We are fortunate to live in a town where residents of all ages value education. The way that families, businesses, and community organizations band together to assist our schools is one of Lafayette’s greatest attributes. Ongoing state budget deficits, conservative funding projections, and complicated and unfavorable funding algorithms make communal involvement indispensable. Time and time again, our community rises to meet budget challenges by supporting school parent clubs, our education foundation LPIE, and special ballot measures. If it takes a village to raise a child, it surely takes a community to sustain a school.

Lafayette’s latest display of educational support was expressed this past June, when voters approved Measure C, a $70 million general obligation bond to pay for new classrooms and general infrastructure modernization. Scheduled improvements include:

• The repair or replacement of leaky roofs and deteriorated plumbing, sewer, heating, ventilation, lighting and electrical systems.
• Upgrade technology infrastructure to keep pace with 21st century teaching and learning.
• Modernize outdated classrooms, labs, and instructional equipment, including replacement of portables with permanent classrooms.
• Accommodate growth with construction of a modern classroom facility for STEAM instruction at Stanley Middle School, and reconfigure or construct classrooms on elementary school sites.
• Improve school safety and security including lighting, cameras, fencing, emergency alarm systems, hardscapes, playfields, outdoor play equipment and pick-up/drop-off zones.

It’s elementary: When schools operate properly, research shows that students feel better and do better. Highly functioning schools are a hallmark of a highly functioning community. Thank you to everyone in Lafayette for your continued support of education. It’s a team effort – and we are winning!