Why Strong Schools Matter
Schools are a bedrock of a community, and we have some of the finest. We take great pride in our elementary schools (Lincoln, Franklin, Washington, McKinley, Roosevelt, Our Lady of Angels and St Catherines), our middle schools (Burlingame Intermediate, St Cat’s, OLA), and our high schools (Burlingame High and Mercy).
Good schools are not just a huge benefit for the school children and their parents, they are an important reason behind Burlingame’s appreciating home values. For example, a major study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that, “Overall, a $1.00 increase in per pupil state aid increases aggregate per pupil housing values by about $20.00…” because better schools lead to more valuable neighborhoods. I understand that, and it is one reason that all five of the Burlingame Elementary School District trustees are endorsing me in this election.
Strong schools bring families here from all over the Bay Area, California, and even nationwide. I know from my experience that when a company is willing to relocate an employee, they are going to make sure they spend their money on the best employee they have. Very often, the most ambitious and talented men and women in these firms are in their 30s and 40s, and they are also in the phase of starting or raising their families. These folks make great neighbors and great citizens – but they can also pick and choose where to go. If they don’t find good schools here, they will go elsewhere.
Our schools are under increasing strain from the state’s budget mess and from the economic downturn in general, which is leading to lower gift giving and so forth. We on the Council are not responsible for the schools per se, but we need to consider them a precious asset for the city, no less so than our business district or roads. When I can find a way to help make a difference to our schools, you can count on me to do so.
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