Levy also vital to economy

I write this letter to support the renewal of the bond and levy measures for Spokane Public Schools. An educated populace is a core value in our country. Measures such as these give all students the intangible benefit of a solid K-12 education.

The levy is a critical component to the Spokane district, making up 23.7 percent of the annual operating budget. It provides for class-size reduction, technology for classrooms, textbooks and materials, and funds programs like music, art, drama and debate.

Additionally, the bond generates funds to replace and/or upgrade some of Spokane’s oldest and least energy-efficient schools. Importantly, the bond will allow for new safety and security measures at all schools, a must in our current times.

Beyond what the bond and levy will do for our students, they will also stimulate growth by pouring $300 million into Spokane’s economy. Those funds will translate into numerous jobs for our local community.

Finally, the bond and levy measures do not create new taxes. Rather, they simply renew current taxes. Important work will be completed through the renewal of the bond and levy. I strongly urge voters to vote yes on Feb. 10.

Wendi Putzke

Spokane