Letters

WV levy not new tax but replacement levy

I was shocked to learn that the West Valley School District voters failed to pass the maintenance and operations levy in March. West Valley voters will again have an opportunity to see that this very important levy is passed on or before May 16.

Please know that by voting “Yes,” your taxes will not increase. This is a three-year replacement of an existing levy, not a new tax.

A number of services that West Valley School District offers will be affected if this levy does not pass.

•Bus transportation would be reduced. This means that many families would have to provide their own transportation to get their children to and from school.

•Programs such as music, art, drama and athletics would be affected because of lack of funds.

•Class sizes would be affected. There would be a need to reduce staff because of lack of funds.

This maintenance and operations levy is 20 percent of West Valley School District’s budget. The state of Washington will provide nearly $1 million Local Effort Assistance Funds (levy equalization) to West Valley schools if the levy is approved by voters.

None of the levy funds will be used for the school building projects. The levy funds will continue to help maintain the current educational programs and activities which are not funded through state and federal funds.

The children of our community need this maintenance and operations levy to pass. Vote “Yes” and help our children reach their goals.

Karin Dubler

Spokane