Guest opinion: School district's robust elective program allows kids to discover paths to passions

Thank you, Ani! I loved reading your story. I believe school should offer every kid a place to excel and find their interest, and I'm so glad MPCSD offered you the space and resources to set you on a path you are passionate about. I'm proud to support Measure X to continue funding a breadth of programs for future students.

What a great story Ani - enjoy your last year of college! It is wonderful to hear that your elementary and middle school years helped guide you to where you are today. The ability for our schools to be able to provide classes, and teachers for classes, in the arts, library, music, and computers is so important. I will be voting yes on Measure X to assure these classes are continued in our District.

Thank you, Ani, for connecting the dots for our community. Your story embodies the value of the education in MPCSD.

I truly hope our community continues to support public education and votes Yes on X so our schools can continue to offer courses like video production that inspired your higher education and career.

It's so important.

Inspiring story Ani and good for you! I had a similar experience with Art classes growing up and how they influenced my 20 years of Marketing success now.

Ani, I am proud to have had you in our district and applaud your ongoing support and community awareness at such a young age. I have to say, when I read at the MPCSD FAQ link, Web Link that without the passing of Measure X, the proposed budget cuts would include and immediately go to (among other important parts of curriculum) our MPCSD librarians, art, music and science teachers. This would be a backward move for our community, and school district as well as a great disservice to our future leaders. For those who are questioning this small investment of $360 per parcel, listen to the facts and what is at stake...Schools that provide arts programs to their students, have a higher proficiency in math, reading and a higher graduation rate. Here is one example of supporting evidence, US Department of Education and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities; low performing schools were selected to receive arts education curriculum, resources and supplies with support from principals, teachers and parents. In comparison to a control group that did not have the arts present at school, those who participated in the study reported, 22.5% improvement in math proficiency, 12.6% improvement in reading - - overall the arts increased student engagement, created a positive culture and climate, and provided a richer overall experience. In other related studies by Edutopia, even disciplinary problems decreased 23% in schools with arts education! I'm supportive of our community, and our future...I will be voting YES on Measure X!

Thank you for sharing how your experiences at MPCSD schools inspired and facilitated your choices in both higher education and your budding career. Thank you also for voicing your support of Measure X in the hopes that its passage will allow others to enjoy similarly positive educational experiences.

Thank you Ani for sharing your story! It makes me proud to be part of a district that has a history of leading the curve in technology and electives. Education for our young kids is why we chose to move to Menlo Park. As a community we need to support Measure X to keep it that way.

It is refreshing to see that at least 4 of the posters on this topic are contributors to the MPAEF which provides considerable support to MPCSD programs. Don't know whether the Parents are contributors. Check out MPAEF at Web Link

Why ask for OPM? Vote NO on Measure X. That still leaves parcel taxes, with no expiration, taking more than $675 of OPM above the thousands in ad-valorem taxes inflated by debt service on $131,000,000 in bonds.

After voting NO, write a check to MPAEF. You'll sleep better knowing that you kicked the OPM habit.