Dear Fontana Community,

Every ten years since 1790, our nation takes a census to get an accurate picture of how many people are living in the Unites States.  This becomes the nation’s official population count.  Census data serves as an important tool for allocating funds for public services and resources.

Based on the census, lawmakers decide where to build new schools, libraries, hospitals, and roads.  How much federal money is awarded to our cities depends on the census.  Each year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion in federal funds to cities and states, based on the census.

Because the public resources to meet the needs of you and your family depends on an accurate census, it’s extremely important that every single person living in Fontana is counted.  Leaving some people out of the census means a potential loss of dollars for our schools and community.

We need everyone to be counted in the 2010 Census so that our children receive every opportunity for funding that is available.

Sometime this month, all households will receive questionnaires.  It should take about 10 minutes to mark your answers to 10 simple questions about the people living at your address.  Be sure to count all members of your household – both citizens and non-citizens, as well as relatives and non-relatives living at the address.

It’s natural to worry about protecting your personal information.  But, by law, the Census Bureau must keep your answers confidential and cannot share your information with other government agencies.  The data is collected only to produce statistics.  Your answers cannot be used against you in court or by law enforcement.

By providing accurate information on the census, our students will benefit – especially those in schools with a high percentage of low-income children, students who rely on special education programs, and students who hope to attend college using tuition grant or loan programs.  An accurate count may even qualify California for an additional seat in Congress.  Clearly there is a lot at stake.

As individuals, it can be hard to make difference.  The census provides a great opportunity for each of us to influence decisions made at every level of government.  I urge you to be counted in 2010 and help ensure that our schools and community get their fair share.

Best Wishes,

Cali L. Olsen-Binks
Superintendent

Online Resources:

• City of Fontana Census Fact Page
  

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