Levy approval needed to keep school programs strong | Letters | Oct. 15

Our schools are weathering the ongoing economic crisis because our community has generously stepped in to fill the gap created by state cuts to education.

Approved local levies, together with individual donations to the Bainbridge Foundation, have so far protected our schools from increases in class size and the elimination of teaching positions and curriculum options.

Our district has prioritized and implemented all the changes necessary to keep it in sound financial condition, but we are thinly spread and further state cuts are expected.

In November, voters will be asked to continue local support of schools by approving two measures, both of which are structured to honor the board’s commitment to keep taxes stable in these challenging economic times.

The supplemental EP&O levy will offset a portion of state funding cuts, and will provide much-needed dollars for teaching and instructional support. Neither capital dollars nor tech levy dollars can be used for teaching salaries.

The technology levy is a renewal, but the amount has been reduced to accommodate the EP&O request. The tech plan, detailing what’s been accomplished and our plans for the next four years, can be found at www.bainbridge.wednet.edu.

Thank you for your sustaining support. Please vote “yes” on both measures to keep our children’s education healthy and strong.

BISD board directors:

Patty Fielding, John Tawresey, Mike Spence, Mary Curtis and Tim Kinkead

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