Voting no isn’t the solution

It deeply saddens me to read the negative information circulating about the 2021 Spokane schools levy and that distance learning is one of the factors some voters are using to argue against supporting this levy. I will be the first to admit that I started the school year as one of many extremely disappointed parents who struggled getting my four SPS kids transitioned to the distance learning model. My stressors were amplified as two of my boys receive special education services. While there have been obstacles and hurdles, there has also been some surprising wins with distance learning.

I feel that it is important for voters to understand that voting against this replacement levy does not slap the hands of administrators and school board members who chose a distance learning model for the students of SPS. Voting down the 2021 replacement levy, in essence, slaps the hands of the very students who are already struggling.

Without the funding the levy provides, the special education program will be tremendously impacted with the loss of paraeducators. Students will not have athletics, band, debate, and robotics when they return to school next Fall. By voting against this replacement levy, you are sentencing our students to the long-term impact of losing essential counselors, nurses, and other important personnel at SPS. For me, the choice is very easy. Please vote yes and mail your ballot by February 9th.

Holly Lytle Goodman

Spokane