, to meet the two-thirds standard...."

Davis teachers - Reaffirming the core value that shapes us as a community, education.

".... Measure W is the parcel tax that we must have. It will allow us to keep our excellent programs. It will maintain the status quo in our classrooms. This parcel tax is good for three years, at a bargain price of ten dollars a month for homeowners and four dollars a month for apartment renters. That is the best bang for the buck in Davis...."

Barbara and John Hills - W is critical to our programs

".... Even though our child is finishing his education in Davis this year, we strongly support preserving the high-quality public education in this community...."

Karolyn Ragsdale - Please vote yes on W

"....It's very clear that the reason Davis has not suffered housing price free fall is the quality of life in this community and our excellent public schools....."

Hank Nguyen - School tax invests in our teachers

".... A blank vote on W is as good as a no vote, since this measure must receive support from two-thirds of all voters. That means if you vote, please mark yes on W, because the Davis community supports and needs Measure W.the firing of teachers...."

Kaitlin Coppinger - Community support makes Davis schools unique

".... Graduating from Davis High last year, I have first hand knowledge of what community support does for our schools...."

Sheila Allen - Now is the time for solution

".... Coming to protest in March will not be a solution. The solution to save the teachers and program is now--and it is Measure W! Please vote yes on W."

Mary Surkala - Devastating cuts loom without W

".... Your vote is absolutely critical to the continuation of our quality educational program and the retention of so many of our excellent Davis teachers...."

Mark Jonsson - Poll finds 100% support for Measure W

".... That made sense because Measure W will help our schools and that of course will help our children and our neighborhood...."

Karen Mo - Vote local, think global.

"... I wholeheartedly support Measure W as a means of protecting the programs placed at risk by the state budget crisis. Music, science, libraries, athletics, foreign language … these are programs we must not let slip away in Davis, even as we continue to advocate that all of California’s students deserve them...."

Clyde and Peggy Froehlich - Protect the teaching profession and quality education

"To remain vital, our school district needs the influx of enthusiasm and ideas that newly-trained teachers bring, just as it needs the experience and wisdom of seasoned staff members...."

Richard Reed - Long-term financial strategy and transparency

"Join us – parents and taxpayers – as we partner with our elected policymakers and district staff to define and fund the education that we need for our kids. Yes on W."

Davis Campbell - The heart of our community is our schools

".... We all know the financial situation is bleak. Because [our schools] need us more than ever, we need to support Measure W. We need to do it for our children and our grandchildren. A vote for Measure W is a vote for their future."

Charlene Kunitz, Betsy Owens, Grace Rosenquist, and Edy Schwartz - Parents of graduate students thank past voters by voting Yes on W

".... We thank past voters for supporting our children and wish to see that future generations of Davis children receive the same educational benefit. It is our turn to pay for these excellent programs...."

Marjorie Dolcini - State law governing different funds.

".... The money that will come from the sale of district-owned property may be used for maintaining or renovating facilities, but it cannot be used to keep the current programs and talented teachers in place...."

Brian Donnelly, Timothy McCormick Caroline Loomis, Jeannē Pettigrew, Amy Schulte, Jennifer Sommer, Grant Ermis, Robert Thayer, Jan Takeuchi, Lance Gunnersen - Prevent losing momentum for Career Technical Education

"... successful [career] pathways depend upon sequential and consistent course offerings. This consistency was threatened by last spring's proposed budget cuts.... It will take DJUSD years to regain the momentum so recently developed. This can be prevented...."

Floyd Fenocchio - Funding for district programs and buildings are different and separate

".... As you make your decision on November 4th, it is important for you to know that the Davis school district has two distinct streams of funding. One has to do with school buildings and the other has to do with support of the valuable instructional programs that the district currently has in place for all students...."

Marilyn Mansfield - Invest in our children's future

".... Every year cannot be faced in a crisis mode. The schools need more stable funding for these basic programs...."

Lisa C. Nelson - Benefits of qualified coaches

"Measure W will support athletic programs in Davis junior and senior high schools by funding more than 100 coaching stipends in over 20 different sports for a period of three years. These are not new programs; these are popular existing programs placed at risk by a lack of state funding...."

