Local levy support critical for our schools

A year ago, while visiting Olympia, Gov. Christine Gregoire told us the state’s finances are in poor shape, forcing difficult decisions that will ultimately result in decreased funding for our communities. One year later, it’s happening again. The financial crisis is worsening with a $1.5 billion deficit on the table. The next financial forecast for the state is due on Feb. 16 and some believe the deficit will grow to $1.7 billion or higher.

Gregoire is recommending major cuts, including a proposal to take almost $400,000 of state funding away for the Lind and Ritzville School Districts.

Last year the Governor told The Journal that people were going to have to do more locally to help themselves because the state was not going to be financially able to assist as much as it has in the past.

Gregoire illustrated her theory by saying the flower beds at the governor’s mansion were being used to grow potatoes to support the local food banks in Olympia.

Planting potatoes in Lind and Ritzville will not ensure our children receive the type of education they need to succeed in the world.

Local voter support of maintenance and operation levies for the Lind and Ritzville School Districts will deliver critical funds at a time both districts are scrambling to deliver more education with less dollars.

The local school districts are asking voters to support replacement levies. Voters here routinely support the school districts and now is not the time to waiver.

Both districts have modestly increased the amount of taxpayer support they seek.

With passage of the measures, in Lind taxpayers will pay $3.06 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The rate in Ritzville will be $3.16.

These levy funds cover critical expenses, school nurses, utilities, food services, extracurricular activities including sports, transportation and more.

A local resident was right this week when he told a community group they need to pass these levies.

Your support of our schools is critical for the future of our communities, and our children.