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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Matter of Opinion

School levies

The editorial board just finished meeting with proponents of the simple majority requirement for school levies. They said equity was the main goal of the proposal; schools shouldn't have to drum up more support than local governments, the Legislature or anyone else when they need more property tax money in order to carry out their mission.

To me, it appears that the key philosophical issue is the definition of basic education: is the state fulfilling its constitutional duty to fund it? If we're still using the 1970s definition, most would say yes; but those we met with today argue strongly for a redefinition.

What do you think constitutes basic education?



A Matter of Opinion is really a matter of three opinions – those held by the people responsible for the opinion pages of The Spokesman-Review. Check in regularly to find out what they’re up to, what they think and where they differ and to joust with them if you want.