Sheryl Patterson - Save schools and our community

".... School employees are our neighbors. Budget cuts will impact our schools and local employment, affecting our property values and Davis businesses. Please don’t starve our educational system. Vote Yes on Measure W."

Fay and Jerry Hulbert - Invest in the future of our kids

".... Even in times of economic distress, there is no better investment than in the future of our kids...."

Sarah Robinson - Students, vote "yes" on W!

".... And parents, remind your kids to request their absentee ballots and get them back on time. They're probably busy with midterms right now, but this is very important!"

Laurie and Bob Rollins - Seniors support more resources for students

".... Although our only child has graduated from Davis High and we are now considered "seniors," we continue to fully support tax measures that provide more resources for students. We strongly believe that a well-educated populace benefits everyone...."

Amy Abramson - Save our music

The Davis Schools Orchestral Music Association (DSOMA) voted unanimously to endorse Measure W, and we ask you to join us in voting yes for our students.

Ruth Uy Asmundson - Please join me in voting YES on Measure W

"... the supplemental funding Measure W will provide for three years, will allow the Davis school district to continue the positive educational experiences for all of our students...."

Amy Slavich - Importance of the music program

".... If the elementary music programs are cut, all the music programs will suffer, from junior high through high school. Some children cannot afford private lessons and may never be introduced to an instrument in their lifetime if it were not for the elementary school music program...."

Keltie Jones - Vote for kids, family, change, hope

"Our children are our future, and they all deserve an outstanding education. In Davis, we can afford to provide more for our kids than the minimal state funding covers. Let's maintain that tradition by voting yes on Measure W. "

Vicki Suter - For the past, the future, and for everyone.

".... For all of us: democracy can only work with a well-educated, curious and open-minded population, and excellent education available to all is the key to this."

J.D. Denton, Trina McMorrow, Leslie Hunter, Mona McCord, Anna Ferrera - Oversight and transparency

".... The data are public record available for your own oversight from the school district office. Meetings of the oversight committee are public meetings, the agenda posted in advance in accordance with the Brown Act. This deal is as transparent as a newly cleaned plate glass window...."

The Montessori Parent Advisory - Stable source of needed funds

".... Measure W is a solution that will provide stability and security to our district...."

Doug Minnis - Keep up support of Davis schools

".... Our outstanding schools are a major part of making Davis the community it is. I want to live in a community where education is valued and expected to be outstanding. Davis children receive the fine education every child in the nation should have...."

Susan Lovenburg - How will we in Davis respond?

"Local control is the foundation of American public education because we believe our schools should reflect our community's values. The economy may stumble and state funding may falter, but in Davis we have the ability to educate our children as we believe we should...."

Dan Wolk - Davis schools need our help

".... Regardless of whether you have a direct connection to the school system as we do, Davis schools are a big part of what makes this community so strong. Let's keep it that way...."

Judith Blum - Davis schools are our legacy

".... As a retired teacher and school counselor, mother, grandmother and psychotherapist, I believe it is our legacy to support the current high quality of the Davis schools by voting for Measure W. As a senior, I believe it is in our best interest to promote a high quality of life to the children who are our nation's future...."

Maureen Driscoll - It's payback time for former student

"... if we citizens of Davis don't support our schools, then who will?"

Matthew Best - Invest in our students, teachers

".... Without additional local funding, our students face the real possibility of fewer highly qualified teachers to guide our students. As a result, our students' opportunities to find success within and outside of the classroom may be significantly limited...."

Janice Bridge - All of us will benefit

I was pleased to read (Davis Enterprise, Sept 22, 2008) the announcement by John Munn that, "The Yolo County Taxpayers Association board of directors has voted to support Measure W, the proposed parcel tax to maintain school programs in Davis. . . the need for Measure W is real, and opposition at this point would not be in the best interest of the community, where taxpayers have a clear interest in the education of Davis students.”

