Letter to Editor: Resident Wants Voters to Do Homework Before Voting for Dublin School Board Candidates

Dear Editor:

This election is perhaps the most critical election ever for Dublin School Trustees. Why? Because the District’s debt has exploded over the last ten years, $1.2 billion of authorized debt to be more precise, however our schools remain perpetually overcrowded thereby risking our kid’s education and our property values. Four out of five Trustees are up for election and the outcome will determine how we develop solutions to actually solve school overcrowding, all while maintaining a high quality educational experience for our kids.

These last few years, developers have benefitted financially from the lure of our great schools and negotiated deals that are great for them but are disastrous for our finances and property taxes.

We need Trustees that will put our existing residents first and who have the business acumen to challenge these arrangements.

The District has made poor fiscal decisions during these last few years. A few key examples would be buying computers with long-term debt, prioritizing $5 million of spending for the design of a new school at Dublin Crossings versus reopening the former Nielsen school, and finally relying on high-end architectural designs leading to excessive development costs.

We need Trustees who understand the complexities of school facilities, construction, and who will effectively challenge District employees to significantly reduce costs. We need Trustees who recognize the extent of our problems, and who will be straight with us even when it is hard to hear. Do your homework and vote for candidates with the right experience to make the critical decisions necessary for our kids and our finances.

Gabrielle Blackman is that candidate. As Trustee, she will deliver on the promises made to the community; solve growth issues by strategically aligning fiscal resources to OUR prioritized needs. She will also support innovative curriculum to advance college and career readiness.

She is a Cornell University graduate and an architect with expertise in school planning and facility design. She will bring a new perspective, one that delivers innovative ideas. She will collaborate with, yet challenge, fellow board members and district staff to meet the needs of educating students in the 21st century. Most importantly, as a Dublin resident of 12 years and parent of 3 children, she is 100% vested in the outcome.

Please vote for Gabrielle “Gabi” Blackman for DUSD Board of Trustees this November.

Signed:

Bobby Khullar, Resident of Dublin