Support levy to help build strong communities

March 14 is a special day for the students of our local school districts. This is the day that will determine if the replacement maintenance and operation levies have passed, following the mandated all mail-in ballot.

This levy is a replacement tax (no new tax) for our schools in which these funds support the educational and extracurricular programs needed to educate our students. The East Valley School District does an excellent job of working with all our youths in the district. The levy funds school activities such as the purchasing of supplies, extracurricular activities, additional energy costs, a portion of transportation costs, textbook adoptions, and before and after school tutoring.

I firmly believe that to have good schools helps build strong communities. I urge all voters to vote “Yes” for the upcoming maintenance and operation levy not only for the East Valley levy but for all Spokane County school districts.

Charles G. Stocker

Superintendent, retired

Teacher asks for EV levy support

As the daughter of a teacher, the mother of a teacher, the wife of a teacher, a teacher myself and as the president of the East Valley Education Association, I am a bit biased when it comes to the education of the students in the East Valley School District.

Maybe it is the images of hundreds of children’s faces that I have seen come through the doors of my classroom that makes me so passionate about education. The joy in their eyes when they all of a sudden understand a new concept, the first time they can use that math formula, score a touchdown, master a piece of music, or just the feeling of being safe and well fed. These are experiences that every parent and grandparent wants for their child and this is what you will find in the East Valley schools.

I have gone to the school board meetings and I know that East Valley has been very careful with your tax dollars. They have stretched them as far as they can and they will continue to use your money carefully. Please vote “Yes” for the East Valley maintenance and operations levy.

Leslee McLachlan

East Valley Education Association president

Vote yes to maintain West Valley’s schools

We have a chance to continue to do the right thing for our children. A yes vote on March 14th will allow the West Valley schools to maintain their high standards of academic excellence and cutting edge technology. As a parent, I appreciate the people who vote yes to ensure that our children will receive the best education possible.

Remembering that both levies will not increase taxes should make that yes vote painless. Washington, like most states, does not entirely fund education.

Almost 20 percent of the West Valley School District budget is provided by these levies. The maintenance and operations levy pays for athletics, advanced placement programs, and enhances music, art and drama. It will maintain existing student to teacher and staff ratios. The technology levy will continue to fund the types of training that our young people need to succeed in this information age. I consider myself and my family fortunate to live in a district where the citizens continue to invest in the education of our children.

Denise Zahller

Spokane

Vote ‘Yes’ to renew, replace expiring levy

This message is for all Spokane Valley voters in the Central Valley School District. Please vote “Yes” on the upcoming bond and levy. The proposed levy renews and replaces the expiring three-year levy approved by voters in March 2003. The bond is requesting $55.2 million to build two buildings to accommodate growth in the east end, remodel three other buildings – some of which will qualify for state funds due to the age of the buildings – and upgrade six additional buildings. These improvements will benefit all CV children.

My children and I have been in this school district for 16 years. This district values volunteerism and getting our community involved. Please contact your local school if you have a desire to volunteer. Most importantly, please take time to learn more about the proposed bond and levy and please vote “Yes.”

Marcia Asmussen

Spokane Valley