As I reflect on the recent levy failure for Battle Ground Public Schools, I am both saddened and ashamed for our community. Our district was the only one out of 50 other districts in the State of Washington that failed this levy attempt.
I understand that people may have issues with the district for various reasons. I also understand that people are hurting financially. However, what about our kids? What message have we sent them about the value of their education? If Battle Ground Public Schools does not have a levy, our kids will be crammed into classrooms with very little extra support. Eventually, without levy funding our students will have to be absorbed into other districts. Do we really want our students to be swallowed up by the larger districts in the area? Do we want our local control to be lost? We need to keep our voice in these schools.
This levy was a replacement levy; replacing the one that is due to expire at the end of 2013. The State of Washington, unfortunately, does not fully fund education, even though it is their “paramount duty,” according to the Washington State Constitution. In addition, 22% of the district’s funds must come from the levy. The amount of dollars requested on this levy only amounted to an additional $50 per year on a $200,000 assessed value home. That’s simply the cost of one dinner out for a family of four.
Furthermore, without a levy, we also lose $6.1 million in state levy equalization money. The district is facing $16.4 million in cuts. I challenge anyone to find $16.4 million in “fluff” in the district budget.
Ninety-five percent of the school districts in the State of Washington are funded by local levies. Why is Battle Ground the only one who doesn’t support its schools? That’s shameful! If you have a problem with levy taxes, contact your legislatures and encourage them to fully fund education without extra taxes. If you have concerns with the district, please contact them and discuss the issue(s).
For the yes voters, thank you. For the no voters, please ask yourself what kind of future you want for our community. For those that did not vote, for whatever reason, I urge you to vote in the upcoming levy on April 23rd. Please vote for our kids; they are counting on us.
Lorri Sibley
Yacolt
