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As an Edmonds City Councilmember, a CPA and longtime community member, I’ve seen firsthand how strong schools strengthen our entire community. On Feb. 10, voters in the Edmonds School District have an important opportunity to support Proposition 1, the Educational Programs and Operations replacement levy.
Let me be clear: Proposition 1 is not a new tax. It simply renews existing funding that is set to expire. This levy fills the critical gap between what the state provides for basic education and what it truly takes to support students in today’s classrooms.
Our schools are more than buildings, they are vibrant hubs that serve children, families, and neighborhoods. Proposition 1 maintains funding for essential staff, such as school nurses, counselors, teaching assistants, custodians, and safety personnel. These professionals support student health, well-being and learning every day.
The replacement levy also preserves the programs that make education meaningful and engaging: arts, athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities that build confidence, teamwork, and connection. It supports academic pathways like STEM education, Advanced Placement, College in the High School and International Baccalaureate, helping prepare students for college, careers and civic life. And it ensures continued support for special education, multilingual learners, and highly capable students — so every child has access to opportunity.
Strong schools contribute directly to a strong community. They attract families, support local businesses, and help develop the next generation of leaders. Proposition 1 provides stability and local control, allowing our community to invest in the people and programs that matter most.
I encourage residents to join me in voting YES on Proposition 1 by February 10. Together, we can continue building a future where every student has the support they need to succeed.
Author Will Chen has submitted this opinion piece as an individual and a CPA.
I agree with much of what you said but I can’t get it out of my mind that our school superintendent makes 50% more than our governor.
One might also ask why the University of Washington head football coach makes more than the governor? Or why does a top major league baseball player make more than the president of the country?
Sorry, Gerry, specifically I do not know the answer to your question. For this I should not be wasting your time with my comment. I will say that a superintendent of a school system the size of the Edmond’s district has a very demanding job that takes a huge commitment. From my point of view if the school system seems to be running well (students are graduating with the knowledge they need to succeed) and the compensation package is in line with other districts of similar size and complexity, then the superintendent is worth every bit that she earns.
Voted NO! Why? I am sick of supporting schools with my taxes, while they are allowed to leave school and protest!! There is no way I support these woke ideologies while being against their beliefs!
Well, Toni, you voted. I commend you for that! To which woke ideologies might you be referring? One that says peaceful expression of opinion is allowed, even encouraged, in a democratic society? School attendance in Washington is mandatory for children of a certain age. If they are willing to accept the punishment for being absent in order to protest, I don’t see the problem. And what about those who stay in class and don’t leave school to protest? You don’t want to support their education? For what it is worth, a complaint to school administrators about the need for consequences for absences by students who attend protests during school sessions might be more targeted to your complaint than denying funding to schools.
Anyone with a beef against schools or our school district should take it out on the superintendent and the elected school board, not on the kids in their classrooms. Voting No and cancelling the levy hurts the wrong people (our students) in the wrong way.
Education funding is messed up enough in this state, we don’t want to make it worse. School funding measures warrant an automatic Yes vote, every time.
Will:
You state: “Proposition 1 is not a new tax. It simply renews existing funding that is set to expire.” I am not a CPA but I know that a tax doesn’t have to be a new one to cost taxpayers more taxes. The existing funding amounted to $276.2 million; Proposition One is asking for $361 million from taxpayers – that’s an increase of 30.7%! Voters need to take that into consideration when they decide which way to vote.