Vote yes on Measure A in La Quinta. It has a connection to education. Here's why
La Quinta residents should vote yes on Measure A. Short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) have a devastating effect on young families by reducing housing availability. Many small towns with STVRs are having their housing supply squeezed, sending rents skyrocketing for full-time residents and out of reach for many families with children.
STVRs are not eliminated by Measure A. Instead, their expansive growth into quiet and peaceful neighborhoods is kept in check by limiting them to established commercial zones. Many other cities are now scrambling to place controls on the excessive growth of STVRs. Even Riverside County supervisors are fielding numerous complaints.
Housing affordability directly impacts teacher recruitment and retention. New homes are becoming unaffordable to a beginning teacher. Reduced rental property availability further drives up living costs. Energetic teachers just beginning their careers cannot afford to live in the community, increasing the teacher shortage. It is important that teachers live in the community where they practice their profession. It provides a stronger involvement in children’s education.
School districts, both large and small, are having difficulty in recruiting teachers because of the higher cost of living and especially the higher cost of affordable housing. The result is that many classes, especially at the high school level, are being eliminated because of the shortage of teachers. At other grade levels classes are becoming more crowded.
According to the California School Board Association, many of the 300,000 public school teachers cannot afford to live in the communities where they work, forcing them to commute long distances or pushing them out of the education system altogether. Some school districts have had to provide housing through mortgage down payment assistance, build housing for their employees, and even placing propositions and bond measures on the ballot to fund affordable teacher housing.
Not only will teachers be difficult to attract and retain, but this is also true for school bus drivers, maintenance personnel, technicians, cafeteria workers and landscapers. Many other school districts are already experiencing these shortages, and the quality of public education is diminishing.
The Desert Sands Unified School District, which encompasses the City of La Quinta, has lost more than 2,000 students in the past four years. Fewer students lead to fewer state dollars flowing into the community, and the result will be the loss of millions of dollars to our local schools. A reduced student population increases the likelihood of more school closures. STVRs accelerate this process.
Families are the lifeblood of communities. They fill needed jobs and support local businesses. Their children participate in various educational programs as they progress through school, fill our local colleges, and advance in their careers.
It is not only schools that are being hurt by rising housing costs. Local businesses are unable to find qualified workers to staff needed positions. This is especially true for resort communities, such as La Quinta, which rely on tourism.
Protect our communities, our schools, and especially the future of our youngest citizens. Vote yes on Measure A.
Gary Tomak is a past president of the Desert Sands Unified School District Board of Education and a resident of La Quintaa. Email him at pgawest@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Yes on Measure A in La Quinta. It has a connection to education.
