Support EVSD bus levy

I have read the East Valley School District levy fact sheet and have attended informational meetings explaining how this levy will modernize the fleet of buses. The levy will permit the district to align itself with Washington’s 13-year depreciation schedule, thereby maximizing state reimbursement dollars for future bus replacements scheduled over a strategic time frame.

This is not the only benefit that sold me on the levy. The new buses will realize at least a 2-mile-per-gallon increase in fuel economy, saving the district another $100,000 per year in fuel costs, not to mention savings in maintenance and increased passenger safety.

I have lived in the district for 23 years and have always supported East Valley at the ballot box, long before ever having schoolchildren myself. The proposed levy with a modest rate of $.55 per $1,000 valuation will sunset after two years. The current fleet of buses travels 3,200 miles each day. Some of these buses date back to 1991, prior to the last bus levy in 1993.

I am asking neighbors, friends and other community leaders to join me in support of this common sense and fiscally responsible transportation levy on April 28.

Kolby Hanson

Otis Orchards