By Jane Dulski and Beth Sigall
Lake Washington is ranked consistently as a top performing school district in our state, and includes nationally-ranked schools. It is a highly sought after district for young families just starting out, as well as those relocating to the Puget Sound area. Lake Washington also is close-knit community where residents take pride in their schools. And that pride is reflected in our long tradition of supporting our public schools with local dollars.
Voters in Lake Washington can continue their support of high-performing schools with three “yes” votes on Feb. 11. Passage of the two renewal levies and one bond will invest in much-needed improvements, resources and infrastructure for our schools. The Lake Washington PTSA Council and each of its 41 local PTSA Units – 100 percent of our PTA school communities across the district – have formally endorsed and supported the renewal levies and bond.
The funds raised from the two levies will provide the basic educational services our students and teachers need, such as building repairs, technology upgrades, teacher training, supplies, and specialized classroom equipment such as science labs. The Educational Programs and Operations Levy alone provides nearly a quarter (22.5 percent) of the district’s general operating fund.
Passage of the bond is necessary to meet increasing student growth. The bond measure will fund construction of six new schools to accommodate our increasing student enrollment, which is expected to grow by over 4,000 students in the next eight years. It will also fund the replacement of six aging school buildings.
Our student population is growing at the rate of one building per year. Our schools face a 180 classroom shortfall if we do nothing. Fortunately, the Lake Washington School District has one of the best track records in the state for completing projects on time and on budget. That makes the bond and levies a smart investment for Lake Washington citizens.
Investments in education reap substantial dividends. Strong schools help our kids thrive and help parents do the hard, rewarding work of raising their families. Investments in education also create sustaining benefits across our entire community. Strong schools make our community an attractive place for businesses to operate. A thriving business environment and strong schools enhance our property values. And most importantly, educated kids grow up to become productive, responsible members of our society – holding down jobs, paying taxes, buying homes, raising families and doing the countless other acts that directly benefit our communities.
Jane Dulski is president, Lake Washington PTSA Council; Beth Sigall is vice president, Advocacy, Lake Washington PTSA Council
