Our schools need you

This has been a difficult and contentious year in our country and the Spokane community. In a couple months we will have the opportunity to vote “Yes for Kids,” casting our ballots for something inspiring rather than divisive. Spokane Public Schools (along with other local districts) will ask voters to approve a replacement levy on February 9, 2021. This is not a new tax; it replaces the existing levy at a rate lower than 2018 and prior years to fund programs and essential services foundational to our education system.

Growing up in Spokane and moving away for college, graduate school, and my early career, I returned to Spokane to start a family – in no small part because of our great public schools. My children have benefitted from the quality of programs in SPS elementary and middle (soon-to-be high!) schools. The quality we have come to expect in our schools would not be possible without this critical levy – smaller class sizes, athletics, arts, music, drama, advanced placement classes, special education, and elementary specialists just to name a few examples. The levy also funds crucial staff who have become even more essential during this pandemic - nurses, counselors, and technology support.

During this season of thanksgiving, I am thankful to live in a community that values our children and their education. Whether or not you have children in SPS schools, great schools make our community a more desirable place to live. Please support the upcoming levy - vote Yes for Kids!

Megan Hinnen Read

Spokane