I am fortunate to live and work in a school district where I am confident my own child receives a comprehensive, quality education. When he walks through the doors of his school he is greeted by friendly para-educators. He participates in patrol, the school news show, band and the math team. Every day, innovative teachers and an instructional coach challenge him academically.

As a Cheney educator, I know my own child’s experiences are not unique. Four thousand children walk through the doors of Cheney’s schools every day to experience a commitment to excellence from support staff and teachers. Without funding from levy dollars, this level of commitment would not be possible. Library/media specialists, custodial staff, music programs, school counselors, quality curriculum and athletic programs are just a few of the important components of a quality school experience directly funded with levy dollars.

Without replacement of the current levy, many programs and people of utmost importance to Cheney students would go away.

I strongly urge that residents of the Cheney School District vote yes to replace the three-year educational programs and operations levy by Feb. 14.

Carol A. Mahoney

Cheney