Facts illuminate levy issue

Regarding “Ads make false claims” (March 4):

Fact: What voters have paid for bonds and levies has always been less than the estimated tax rate.

Fact: The current 2009 levy rate is $2.86 per thousand of assessed property value, which is 89 cents less than the $3.75 estimated rate on the ballot for 2009.

Fact: The bond rate is currently $1.48 per thousand, 48 cents less than the maximum rate of $1.96.

Fact: Because actual tax liability cannot be predicted, the district estimates at a higher rate to ensure voters see the maximum they might pay when, in fact, it has always turned out lower.

Fact: Spokane Public Schools is one of the largest employers in the Spokane area. Thousands of your neighbors work as teachers, support personnel, custodians, counselors, librarians, groundskeepers, coaches, office managers and administrators.

More thousands of your neighbors rely on public schools to give their children a basic education, not to mention keep them safe and cared for during the work day. Think about it. Let’s behave like we are part of a community, not living in caves where we hope the tiger eats the neighbors first. Vote yes for Spokane schools.

Nancy Runyan

Spokane Valley