Please vote yes for the Lake Stevens School District bond. As a longtime resident, parent, homeowner and alum of the Lake Stevens School District, I cannot express how important it is to maintain the excellent school district that Lake Stevens is known for. Our students routinely test higher than students in neighboring districts. Our schools regularly receive awards for excellence. Our esteemed teachers and administrators work long hours to maintain the quality of education that is expected.
Our district has grown tremendously in recent years. Our overcrowded elementary schools are bursting. The new elementary P-5 campus and Early Learning Center are vital needs. The new school will benefit all district students and families because it will reduce overcrowding in all of our elementary schools.
Our school district boundaries are very different from the city boundaries. LSSD includes Marysville, Snohomish and Granite Falls. Residents of our district vote on levies and bonds and pay corresponding taxes.
The improvements addressed in the bond will positively impact everyone in Lake Stevens, not just the students (although I believe their education is the most important factor). The school district already houses many community programs that we all enjoy. Improvements to aging facilities (such as athletic fields and the LSHS pool) will benefit all of us! Many people choose to live in Lake Stevens not only because of the natural beauty that surrounds us, but because of the quality education offered here. It’s true that the district can’t draw on a big business tax base, and therefore and the cost is passed along to homeowners. But with thoughtful planning and growth, the cost burdens on homeowners may someday adjust, but our kids need us now. We cannot wait.
A yes vote means that you not only care about education, but that you care about your community. Our school district has worked diligently to offer us the best possible plan for the future of Lake Stevens (approved by the public, which participated in the online survey about needs and concerns) and we need to do our part to support that plan by approving the bond. Voting no negatively impacts our students and community.
Carrie Blankenship
Lake Stevens
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