Although robocalls are making news in the presidential campaign,
we didn’t expect to be writing about them in a local race, but here
we are. And that’s because the Gilroy Unified School District used
its School Loop automated phone and e-mail system to advertise a
forum about Measure P, the $150 million school facilities bond.
1. Robocalls, e-mail messages that sing praises of bond cross the line
Although robocalls are making news in the presidential campaign, we didn’t expect to be writing about them in a local race, but here we are. And that’s because the Gilroy Unified School District used its School Loop automated phone and e-mail system to advertise a forum about Measure P, the $150 million school facilities bond.
We agree with Charles Dunn of Regent University that the district came “right to the edge of the ethical precipice” with the calls and e-mail messages that included claims that the bond measure would decrease taxes, improve academic performance and improve the community.
School district officials should have known better. Calls and e-mail messages delivered on the district’s dime that gave the date, time and location of the forum might be acceptable, but calls and e-mail messages that sing the bond’s praises cross the line.
2. Forum format also troubling
We’re also troubled by the format of the forum, which should have featured proponents of Measure P who were not affiliated with the district, given that the opponent of Measure P invited to speak at the forum was not affiliated with the district.
Holding the forum at a school district facility – rather than at a neutral location – is also a questionable decision.
And the district employees who were posting Yes on Measure P signs on school property need to be reprimanded and given a refresher course on the ethics and laws involved.
3. Vote for Measure P based on merits
Having said all of that, we hope that Gilroyans will decide how to cast their ballots on Measure P based on the merits of the bond measure, not the regrettable actions of some district officials regarding this forum. Their decisions, while regrettable, are not egregious and are irrelevant to the central question of whether Measure P is right for Gilroy.
This community needs a second high school and Measure P is necessary to do that.
Criticize school district officials for their actions regarding this forum, but vote yes on Measure P.