Consider the following facts before you send in your ballot on Measure A. The total teacher payroll of the entire Davis school district, with all the classes they are teaching now — music, language, seventh periods, etc. — is $29.1 million. The superintendent’s pay in 2009 was $201,760; in 2010, $199,742. The entire revenue the district received is $65 million. The reserves — $2 million for uncertainties and $7.9 million for other designations — total $9.9 million.

If the district is spending $29.1 million for teachers and received $65 million from state and federal funds, it has $35.9 million for administration, benefits and everything else, plus $9 million in reserves. No wonder it can afford a $200,000 superintendent. This gentleman is paid $42,129 more than the average superintendent of the counties around. If you doubt these numbers, go to these links and convince yourself: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/26/995141/see-how-well-your-school-district.html#ixzz1KScZcwDn, http://www.ed-data.k12.ca.us.

When you look at these numbers, it is easy to conclude that Measure A is a farce. What the school board is doing to the teachers in unconscionable. Like hijackers, they are using them and the programs they are obligated to provide our children with taxpayer dollars as a political hostages to coerce the voters into approving Measure A. These numbers prove the deception of the school board.

Unfortunately, there is more to reflect. The campaign report from the “yes” committee shows they collected $13,440 in the last month; $8,850 (66 percent) of this came from wealthy realtors, investors and property managers. Clearly, the hands of special interests are on Measure A. If you thought it is about education only, think again. If you think Measure A is about our kids, a precarious budget and all the other propaganda coming from the school board, reflect on the numbers and take action.

Take less than 30 seconds now, fill your ballot with a big no on Measure A and mail it in.

Jose J. Granda
Davis

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