Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

I am writing to urge support for Measure I in the Ripon Unified School District. Our teachers do an outstanding job educating our children and likewise our district staff have been good stewards in maintain out school facilities to provide students and teachers alike with a safe place for learning.

However, many of our schools are over 50 years old, they need more than maintenance to remain safe and prepare our children for a bright future.

Measure G in 2012 began RUSD’s modernization and improvement program with successful reconstruction at Weston and replacement of portable classrooms with permanent buildings at Colony Oak. But there is more to be accomplished.

Ripon Elementary and Ripona, two of the oldest school sites in the district, need new roofs, restrooms, and permanent buildings to replace aging portable classrooms.

Ripon High also need to replace portables with permanent classrooms, as well as build a much-needed new science lab and modernize career technical ed facilities to better prepare students for college and competitive careers after graduation. Funding will also help complete the finishing touches on the beautiful new stadium at Ripon Hugh, including new restrooms and a ticket booth.

Finally, safety improvements are needed at all school sites to provide a safe learning environment for our kids.

Utilizing bond measures to repair and modernize our aging facilities is a win-win for our district as this funding will qualify RUSD for priority matching funds from the state, thereby leveraging our property tax dollars with additional state tax dollars. I am hopeful my fellow community members will see this as a wise investment in the youth of our community that will bring us rich returns with well-educated and well-prepared citizens of the future. Please join me in voting “yes” on Measure I.

Dave Phippen

Ripon