Terrence Hunley - We expect a first-rate education

"With just a small investment, only $120 annually, or $10 per month, we can guarantee that these essentials remain intact and that the second most educated city in the country doesn't offer its children a second-rate education."

Susan Hulsizer - Take these Programs Off the Table

".... So don't leave it to the state, don't leave it to bake sales, and don't leave it to yearly negotiations. Lock in the quality programs that make Davis public school great for all students. I'll be voting for W to provide the benefits of a high quality of education to the young students who are following my children. Please join me and Vote for W in November."

Kerin Kelleher - Davis mobilizes for education

"... I believe this parcel tax initiative is an effective way to reaffirm the Davis community's commitment to our schools and children...."

Don Saylor - City Council's unanimous support

".... On a unanimous vote, the Davis City Council resolved to support Measure W and to encourage all residents of Davis to exercise their right to vote...."

Hiram Jackson - Davis wins with Measure W

".... The K-12 educational programs funded by Measure W are essential for our district to continue to offer Davis students a chance to reach their next step in life. For many of us, it was a solid education allowed us to rise above more modest beginnings. Let's keep that same opportunity open for our children...."

Michael Hulsizer - Protect Davis' quality Music, Science, English, Math and Library programs

"... Stanford University researchers concluded that despite higher costs than almost all other states, California schools are funded 30 percent below the national average and a staggering $5,500 PER STUDENT below schools in New York State. The result is that California schools have the highest student-to-staff ratios (teachers and administrators) in the United States. We can do better...."

Jim Herrington - Security and local control of our future.

".... The California School Employees Association Chapter 572 endorses Measure W...."

John Munn - Taxpayers group backs Measure W

".... Today, we must work together to keep the good things we have, which requires passing Measure W...."

Jon Porterfield - True total raised was $1.8 million

".... Now let's not allow this remarkable [community fundraising] achievement to become simply a one-year reprieve - vote yes on Measure W...."

Herbert Bauer - Open your eyes, and say yes to W

".... Measure W protects children and their education alone, nothing else. Read the details to convince yourself. In a world full of flames, with war on earth and ill will to men, only well-educated children may hope to create a better world...."

Carl Vandagriff - We should trust the school board

"... there was no fat to cut from the current budget without impacting the educational program...."

Bev Maul - A small price to pay for top schools

".... Measure W on the November ballot will provide the necessary funding for the other programs that are directly threatened by the current budget crisis. The total cost of both measures to each household is less than $1 per day - such a small price to pay for the fundamental reason families continue to choose Davis...."

Jessica Suey - Protect their educational future

".... The children that we are teaching today are the future scientists, doctors and presidents of tomorrow and Measure W helps protect these student's educational futures.... "

Dan Fuchs & Naomi Williams - Small investment for a big reward

"... The state's budget process is stalled; we can be sure that however it finally ends, it won't give our schools enough money. To avoid a funding crisis like the one we dealt with last year, we need to provide additional funding ourselves. To put it simply: If Measure W does not pass, teachers will be laid off and our schools will suffer...."

David Greenwald - Why I Strongly Support Measure W - The Parcel Tax

"... if you believe in Valley Oak and the Valley Oaks of the world, you need to support the parcel tax. If you are worried about the achievement gap, then you need to support the parcel tax...."

Ning Wan - An education in foreign language is vital in preparing our children to succeed in the 21st century

".... To ensure the quality of our schools, and the competitive advantage of our children in tomorrow's world, we must support Measure W...."

Rose Calabria - Seniors support our schools

"... I am fortunate to be a Davis senior citizen whose grandson, granddaughter, and her husband, all of whom grew up in Davis, benefited from the music and performing arts programs offered in our schools. I am proud that our community has shown its continued financial support for quality education, including enrichment programs, especially in light of recent State budget cutbacks...."

Barbara Archer - High quality public education and property values

".... But even if you don't think you have any connection to Davis schools, you really do. Davis schools' performance is a huge reason why our property values in this town are so good and have weathered the economic downturn better than other communities.... Music, science, librarians and smaller class size are not frills. This is a good measure that ensures that the high quality in the Davis public schools can continue for the next few years...."