Letters

West Valley can’t afford to lose funding

In this time of significant reductions in state funding, it is vital we vote to continue the West Valley replacement levy on Feb. 14. This is not a new tax; it only continues a current funding source. With future cuts a certainty, West Valley can ill afford to lose local support in these dire times. This levy provides 20 percent of the current operating budget.

This money provides services which enrich students’ lives, are vital to their academic development, and better prepare them for their future role as adults. Things like class size, counseling services, technology upgrades, extra-curricular activities, music, art, drama and much more are all included.

West Valley has always provided a quality educational experience for all students. This is evidenced by its graduation rate of more than 96 percent (compared to 76 percent statewide), and its advanced placement programs in things like engineering and robotics.

As an alumnus, parent who sent children to West Valley, and college professor, I’ve seen firsthand how important these programs are. From working with many West Valley staff members, I’ve seen they work incredibly hard, are extremely dedicated, and care deeply and personally about the kids they serve. They, and our students, deserve our support.

Wally Heidenson

Spokane

Schools help children prepare for future

All four of my children have attended or are currently attending West Valley schools. My two oldest have graduated from West Valley High School, and one is attending Eastern Washington University and the other attends the Washington State University Nursing School. Neither one would be where they are without the support and education they received through the West Valley School District.

Both my older children were involved in activities at WV including band, football, basketball, NHS and DECA Club in which my oldest son, Matthew, was the president his senior year. By participating in these activities it has given them lessons and skills that will last a lifetime and has better prepared them for the higher education they are now receiving. My two youngest children attending middle school are receiving the same opportunities.

Please say “Yes” to the two levies that will be on the ballot in February to ensure that our children will continue to receive an outstanding education and all the opportunities that we can offer them at this stage in their lives.

Dale Cato Jr.

Mary Cato

Spokane Valley

Worth it to support CV school activities

I am a citizen who wants responsible taxation. I research to determine accurate, not deceptive facts before I vote. 

Please divide the “Citizens for Responsible Taxation” campaign numbers by three. The Central Valley replacement levy is for 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is a vote to continue the current levy tax for three more years. The levy tax will only go up if our state government stops its contribution. 

If the replacement levy doesn’t pass, 25 percent of the school budget disappears. There’s a high probability that music, drama, debate, athletics and other school activities will either dissolve or have an expensive “pay to play” price tag for parents. Bottom line: Availability of school activities is important. If they weren’t, then college applications wouldn’t have a section devoted to extracurricular activities.  

If continuing to pay the levy tax for the next three years means extracurricular school activities continue to exist, then I vote “YES!” I will pay the additional $166 per year for the next three years if our state government stops contributing. I won’t be very happy with them, but this levy tax is a worthy investment in our children. Please vote “YES!”

Michelle German

Spokane Valley

Levy supports whole Valley community

As any responsible citizen, I am concerned about how my tax dollars are spent. Central Valley School District is currently trying to pass a replacement levy that will help pay for teachers, extra-curricular activities, textbooks, advanced classes and other essential programs not funded by the state. 

I own a home in CVSD, and in the event the district doesn’t pass the levy, the school will be forced to cut essential programs, and people will lose their jobs. This would have a devastating impact on Spokane Valley’s economic well-being. People don’t buy homes in communities that have substandard schools; therefore, the market value of my house will decrease more than it has already. I view this levy as an investment in the future of our youth, an investment in my community and an investment in the value of my home. Thriving communities do not have failing schools. 

Kim Trent

Spokane Valley

From a student’s view, levy is vital

It is imperative that the residents of the Central Valley School District vote “Yes” for this upcoming replacement levy. From a student’s perspective, it would be detrimental if this levy didn’t pass because it would cut sports, music, clubs and many extra-curricular activities from every facet of the schools. It would also affect student’s learning directly by cutting the funding that the district uses to provide for gifted students and students that truly need extra help. The Central Valley School District is among the top five percent in the state of Washington, and the funding from the levy helps give students the tools to create a successful life and a successful community.

I’m not writing this because I will be affected by the results of this levy; in fact I will graduate in four months and this levy won’t have any effect on my schooling endeavors. I’m writing this because I have been educated flawlessly by the district, and I want to know that present and future students will have the same opportunities that I had. I know firsthand how important it is to pass this levy, so vote “Yes” for Central Valley schools. 

Brett Busch

Liberty Lake

Firefighters give quality assistance

On Jan. 17, I had the pleasure of meeting the following Spokane Valley firemen: Medic Kevin Dunne, EMT Scott Tschirgi, Medic Gary Ghirarduzzi and EMT Shawn Pichette.  

Upon leaving one of the Valley grocery stores, I suddenly felt pressure on my chest. I noticed a fire truck parked by the entrance so I walked over and told a fireman I thought I was in trouble. He immediately called for his fellow firemen. Quickly, three firefighters were grabbing equipment and one leading me into the store to sit down.  I watched each fireman performing different tasks as if these tasks were a common occurrence. I can only imagine how much time is spent by firemen training for this very moment.    

I was taken to the Sacred Heart emergency room where yet another great medical team attended to me immediately. Later, a stent was placed in one of my arteries. I was later told by my family that a doctor stated, “Due to the firemen’s quick action they possibly stopped the heart attack before it reached the halfway point!” 

Never again will I question any bond issue for the firefighters of Spokane.

Steve Gregory 

Spokane Valley