MARYSVILLE – “We vote yes. We vote yes.”

That chant was heard today downtown when a small but vocal group yelled it out at the end of a rally in support of the two Marysville School District levies that are being voted on Feb. 13.

The levies will continue local funding that ends after this year.

Assistant superintendent Jason Thompson said even though the group was small with “social media we are big in numbers. I feel positive” about the election.

Jesse Williams, a co-leader of the citizens committee, talked about the strength of one.

“One vision can change the world,” he said. Teacher Jaci Legore-Hodgins thanked the young people who attended the rally.

“Without the kids we wouldn’t have jobs,” she joked to laughter.

She was not deterred by the small gathering of a few dozen. “A gathering this small can move mountains,” she said.

She said the group needs to talk “to everyone we know” over the next four days to have “a domino effect” to improve voter turnout.

Ray Sheldon of the Tulalip Tribes said the communities need to pass the levies. He mentioned the new capital improvement part of the technology levy.

“They have changed very little over the years – except for maybe a little paint,” he said of the schools.

Marysville teachers union president Randy Davis said despite what people may have heard, the state is not fully funding schools. Much of the state funds only pays for half a position. “Marysville needs to step up to help fund these things,” Davis said.

The group then set out with signs to neighboring streets. But before they left Thompson said he channeled superintendent Becky Berg, who is still recovering from surgery. “Why not Marysville?” he asked.