I am a local schools volunteer, parent and advocate for our kids. Our children are our future: it is that simple. And our future starts with their education. On Aug. 17, Edmonds voters will be asked to approve a supplemental levy that would raise the levy lid from 24 percent to 28 percent for a four-year period, through 2014. If the levy is approved, it will add approximately $7 million to the Edmonds School District’s general fund, and would help to make up a severe budget shortfall that has resulted from inadequate state funding for K-12 public education. This measure would cost the owner of a house valued at $350,000 about $107 more a year, or $9 a month.
I know that currently we are all living in tough economic conditions, with everything from rising prices to loss of jobs. I myself have been unemployed for over a year. I will gladly vote “yes” for this levy.
I appreciate all the support we received in February, when voters passed our operations and programs levy with a record 65 percent approval rate. We are asking for your support again on Aug. 17, for the sake of our children and our future.
Andy Simonsen
Parent, volunteer, President of Citizens for Schools
I have for 30+ years supported the Edmonds School District, but before I vote to pay more money in another election, I need to know why the District could not sell some of its property/assets to get the money needed instead of taxing us more.
If everyone looked at what our taxes pay for, you will find that we pay 40% of our taxes to schools compared to our city and services. I do not even have children in school any more. Its time to ask where my 40% is going and why is the District property just sitting.
Chris,
Thanks for the great question. Actually, a state law prohibits the profits from the sale of land the school owns to be used for general fund purposes. It is a law we would like to change. If you have additional questions about this, please feel free to contact Debbie Jakala at the Edmonds School District.