As an educator in Marysville, I feel compelled to share how important it is for Marysville residents to pass the upcoming school operations levy. This levy is a crucial support for students, teachers and paraeducators. Please vote yes on the replacement levy by Feb. 14. It will help Marysville provide the staffing to keep classroom sizes manageable and provide support staff for students who need help, now more than ever, in the wake of educational gaps brought on by the pandemic.
We are fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest, an area that has experienced consistent economic growth for decades. With this growth comes growing pains though. Our cost of living and housing has increased. Everyone has felt the pain of recent inflation, and many in our community see this levy as an ill-timed tax increase.
This levy will not lead to an increase in taxes though. In truth, it represents a substantial lowering of property taxes from the previous school levy. It also represents a lower property tax bill than is experienced by residents in many neighboring communities.
A third consecutive levy failure in Marysville would be catastrophic. The Marysville School District would be unable to honor its financial commitments to its teachers and staff. Many teachers would be unable to afford to work and live in and around Marysville, and would be forced to leave for more competitive districts. Marysville School District would be left either trying to re-staff most of its district with inexperienced teachers, or the district itself could dissolve and be swallowed up by neighboring school districts, leading to much higher taxes and loss of control for Marysville residents.
There is new leadership in Marysville School District, and the district is working hard to improve and prepare its students for the future. The community has stepped up to support improved city infrastructure and our first responders. Now is the time to vote yes on the Marysville School District operational levy. Invest in young people and the people who support them. Please remember, your ballots are due by Feb. 14. Invest in the future of Marysville and vote yes.
Doug Karalius
Lake Stevens
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