Good sense dictates levy, bond approval

Students in the Edmonds School District need your help.

District officials are asking voters to approve two critical items Feb. 7:

• A $138.4-million four-year replacement levy.

• A $140 million bond measure.

The bond is a unique request from the district and should be the final piece to complete a puzzle of interlocking work. The plan was well-crafted to address what had become in recent years an undercurrent of concern that officials were sitting on valuable real estate while holding out a hand to voters.

Under the direction of superintendent Nick Brossoit, that has changed.

With voter approval, the $140 million bond would become $280 million in capital projects, including a desperately needed new Lynnwood High School at a new site. Some of the property close to Alderwood mall would turn into cash for the district, as have some other high-profile parcels.

The moves create a domino effect that would allow the district get better economic and educational productivity from a number of buildings and properties.

Meanwhile, the levy would replace the current property tax assessment that accounts for 20 percent of the district’s operating budget. Levy money is more than icing or even cake, it is the basic ingredients from which quality schools – and students – are made.

The tax impact will vary slightly from year to year, but when combined with decreases in previously approved measures, the overall burden of school-related property taxes will be lighter, according to district projections.

So, a responsive government agency is delivering foundational support to the community while making the most of its current assets and asking for help to do more of the same; sounds like the definition of a no-brainer for voter approval.