9,167 / 71.44% Yes votes ...... 3,664 / 28.56% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

A Message from the Superintendent

Whittier City School District celebrated its centennial in February 1998. As we enter the new century, it is evident that our aging facilities must be repaired to provide an adequate learning environment for our 7200 students. Additionally, it is critical that we build a much-needed new school in Uptown Whittier.

Our present facilities do not have the electrical capacity to handle the technological demands of our new infrastructure. They also cannot accommodate air conditioning at the sites. Major upgrades have not taken place due to the high cost of replacements and repairs. Patchwork repairs on utilities have become the norm given a lack of funds.

Recognizing the seriousness of our current facility situation, the Whittier City Board of Education passed a resolution on October 18, 1999 to pursue a bond election on March 7, 2000. Our PTAs, PFOs, and other associations in the District enthusiastically supported this action, knowing that it is in the best interests of the students. If approved by a 2/3 vote on March 7, 2000, Measure W will provide funds to be used to:

• Build a new elementary school
• Build cafeteria/multi-purpose rooms for 8 sites
• Repair and/or replace gas, water, and sewer lines
• Install air conditioning and accompanying electrical upgrades
• Expand Class Size Reduction to include Grade 3
• Replace equipment for playgrounds and enact other site improvements

Carmella S. Franco, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Whittier City School District