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Milpitas Unified School District's Bond Measure AA passes at 68.63 percent

11/7/2018

For immediate release Contact: Shannon Carr,
Board Support & Communications Specialist
(408) 635-2600, ext. 6031

The passage of general obligation bond Measure AA in Tuesday’s midterm election marks a feat of voter affirmation for the Milpitas Unified School District.

“The community's ‘Yes on AA’ has ignited the momentum towards realizing our Strategic Goals and reimagining school for our future MUSD graduates!” Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said.

It passed by a 68.63 percent margin (5,689 votes), with 31.37 percent (2,600 votes) opposed, according to the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters office. In Milpitas, 8,289 residents voted (27 percent) of 29,931 total registered voters.

“Thank you Milpitas for casting your vote in favor of Measure AA,” said Daniel Bobay, Board of Education President. “We appreciate your confidence in the school district and we appreciate our partners in the city."

Jordan and Bobay were one of approximately 20 people, including district officials, students, and family members, who joined for a pizza party at Mountain Mike’s on Tuesday to monitor Measure AA results online.

Just after 8 p.m., when 26 percent of precincts had been reported, 67.8 percent had voted in favor of the measure… A resounding YES for MUSD!

“It's a win win for the residents of Milpitas, the economic development, and, most importantly, the future of the education system in Milpitas,” Board Vice President Chris Norwood said. “We look forward to full participation of the city as well as community leaders and businesses as well.”

Board Member Robert Jung echoed similar sentiments.

“We now have opportunities that we can realize and full support from our community to make our schools the best in the county,” he said.

The election followed months of preparation including precinct walking and phone-banking by an independent campaigning committee that included parents, staff members, a student, and a member of the TBWB consulting firm.

Before even knowing the final results, Joe Flatley, Director of Facilities Modernization, said staff is ready to get going. At each Board Meeting until all the sites were addressed, Flatley had been giving presentations about sites’ facilities needs and priorities, and how they would be impacted by Bond Measure AA. The $284 million in collected bond monies will be spread across four categories: safety and security, modernization, overcrowding, and the second high school campus. The cost is a maximum of $60 per $100,000 of assessed value on a property (not market rate).

The Committee chaired by PTA President Silvia Dias worked with board members, high school students, parents, teachers, support staff, principals, District leaders, and the community to review needs and develop a plan for Milpitas schools. Some of Milpitas’ schools are already overcrowded-and enrollment in the schools continues to increase with 832 additional elementary students projected by 2027.

Projects for safety and security include installing perimeter fencing and making structural upgrades; modernizations include technology upgrades and roofing and flooring; reducing overcrowding includes funding new classrooms, performing arts programs, and completing Mabel Mattos Elementary School; and adding a second high school campus to create a dynamic, science and career focused high school program.

“Thank you Milpitas leaders, parents, community, and MUSD staff and students for your commitment to providing our children with safe and secure schools, state of the heart learning facilities, and the future home of our second high school campus at Ayer Educational Park!” Jordan said.

Jeff Lamb’s 40-year volleyball-coaching career comes to an end

11/1/2018

By Jeff Lamb

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 was my last scheduled volleyball match as the coach of the Milpitas High School Lady Trojans Varsity Volleyball Team. After 34 years as the varsity coach, two years as the JV coach, and four years as the JV volleyball coach at Saratoga High School, my 40-year volleyball-coaching career came to an end. It was truly a bittersweet experience, as I have loved almost every minute. Finishing my last practice the day before, in a moment of solitude, brought tears to me eyes. Tuesday night, however, was a very festive atmosphere. It was “Senior Night” for our seven seniors. I was thrilled to see so many faculty members attend the match, some for the first time. A great number of former players were also in attendance. I was presented a signed volleyball from the MHS staff. I almost lost it when I saw tears in the eyes of my daughter Jacqueline and son Stephen, who are MHS graduates and on the volleyball coaching staff. Assistant Coaches Marissa, Anastasia, and Paul also made it special. Of course my No. 1 supporter, my wife Leianne, was there to keep everything together.

I started working in MUSD as a substitute in October of 1977. There were no teaching positions available at this time due to Prop 13 and declining enrollment, especially in PE. Teachers were being laid off with up to 16 years experience in the area. Once I started, I have always worked in MUSD in some capacity; sub, long term sub (math and social studies), TAP Center Supervisor, Physical Science Teacher, Driver Education Teacher, Career Decision Making Instructor, PE Teacher, Athletic Director and coach. For a number of years I taught Algebra in summer school. I’ve also been an MTA negotiator for numerous contracts.

For all 42 years in education, I have been a coach. All but four years being at Milpitas High School. During my career I have been the head coach for 77 different high school teams in a variety of sports; volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, swimming, track, and water polo. I have never missed a single contest in over 2,300 contests. Fortunately I have received number coaching honors; CCS Honor Coach Volleyball and Basketball, CIF State Model Volleyball Coach, and CCA State Volleyball Coach of the Year are a few.

At the end of the year I will be winding up my 27th year as Athletic Director. I have been so honored to represent MHS as the CCS ADAC Chairperson (20+ years), CCS-ADA President, and CSADA California State President. Along the way I’ve received a lot of acknowledgement with the CSADA State Athletic Director of the Year being my highest honor.

Working at Milpitas High School and for MUSD must have been what I was meant to do. I am only retiring because it is now time to move on to the next phase of my life. Wow it went by so fast!

Milpitas Unified School District's Bond Measure AA passes at 68.63 percent

Jeff Lamb’s 40-year volleyball-coaching career comes to an end

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