Vote ‘yes’ for students and the community

I’m proud to be a parent of two children ages 5 and 9 who are just beginning their education in the Olympia School District. I am writing in support of the district’s replacement levy and school improvement bond. I encourage the community to vote yes for both measures.

A yes vote is an investment in our children and local communities. Public schools directly benefit children like mine who attend, but also benefit the wider communities – serving as gathering places for families, theater and the arts, sports, recreation, and more.

Last year, I was one of many who served on the committee to evaluate projects for consideration in the bond package. I can say with confidence that the projects put forward are necessary to accommodate a growing South Puget Sound, and to address aging buildings, facilities, and playgrounds.

While I wish our children’s safety at school was never in jeopardy, it simply isn’t the reality in which we currently live. These measures will bring increased safety elements to our schools, installing electronic key systems to limit access to schools and the ability to initiate a lockdown.

Great schools attract families and economic development and play a vital role in educating children who are raised in our area: those who will be tomorrow’s leaders.

It’s important that you vote yes by Feb. 9.

This story was originally published February 1, 2016 at 8:49 AM with the headline "Vote ‘yes’ for students and the community."