On Tuesday, voters will make big decisions. Their judgments about local school levy requests are vital matters for students and their communities.
Districts throughout the area have asked voters for approval of replacement levies that will continue local support provided by levies that are expiring. The proposals vary in specifics of both money and time, with some districts requesting the full four-year authority allowable under state law and others opting for two-year renewals.
Districts with levy requests include Everett, Lake Stevens, Mukilteo, Monroe, Arlington, Snohomish, Lakewood, Sultan, Edmonds, Darrington, Granite Falls, Stanwood-Camano, Northshore, South Whidbey and Coupeville.
In addition, there are a variety of technology, construction or transportation proposals on the ballot in many districts. Given enrollment growth and changes in curriculum, these measures can provide critical support for students’ education.
Nothing, though, is more vital than local levy support for education. The state system of school financing pretends to cover basic education, but it doesn’t. No district here can provide a decent educational program without some level of local support.
While voters in each district must make decisions based on the specifics of their local proposals, the levy requests are important questions that deserve attention, for the welfare of students and their entire communities. If you haven’t voted yet, Tuesday is the day.
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