Argument For Measure X

Vote YES on Measure X to ensure that the Governing Board of the Santa Cruz City Schools district is able to transition to trustee area voting.  In 2019, Santa Cruz City Schools received a “demand letter” under the California Voting Rights Act, urging the district to transition from at-large to trustee area voting.  The School District embraced this concept and held multiple board meetings and community meetings to get public input on this incredibly important issue.  Based upon the input from all stakeholders, the Governing Board passed a unanimous resolution to transition to trustee areas and establishing these trustee areas.

Typically, a city council would not have a role in determining the voting areas for a school district.  However, the Santa Cruz City Charter contains a “School Department” Article, which would conflict with the School Board’s resolution.  Therefore, in order to clear the path for trustee areas as unanimously approved by the School Board, the Santa Cruz City Charter must be amended!  At the School Board’s request, the Santa Cruz City Council passed a resolution to amend the City Charter by removing the “School Department” Article.  This will allow Santa Cruz City Schools to proceed with the transition to trustee areas.

We urge support of Measure X for many reasons.  First, the transition to trustee areas will help to ensure that the elected school board reflects the diverse communities within the school district.  Second, when a school district has trustee areas, it can be less expensive to run for the school board, which means that more individuals will have the opportunity to serve.  Lastly, a YES vote means that School District’s unanimous vote in favor of trustee area elections will come to fruition!

All City of Santa Cruz residents should vote YES on Measure X!

Deborah Tracy-Proulx
President Santa Cruz City School Board

Casey Carlson
President, Greater Santa Cruz Federation of Teachers

Paula Morin
2nd Vice President, Santa Cruz Council Classified Employees

Kris Munro
Superintendent, Santa Cruz City Schools

Martine Watkins
Former Mayor of City of Santa Cruz