Visit any school, see how kids learn today

Replacement levy ballots will be arriving this week. Most voters who return their ballots don’t have children in school. Which raises the question, when was the last time they’ve visited a neighborhood school? While our schools may look the same on the outside, I guarantee learning looks differently today than it did when you or I were in school. Our students still learn the basics. In addition, they must master a higher level of learning due to substantially increased state/federal requirements and employer expectations.

The state Constitution mandates it’s the paramount duty of the state to amply fund education. A recent Supreme Court decision ruled it’s not. A school levy is intended to fund the extras our community deems important. Unfortunately, levy funds today must be used to supplement basic education in addition to the extras.

I invite area residents to visit any neighborhood school and see how kids are preparing for today’s and tomorrow’s world. While we all realize times are tough, I’m sure visitors will walk away with a smile and recognize East Valley is a good steward of your money and vote appropriately.

Kerri Lunstroth

Chair, East Valley school board