The San Juan Island School District is seeking voter approval on Feb. 9 in a special election for reauthorization of the capital and technology levy for the years 2017-2020.

Basic education funding provided by the state of Washington is no longer sufficient to fully fund school district capital facility improvements and technology. The district’s general fund, which is comprised of state basic education dollars and the local maintenance and operations levy, pays for daily operating expenses and minor repairs of our facilities.

The expiring levy rate is $0.340 per $1,000 assessed value. The district is asking voters to approve a four-year levy of $0.455 per $1,000 assessed value. This equates to an approximate annual cost of $227 for a home assessed at $500,000.

Approval of this levy provides for the continuing excellence of our school facilities. Please join me in supporting our local schools by voting yes.

Nancy Young

San Juan Island