I wholeheartedly support Measure H-12 as the best option for securing Templeton Unified School District (TUSD)’s future.

Prior administrators crafted a bold vision to transform TUSD into a great educational model. They invested wisely in staff and programs, and today, we have highly successful schools.

While the district celebrates many accolades, it must also acknowledge an infrastructure that has not developed on par. Initially, portable classrooms with limited life spans were sufficient, but soon, 70 percent of the classrooms will need replacement. Our neighborhood must plan for this obsolescence now.

In this era, state cuts to school funding are at an all-time high, and every dollar TUSD allocates toward the building fund is a dollar taken from students and programs. Templeton must establish a revenue source dedicated to rebuilding these classrooms so vision can continue within these classrooms. Measure H-12 gives Templeton residents local control over our children’s education.

I know that a strong community enhances the value of a school district, and I also know a strong school district enhances the value of a community. Speaking not as a board representative but as a parent, homeowner and voter, I support Measure H-12.