I am writing in support of Measure H1, the local bond measure to repair, renovate, and upgrade Piedmont’s schools.

My husband Mark and I are longtime Piedmont residents and empty-nesters. Our three sons graduated from Piedmont High School in 2010, 2011, and 2012 and their Piedmont educations have served them well. Our District’s reputation for academic excellence is well-known; we were not surprised to learn that Piedmont once again ranked among the top in the State, based on last year’s standardized test scores.

However, our town’s reputation for good schools will be at risk if we do not modernize our aging school buildings. Mark and I have seen firsthand how the physical structure of the middle and high schools has deteriorated over time. Not only are the roofs, windows, plumbing and other infrastructure failing, the classrooms simply are not on par with neighboring public and private schools, nor were they built to accommodate the cross-disciplinary approach to learning that is the norm today.

The state of our schools shapes the quality of life in our community, and is a major factor in determining our property values. Our District has a history of completing large construction projects on time and on budget; we have confidence that a “yes” vote on H1 is a smart investment.

Cathy Michelotti Glazier, Piedmont Resident

Editors Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.  PCA does not take positions on ballot measures.