Excellence in Education, Focus on our Youth

By Jose "Joe" Esteves

It is critical to partner with our School District to provide quality education and promising future for children.

In my first term as your Mayor, I led the establishment of a formal relationship between the City and the Milpitas Unified School District to implement projects: The City provided funding for after-school programs for pre-school school children. I presented to, and obtained support from, Evergreen Community College to offer college classes in Milpitas classrooms; those classes began 2 weeks ago.

I have a long-term involvement in Milpitas education and helping students reach their potential. I am a mentor at both Milpitas and Calaveras Hills High Schools. I am a frequent participant at school events, from Ask the Mayor to graduations.

I have continued my leadership role in building a new library that will be a great resource for our children as well as the north anchor of the Mid-Town development. I led the Measure H and I efforts to fund the new library from transient taxes and minimize City funding. I supported the relocation of the library to North Main Street as it made sense from a traffic, parking, and cost perspective. I am working with staff and other Council members to maintain library services even as library operating funds become more limited.

I will continue to enhance the City's youth programs, Teen Center and Recreation Services. I will support and assist our Youth Advisory Commission and all other youth and school organizations in their goals and objectives.