As a parent and a community member I support the upcoming Kent School District levies. I urge my fellow neighbors to do the same.
There is a lot of frustration and anger about the current budget situation coupled with a lot of confusion about McCleary and what moves at the state level mean for taxes and school funding. I want to point out that KSD is only running Prop 1 for two years for the main reason that there are questions about what the state will provide, so it will buy us some time to get that sorted out.
It is also important to note that a lot of the dollars that come into our school districts are earmarked, and our school board and administration do not often have discretion on how/where to spend that money. Local levy dollars give us the most flexibility to support programs that we feel are important (i.e. music, which does not fall under the state’s “basic education” definition).
In my conversations with friends and neighbors I hear a lot of general support for Prop 1, but some who feel Prop 2 is frivolous. I have two points to that. The tech portion will not only be used to complete the 1:1 plan, but it will also be used to keep our current programs updated and safe.
Kent is known to be a leader in terms of student technology. As a parent with a graduate I can tell you that experience has benefited my student as she transitioned to college.
The second piece of Prop 2 pays for critical repairs. One thing I learned by attending Citizens for Kent Schools meetings is that a carpet has to be more than 25 years old to be considered for this levy. Think about that, a kindergarten classroom with carpet that old.
These levies are an opportunity for us to invest in our kids and our community. Quality schools mean quality of life for a community. Please join me in voting yes on both sides of the ballot.
– Dee Klem
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