San José Unified Board of Trustees candidate and former Measure R Co-Chair Michael Melillo issued the following statement opposing the proposed purchase of the Silvery Towers development using Measure R bond funds:

“This proposal breaks the promise we made to voters.

I helped lead the Measure R campaign based on a clear commitment: invest in our schools while creating good jobs under strong labor standards. That commitment was backed by a Project Labor Agreement to ensure accountability, fair wages, and safe working conditions. It was non-negotiable.

The proposed purchase of Silvery Towers violates that commitment.

This project is tied to a documented history of wage theft and labor exploitation, including findings from a U.S. Department of Labor investigation connected to a broader forced-labor and human trafficking case. Using public school bond funds to acquire this property is not just misguided - it is indefensible.

Let me also be clear: housing for our teachers and staff is not optional. It is critical. If we want to attract and retain great educators in San José, we must provide housing that is affordable, stable, and worthy of the people serving our students.

But this proposal fails on that front as well.

It creates no new housing supply. It creates no jobs. And it abandons the labor standards that were central to earning voter trust. We can and must do better.

We should be building educator housing the right way, on district-owned land, under strong labor agreements, and with a long-term vision that reflects our values.

I oppose this purchase. If this had been part of the Measure R proposal, I would not have supported it, and I would not have asked voters to.

The Board must halt this acquisition, be transparent with the public, and return to solutions that actually deliver for our schools, our workers, and our community.”