Disappointingly, Measure EE failed at the polls, which would have provided an estimated $500 million to our public schools over the next 12 years.
What does this mean for our public education system and for all the families who rely on it? It means the struggles we see in our schools today will likely continue tomorrow. The impact of our chronic under-funding of public schools will be felt in every classroom, especially those in neighborhoods that are economically disadvantaged.
If L.A.’s answer to Measure EE is no, then what is the solution?
“I wish everyone in Los Angeles could spend time inside a public school,” said
Mary Lee
, a South L.A. parent advocate. “They’d see many teachers with passion and heart, kids with all of the promise in the world – and they’d be shocked at the shameful lack of resources. We can’t expect our schools to help students overcome challenges and fulfill their potential if we’re not all willing to invest in our schools properly while holding LAUSD accountable for the outcomes.”
“How many parents like me depend on our local public school to provide our kids with an education that will open doors for them?” asked
Mireya Pacheco
, a San Fernando Valley parent. “Education is the key to a brighter future, but if we keep denying our schools the resources they need, then education will become just another broken dream.”
From an economic perspective, the reality is that the Los Angeles community will end up paying for this decision in the long run. By not investing in our kids today, we’re just delaying the cost of supporting, prosecuting, incarcerating, or rehabilitating many of them tomorrow.
“This is not the first time students have lost,” said
Hilda Avila
, a Wilmington parent. “But that doesn’t make it any less upsetting. I call on local and state leaders and community to take action, invest in public education,
forge strong partnerships between schools and families,
and ensure that students get the resources they need to graduate, enroll in college, and thrive in their careers and their lives.”
The defeat of Measure EE adds more pressure on a
public school system already facing tremendous challenges.
Families In Schools will continue to advocate for more funding to support underfunded schools, safe and welcoming school climates and stronger partnerships between school staff and families to improve student outcomes.
