I encourage all living in the La Center School District to consider voting “Yes’’ for the district's maintenance and operations levy on Feb. 9.
One of the greatest assets in our community is our thriving schools. Levy funds provide additional support for curriculum material, transportation services, maintenance of school facilities, counseling support, support for advanced students, support for struggling students, technology upgrades, choir and band equipment, they help support a growing athletic department, parking lot/playground improvements, etc.
In addition to providing students a quality education we must also provide them with incentives to keep them engaged, such as in vocational programs, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Many of these – like field trips, Knowledge Bowl, drama, sports teams, dance teams and elective options for students – are supported completely by funds from the passing of maintenance and operations levies.
This is not a new tax. It is a replacement of a tax that already exists. In fact what the district is asking for is a tax well below the maximum allowed by the state. Unlike many other schools in Clark County, the amount asked for is estimated to be $350,000 below what is authorized. If your are on a limited income or a senior citizen you may be exempt from paying any school tax (call your assessor’s office). Every vote counts.
I have witnessed first hand how well the district manages its resources. I have also witnessed a quality, caring and passionate group of teachers, administrators and staff do a tremendous job with our students and facilities.
Remember as you vote and mail in your ballot that we all had an education that was made available to us. The quality of education we received, or unfortunately didn't receive, relied heavily on funds that were provided by the passing of maintenance and operations levies just like this one.
Just like those before us, even more so now, with the importance of a quality education in a highly competitive world, please vote “Yes’’ Feb. 9.
Walter Hansen Jr.
Woodland
