Vote yes on levy

On Feb. 9 voters in the Arlington School District will be asked to vote “Yes” on the renewal of expiring Education Programs and Operations Levy, ensuring every hour, every day, every child achieves his or her potential.

As the parent of a special needs child “achieving your potential” holds significant meaning. It is critical that our students have every opportunity to succeed. To succeed means having a properly funded Special Education Program, safe and appropriate student-to-staff ratio, transportation availability,  up-to-date computers and technology, as well as athletics and music and arts, which so many of our students participate in helping them to flourish and become active citizens within our community.

How our children are educated should matter to each and every one in our community. A sound and well-founded school system leads to a healthy community generated by students that will represent our future workforce and give our economy the best chance to succeed.

Take a moment to inform yourselves about the renewal levy for our schools.

•The levy is a renewal of an expiring Levy.

•Levy funds make up 28 percent of the district’s general fund.

•The levy pays for educational programs and operations.

•Most important – until such a time when the state of Washington fulfills its responsibility and adequately funds education for all K-12 students, the reliance on local levies passed by Arlington voters is imperative in maintaining current educational programs and operations.

Please cast your “Yes” vote, and mail your ballots by Feb. 9.

-Deborah Marr, Arlington

Schools are great

This year my husband and I enrolled our two sons in the Arlington School District for the first time. At both middle school and elementary levels, both of my boys were able to take advantage of district programs in their schools such as art, advanced math, engineering and science-based math curriculum (STEM), as well as the use of technology in the classroom.

These programs are funded by our existing tax that is set to expire at the end of 2016. These opportunities both facilitate our children’s learning today and advance them toward future endeavors as they become young adults and our next community members and leaders.

Along with many other vital school programs, this levy also supports the school nurse and health rooms in the district. I recently had the opportunity to work as a substitute nurse in the district. I was amazed to find a multitude of complex health care issues that are addressed by the school nurse on a daily basis. I cannot imagine this specific resource not having the funds it needs to operate to its full potential. The health and safety of our children is a fundamental need and is a priority when it comes to educating the children in the school system.

The upcoming levy is not a new tax to our community. It merely replaces the existing tax that we, as taxpayers, already pay. By voting “Yes” on the upcoming Arlington School District levy, we are investing in our children’s education, health and safety, as well as our future community. Please vote “Yes” on Feb. 9, 2016.

-Krissa Cramer, Arlington

Board backs levy

On Feb. 9, we have asked you to vote on the Educational Programs and Operations Levy for the Arlington School District. As your elected representatives, we do not take this action lightly. We understand the fiscal responsibility that is placed squarely on the shoulders of each board member. While we realize any kind of tax is a burden, we also must acknowledge that the state does not fully pay for all of the programs that it mandates, nor that our community has determined that we need.

In order to fund all of our day-to-day operational expenses, we are forced to ask our local voters to fund 24 percent of our educational programs. We want to stress that this is a replacement levy – not a new or additional tax. The $3.56 per thousand will replace the rate that you are currently paying. We want to also assure you that, if the state legislature finds a way to reduce the need for local levies, we will roll back the amount collected accordingly.

What does this money do? It pays for 35 percent of our school transportation costs, 30 percent of our staffing needs and 100 percent of all extracurricular activities. In addition it also funds technology, special education and teaching materials.

Our district was recently cited by the state auditor as one of the most-efficient school districts in the state. We’re proud of that recognition. We’ve worked hard to provide a comprehensive school program for our kids. We urge you to vote on Feb. 9.

-Arlington School Board

All vested in schools

Renewal of the Arlington School District’s levy for Educational Programs and Operations is of high priority for all of us because “Good Schools Make Good Communities.” This gives us all a vested interest in seeing that the proposition passes.

We agreed to chair the Citizen’s Committee working on passage of the issue because we have additional vested interests. John and Kimberly have four children being educated by our schools, and Dave has two grandchildren in school with one more soon to join. He also has several nieces and nephews still attending Arlington Public Schools.

About 24 percent of the district’s revenue comes from our local levy. It includes funding for basic education, which the state Supreme Court has said should be paid fully by the state, but is not. So far the legislature has not figured out a way to accomplish this, so reliance on the special levy is necessary. Our school directors are committed to rolling back that portion of the levy used for basic education if the legislature acts.

Think how it would be if suddenly your family lost 24 percent of its income. Something would have to be cut.

Not only would funds for basic education have to be cut but funding for safety, emergency preparedness, transportation, technology, staffing and extracurricular activities would be in jeopardy.

The Arlington School District has been recognized by the state auditor and at the federal level for its sound fiscal management. The Puget Sound Business Journal has recognized our neighborhood as the fourth best in the Puget Sound based on the quality of its schools.

We urge you to join us in voting “yes” for the district’s Educational Programs and Operations Levy. It is not a new tax but a renewal. Ballots are due back on or before Feb. 9.

-Kimberly and John Meno, and Dave Duskin, co-chairs, Citizens Committee for Arlington Schools

State funds lacking

Arlington Public Schools needs your “yes” vote on Feb. 9 to continue providing high-quality education programs not funded by the state.

Both of my daughters graduated from Arlington High School and recently graduated from Washington colleges. They were very well-prepared for college work by the education system in Arlington.

I believe current and future Arlington students need to be guaranteed the same level of educational excellence. We cannot wait for the state to honor its obligation to amply fund education, so please join me in voting “yes” for this renewal of an existing levy.

-Megan Logan, Arlington

Invest in children

I am in support of the upcoming Arlington School District Levy. Education is one of the single-best measures to invest in our children and our future.

In an article in Forbes (July 5, 2012) titled, “What makes a great school,”  there is a formula for success: Robust teacher support; Active family engagement; Supportive environmental conditions; Strong social and emotional student growth; and a school-wide climate of high expectations

What do these five ingredients have in common with voting for a levy? It sends a message loud and clear that we care about our children and youth.

The fact is that Arlington’s levy renewal will not cost taxpayers additional money. This is not a new tax, but a replacement of our expiring levy ending this year. The estimated tax rate is expected to be $3.56 per $1,000 of assessed value, lower than the current rate of $3.60.

Arlington School District will use this money for materials, curriculum and academic supports in:

•Health and safety for emergency preparedness and transportation,

•Early learning and special education,

•STEM – Science, technology, engineering and math, and

•After school clubs, activities and summer programs.

According to the League of Education Voters, last year, in nearly 60 local bond and levy elections across the state, voters sent a firm message by approving 55 school levies, raising more than $817 million. Arlington students deserve the same opportunities as students in the rest of the state as they compete for job opportunities and a chance to go to college.

Please, vote “yes” for the upcoming Arlington School District levy and give our children a chance to succeed.

-Kari Pendray, Arlington