Regarding the Jan. 27 letter, “District needs to show fiscal responsibility”:

Voting yes for the Edmonds School District’s Replacement School Programs and Operation Levy is of vital importance to the well-being of each child who goes to school in our district and to the future of our community.

This is not a new tax. The existing funding of our schools comes in two forms, the state (and small portion of federal and other dollars) contributes 80 percent of the funding for our district to operate, the other 20 percent comes from the voter-approved operation levy. This levy provides the district with approximately $43 million per year starting with the 2010-11 school year and will run through 2014.

Last year the district had to make some tough choices. Our students, district staff and teachers were hit with almost $12 million in cuts, which cost jobs at all levels, the closing of two schools, increased class size and loss of programs our students need in their educational journey. I help in those classrooms and see the impact on the tough choices the district had to make, with community input throughout their decision-making process.

If this levy is not successful we will feel the impacts from this year’s reductions in programs and operations. These will be three times worse than the last round of reductions and will cost our kids and district staff dearly. It will also prevent my children and others from getting what they deserve: a well-rounded education. It is true that this is not a new tax. It is a continuation of an already existing tax that was supported by voters in 2006 — and for decades prior to that. As for taxes increasing, if I look at the numbers, our cost as homeowners will stay fairly flat compared to what we are currently paying and in fact could decrease over time through 2014.

Andy Simonsen

President, Citizens For Schools

Mountlake Terrace