Voters reject Measure G

At Gridley High School, we do not own a gymnasium. The gym currently in use is actually owned by the city, and thousands of dollars are spent from the school's budget to rent the gym.

In November, there was a measure on the ballot, Measure G, a bond to help raise approximately $11 million "to improve the quality of education at Gridley High School, repair leaky roofs, improve student access to computers and modern technology, construct a new gym for school and community use, lower energy costs by upgrading electrical/plumbing/heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems."

Unfortunately for GHS students, Measure G did not pass, with an outcome of 61 percent voting no to 38 percent voting yes.

Much of the GHS faculty assisted in campaigning for Measure G, tirelessly going from house to house knocking on doors in an attempt to gain support.

Many students and faculty were disappointed to hear of the bond's fate.

GHS senior Shyann Waters mourned the bond: "I am really shocked that Measure G didn't pass. I was so sure the voting citizens of this town would have loved to support the high school and its education system."

Student and faculty concerns center around future generations of Gridley High students. "I am really sad for our future GHS students," Shyann said.

"We keep pouring money into a gym that doesn't even belong to us; how is that a good investment of taxpayer dollars?" said sophomore Kacey Williams.

"It's a shame Measure G didn't pass. In my opinion, it could only benefit the entire well-being of our school along with all the custodians," said senior Jazmine Espitia.

"I hope Measure G will be appealed again and added on to the local ballot once again so Gridley High can have another chance at improving the education and well being of its students and staff," Jazmine added.

Others weren't discouraged by the bond not passing. GHS senior Trevor Irwin said, "I certainly would have liked more money for the school, but I know that isn't always feasible or pragmatic. I've heard complaints about how the money would have been collected, about the new gym being unnecessary, and more."

Many community members as well as students agreed that it was just too much money for something that was not essential to their child's learning atmosphere.

"As a student, my opinions are conflicted because I would have liked to see these improvements at GHS, but I understand that the measure had issues that, for many people, caused them to vote it down," Trevor added.

Overall, the idea behind improving the learning environment and productive atmosphere at Gridley High is a good one. Hopefully, the powers that be can settle on a way to help unify our town to support our students in a way that is feasible for everyone, and for an amount that the public can agree on.

SydneyRay Taverner is a senior at Gridley High School. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.