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The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

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Hundreds attend rally in support of Measure A

About 300 parents and children showed up on Saturday, April 30, at a Measure A parcel tax rally at the Lucie Stern Community Center.

Participants and speakers demonstrated on behalf of the June 7 ballot measure that would raise $493 per property for Palo Alto schools.

At the gathering, sponsored by the American Association of University Women, the crowd cheered on speakers such as former Jordan teacher Diane Rolfe, California State Senator Joe Simitian and Assemblymember Ira Ruskin.

Rolfe pointed out that during the Great Depression, programs such as annual medical exams, dental exams, an outdoor library, and a marching band were all in place but do not exist today. Her explanation for this trend was the decline in the value of superior education for all. She urged people to rethink their values.

"Let us remember that this [Measure A] is an investment in our children’s future and our future," Rolfe said.

Simitian followed her comments with one his own about the Depression. "[During the Depression] we paid teachers enough to live in Palo Alto." Simitian said.

Other arguments made during the rally painted a bleak picture of the future of Palo Alto schools if the ballot measure doesn’t pass. Without Measure A to replace the previous parcel tax, which expires next year, the number of periods offered for middle and high school students would be reduced to six, class sizes would go up, and up to 100 teachers could be laid off, supporters of Measure A said.

. Additionally, the district would have to consider closing one of its 12 elementary schools, according to Julie Lythcott-Haims, a Juana Briones parent.

Lucy Stone, the president of the AAUW said. "It [Measure A] will be money used to maintain programs, not [to make] new things,"
There was also some resentment of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s budgeting for education.

"The governor’s response to all this [the state economy] was to break his promise to all of you. It’s outrageous," Ruskin said.
Halfway through the rally, the "Yes on A" Kids’ Club marched up on the stage and held up a sign that said "Yes on A". In addition to the large sign, every kid in the club was adorned with numerous mini-signs, also endorsing the measure. Each volunteer also knew why they were supporting the measure and made their thoughts known.

"I really don’t want class sizes to go up," said William Goncher, an eight-year-old member of the Yes on A Kids’ Club.
Grace Grignon, another eight-year-old volunteer, added her thoughts.

"It’s hard for me to learn with big class sizes," Grignon said.
Paly and Gunn seniors Angelina Bena and Eric Nguyen were also among the many speakers who pledged their support. Both students promised to vote yes on the measure, and encouraged others to do the same.

Near the end of the rally, the band Backlight, led by Paly junior Ryan Mcdermott, played the song Children or Money, which was written to encourage support for the parcel tax. The song received a roaring applause with many standing ovations. It was apparent that the lyrics expressed just what everyone had on their mind.

"A rally like this helps to energize the troops," said Len Filppu, the rally’s press secretary.

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