Failure of Marysville school levy threatens future of district, kids

Published 1:30 am Sunday, January 29, 2023

Growing up, my mom always told us to vote “yes” for schools. She instilled in us the importance of supporting the next generation of children through funding public education. Even once her kids all graduated from school, she still voted “yes” on any school funding measures that were put on the ballot. My mom understood that it is the community’s responsibility — our responsibility — to support future generations of students who will go on to lead our country. It is our responsibility to give them the best opportunities to succeed in this world, and that means supporting funding measures that keep our schools operating. The upcoming Educational Programs and Operations Levy in Marysville must pass, otherwise the future of the Marysville School District is at stake.

I’m a teacher and my kids are students here in Marysville, so of course the levy is of the utmost importance to me. But even if I didn’t teach here or didn’t have kids in this district, I would still vote “yes” for this levy. Because that is what you do as a community: support and uplift those around you, especially the kids. That’s what this levy does: supports the students. It supports critical educational needs, such as teaching and support staff, technology, athletic programs, school supplies, and more. And not only that, it costs less than the current levy that is expiring!

The children in Marysville deserve our support. Please vote yes!

Heather O’Brien

Marysville