The March 9 election is more than a week away, but it’s actually underway right this minute because of mail ballots. Whether people are exercising their constitutional right in the privacy of their home or prefer to proudly display an "I Voted Electronically" sticker on their lapels, voters should say yes to their local school levies.
This time around voters in the Arlington, Darrington, Granite Falls, Lakewood, Monroe and Stanwood-Camano school districts will be making the call. With expectations for student achievement rising, now is not the time to pull the funding rug out from under these districts.
The money collected from levies goes to pay for the daily costs of educating our children — supplies, training, technology, transportation and instructional staff — and it accounts for about 18 percent of a district’s budget, more in some places. Voters should understand this tax is not in addition to the one they’re already paying. It replaces the tax measure expiring at the end of this year. In some cases, the amount districts are asking for is increasing. But as school buses age and technology becomes history, improvements and repairs are necessary if we expect our children to receive a solid education that allows them to learn and compete with students from other districts around the state and country.
Another point in favor of the levies is that they last four years this time instead of two. That allows districts to do better planning instead, given the greater certainty of funding. It also saves money, because districts don’t have to pay for as many elections.
Schools need local support now more than ever. Learning standards have been raised, and high school students will soon have to pass a challenging test before they can graduate. The federal No Child Left Behind act is working to hold schools accountable for results. It’s up to voters to make sure their district isn’t left behind.
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