February 6, 2008

Dear Community Members,

On behalf of all our children, certificated and classified staff, and Board of Education, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the voters of the Santa Monica-Malibu community for their overwhelming support of public education.

Yesterday’s 72.54% voter approval of Measure “R” clearly demonstrates your commitment to maintaining excellence in our schools.

This wonderful renewal will be celebrated by all at Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, Edison Language Academy, Franklin Elementary School, Grant Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School, John Muir Elementary School, Pt. Dume Marine Science Elementary School, Roosevelt Elementary School, John L. Webster Elementary School, Will Rogers Learning Community, John Adams Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, Santa Monica Alternative School House, Malibu High School, Santa Monica High School, Olympic High School, Adult Education Center, Child Development Services, and our Community Day School.

The students at these 19 centers of learning will continue to thrive knowing that the outstanding education they receive in their classrooms is strongly supported by their communities.

We have set a remarkable standard for ourselves to continue to provide the best education possible for each of our students, and your support is deeply appreciated and greatly needed.

We look forward to seeing you at our schools’ many performances of music, dance, and drama; on the fields cheering on the various sports in which our students participate; and at the ceremonies this June, recognizing the meaningful achievement of our elementary and middle school students, and the graduation exercises at our high schools, where we wish our seniors the best as they move out into the world having secured their educational foundations in the Santa Monica-Malibu schools.

All this is possible because of your sustained belief in World Class Public Schools for our children.

Thank You All Very Much,

Dianne Talarico

Superintendent