Support our schools and vote yes on upcoming school levy | Letters

We have another chance to give our support to our local children. The San Juan Island School District is seeking voter approval for the reauthorization of the capital and technology levy for the years 2017-2020.

I am proud to live in a community that supports its schools. Most of us live in Friday Harbor on purpose rather than by accident, and strong, vibrant schools are a part of what makes this community such a desirable place to live.

Whether or not you have children of school age, we all benefit by taking good care of the youngest members of our community. Their energy and enthusiasm enrich us all.

We have another chance to give our support to our local children. The San Juan Island School District is seeking voter approval for the reauthorization of the capital and technology levy for the years 2017-2020.

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.

Of course, most of us do not like to pay taxes. However, this is not really a brand new levy; it simply replaces the one that is set to expire. Yes, the cost has gone up slightly, but quite honestly, what hasn’t?

Meanwhile, statewide school funding continues to erode, and it doesn’t cover the cost of maintaining our buildings anyway. Our schools are aging, and require continued maintenance for the safety of our children and their hardworking teachers and staff.

Please join me in supporting the upcoming school levy on Feb. 9. Thank you.

Karen Meenan

San Juan Island