Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

I am writing in favor of Measure I for our Ripon Unified School District. As a parent and a committee member for Measure I, I believe we need to invest in our schools to be competitive with the other school districts in the surrounding areas.

There are many events that I have attended at Ripona Elementary, Ripon Elementary and Ripon High. I know firsthand that the schools need modernization that Measure I can provide. We all saw the need for Measure G that was passed to replace all of the portable classrooms at Weston Elementary and Colony Oak Elementary. Now it is time to take care of the other schools so that our kids can have a better learning environment. 

Yes on Measure I will replace the portable classrooms with permanent buildings for Ripona, Ripon El and Ripon High, add new roof and restroom renovation for Ripona and Ripon El, and replace the restrooms at the Ripon High School Stadium. It would also modernize the science lab and technical education facilities at the high school, so our kids can succeed in such a competitive market. This bond will build shop space for the new Diesel Engines Program that will benefit students at Ripon High, and most importantly, to invest more improvements in safety and security for our kids for all the schools in the district.

I moved my family here to Ripon because of the school’s outstanding test scores in the county. I have been impressed by the dedication of both of my son’s teachers in our school district. I am a firm supporter for our teachers and administration.  Let’s invest in our kids and our community and maintain Ripon’s standing. Vote Yes on Measure I.

Roger Valdez

Ripon Parent