Mayor Matt Mahan is running for governor on a platform of fiscal responsibility. But what does fiscal responsibility look like here at home, in San Jose?
The San Jose Unified School District is funded by one of the largest property tax bases in the country due to high property values. In November, voters approved Measure R, a $1.15 billion bond, on top of $462 million in annual revenue. The district promised to spend its money on “neighborhood schools.” Now, the district is preparing to close five elementary schools, displace one and break neighborhoods apart through rezoning.
Where did all the money go?
Fiscal responsibility demands honesty and accountability. The district was not honest when it promised to support our neighborhood schools. And it is not accountable now as it breaks its promise. The district has even argued it is not accountable to any measurable cost savings from school closures.
Smart money invests in the future. In a place like Silicon Valley, where two curious kids in a garage can create a $3.7 trillion company like Apple, the smartest possible investment is in our children’s education.
Where is San Jose’s mayor in all of this? As Matt Mahan travels across the state campaigning for governor, is he even aware that our schools are closing back home?
It’s time for Matt Mahan to lead. Though a five-member school board has the ultimate vote, the mayor has tremendous influence. He should remind the school board of its duty to invest its budget, which is ample, in our students and our neighborhoods, with honesty and accountability. And if Matt Mahan can’t whip three votes on a local school board, how can he possibly hope to lead a statewide assembly?
Now is the time for the mayor to use his influence and save our schools.
Geoffrey Garen is a San Jose Unified School District parent.