Issaquah levies important for students’ future

Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter – 01/24/2014

On behalf of the Issaquah School Board, I want to extend our great appreciation for the community’s ongoing support for our schools. Our goal is to prepare students for a global, dynamic world.

We know that in today’s economy a basic education is not sufficient for the every-increasing complexity our students will find in the workforce. They will need to be able to communicate and exhibit higher-level thinking utilizing ever-advancing technologies. The board understands that it requires a commitment from the entire community to make this happen. So, as you check your mail and find your ballot inside, we ask that you vote “Yes” to renew the three levies approved by the board.

Over the years, the district has built an important relationship with the community. One way has been to involve the community in the development of financial packages recommended to the board. The February levy packages are no exception. In April of last year, the district convened a Levy Development Committee consisting of community members throughout the district, including representatives from businesses, the senior community, local government and students.

The committee worked throughout the spring to finalize the recommendations brought to the board. Its hard work was essential to ensure the community’s values were represented in the final recommendation. The board is confident that the three ballot measures reflect the expectations the community has of our outstanding education system in the Issaquah School District.

The three levies before you for renewal are a maintenance and operations levy, which provides for general classroom and operational needs; a one-year transportation levy, which allows the district to purchase new and more efficient buses; and a capital levy which provides for the technology and safe school environment our students need.

Please join me in voting “yes” on each levy and thank you for your continued support of our schools.

Marnie Maraldo, board president, Issaquah School Board