As a former teacher, former member of Contra Costa County Board of Education, 46 year Lafayette resident and homeowner, and a grandmother of children currently in Lafayette schools, I've spent decades thinking about what strong, effective public education requires.

It comes down to this: stability, accountability, and local control.

Over the years, I've seen what happens when school systems lack predictable funding. Districts are forced into short-term decisions like cutting programs one year, trying to rebuild the next. That kind of instability is not good for students, families, or teachers.

Measure H is about maintaining stability and protecting what is working in our Lafayette schools.

Importantly, it is also structured with clear local oversight. Funds are controlled locally, must be spent on local students, and are subject to independent audits and citizen oversight. That matters. As someone who has served in public office, I believe strongly that if we ask taxpayers to contribute, we must also ensure transparency and accountability in how those dollars are used.

I also believe in planning ahead. Waiting until funding expires before acting often leads to disruption and uncertainty. Thoughtful communities like Lafayette take a long view, ensuring continuity rather than reacting in crisis. This is what we've always done and what we must continue to do.

While people may reasonably differ on taxes in general, local investments in our schools and our children that are transparent, time-limited, and accountable deserve careful consideration from everyone.

For me, Measure H meets that standard. This is about the classrooms where our children and grandchildren learn, the teachers who guide and inspire them, and the future of Lafayette that we all care deeply about.

Christine W Deane
Lafayette

As a Lafayette parent and Chief Scientific Officer in the biotechnology sector, I think a lot about what it takes to solve complex problems and build for the future.

It starts with education.

The scientists, engineers, and innovators we depend on don't appear overnight. They are shaped over years by strong foundational skills, by exposure to science and critical thinking, and by teachers who know how to challenge and inspire students early on.

That foundation is built right here in Lafayette at every school in our district.

Measure H is about protecting that foundation. It ensures our students continue to have access to the hands-on learning and educational environments that encourage curiosity and resilience. These traits that are indispensable in the modern workforce.

From a professional standpoint, I also know that the regions that invest in education today are the ones that lead tomorrow. From a parent's standpoint, I want my children, and all Lafayette students, to have every opportunity to discover what they're capable of and pursue it.

Measure H is a practical, local investment in that future.

Supporting Measure H means supporting the next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders who will shape not just Lafayette, but the world beyond it.

Fred Aswad
Lafayette Parent & Chief Scientific Officer

Loving your kids is easy. Setting boundaries is no sweat. (Though Johnny's Donuts is apparently not an 'every day' occurrence, so my wife reminds me.) A high-quality public education? No brainer — just move to Lafayette.

We moved here five years ago, and the main reason (besides doughnuts) was the incredible public schools. My two kids are now thriving at Stanley Middle School.

Our schools are exceptional, and that doesn't happen by accident. It takes outstanding teachers, manageable class sizes, and strong STEM and language arts programs. State funding alone isn't enough. Measure H — the parcel tax on the June ballot — fills that gap, providing stable, local funding that stays in Lafayette, controlled by our community, not Sacramento.

Great schools aren't just for families. They're for everyone who owns property in Lafayette. Our schools are the single biggest reason buyers choose Lafayette, and why our home values are among the highest in Contra Costa County. Measure H is also an investment in those home values.

Locally controlled funding, for Lafayette kids, overseen by Lafayette neighbors. That's worth protecting as much as our delicious doughnuts.

Please vote Yes on Measure H.

Don Delco
PTA President, Stanley Middle School